10 Best Parks in Cardiff

The first publicly owned park in Cardiff, Roath Park features a 30-acre man-made lake in the centre of the park. Take the opportunity to rent a boat and row alongside the Scott Memorial Lighthouse, a landmark which defines this city. This is particularly stunning at sunset and makes for an incredibly romantic setting.

Should the weather take a turn for the worse, you can find shelter in the Conservatory which contains many unusual species of plants and trees including palms, banana trees and orchids. It also contains a pond and waterfall, providing the perfect habit for fish, terrapins, and whistling ducks. If you need to refuel at any point, you can stop by the park cafe.

With a variety of trails including the Woodland Play Trail, Champion Tree Trail and Fitness Trail, there are several ways to discover Bute Park. You can even use the free ‘Love Exploring’ app to dig deeper with a range of quiz trails and guided tours, which are fun for the whole family.

Just behind Cardiff Castle and a short walk from the city’s main high street, Bute Park also features a number of art pieces such as sculptures and the Animal Wall. If you fall in love with the natural environment, make sure you visit the plant shop to take a little piece of beauty home.

Picnics, games and sunbathing, Victoria Park has everything you need for a perfect summer’s day. Kids will love the playground while adults can make use of the tennis and beach volleyball courts. There’s a refreshment kiosk available for when you need a cool drink after all the games, and you can visit the Splashpad if you have little ones who need to cool off.

Located in the Canton district of Cardiff, you can also go looking for Billy the Seal, a bronze statue to pay tribute to the Victoria Park Zoo and the zoo’s most famous residents. If you’re lucky, there may even be a live music event being held in the restored bandstand.

Alexandra Gardens is the central garden section of Cathays Park, a civic area in the heart of Cardiff. The park’s focal point is the Welsh National War Memorial, designed by Ninian Comper. It features symbols to represent the three factions of the armed forces with Victory presiding over them. Initially commemorating the servicemen who died in World War I, plaques were later added to remember those lost in World War II, the Falklands, and the Spanish Civil War.

First planted in 1903, the gardens feature well-maintained flower beds and mature trees, laid out in a geometric style. Alexandra Gardens are a social place meeting point as they’re located in the university quarters, but also a space for quiet reflection.

A peaceful and serene setting, Thompson’s Park is one of Cardiff’s oldest parks, dating back to 1891. Originally owned by Charles Thompson, it features an iconic fountain with the “Joyance” statue in the middle, sculpted by Sir William Goscombe John. This creates a peaceful place to spend a sunny day.

Located in the Canton area, it features a mixture of woodland mixed with open grassed areas and ornamental planting. Make sure you spend time exploring one of the many attractive walks – there is plenty of seating along the way if you want to catch your breath.

Regarded as a hidden gem, the Howardian Local Nature Reserve started life as a landfill site before being developed into a wildlife haven by local residents. Water features such as a pond, wetlands and scrapes create a habitat for herons, kingfishers, and sedge warblers. In contrast, the woodlands are home to dormice and the meadows provide a habitat for bees and butterflies.

To discover all that Howardian Local Nature Reserve has to offer, you could follow the guided trail created by volunteers or the Wildlife Explorer Trail, specifically designed for younger visitors. Please note that you can only access it on foot, with parking available on adjacent streets, and there are no toilets available.

Heath Park is part of the ‘green lung’ in the northern suburbs and has activities for the whole family. With sporting and play facilities, woodland areas, ponds, and wetlands, you can spend time playing games or admiring the local wildlife. You may even spot a great crested newt in the pond.

Heath Park is also designed with inclusion at its heart, as shown by the sensory garden which is also accessible from the hospital grounds. There’s also a wide range of sports you can try as a family including footgolf, footrugby, and pitch and putt. Make sure you leave time to see the model railway.

With spectacular views over Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary, Cardiff Bay Barrage is a stunning location to enjoy a stroll or cycle. Due to the flat gradient and lack of steps, it’s accessible for all ages and abilities. If you’re looking to get your heart racing even more, you could check out the Skate Plaza or adiZone outdoor gym.

Once one of the largest civil engineering projects in Europe, it has played a significant role in changing the image of this area. There is a playpark available for children which allows families to spend time together. From here, you can also take a boat ride to see the scenery from the water.

Part of an extensive grade 2 listed parkland, Llandaff Fields expands on either side of the Taff River. One of the oldest public recreation spaces in the city, it’s still a key place for exercise with sports fields, tennis courts, a croquet club and a children’s playground.

Located in the centre of the city and stretching northwards, Llandaff Fields is also the ideal place for a quiet walk along the paved avenues lined by mature trees. Highly visible and easily accessible from a number of communities, it’s well used by locals and visitors alike.

A designated Country Park which provides access to the Caerphilly Mountain footpath network, a stunning mountain often featured in the Tour de Britain cycling race. The park features a vast number of native and exotic trees and plants, set in the heart of a valley and creating a peaceful atmosphere.

On the northern outskirts of the city, Parc Cefn Onn features a number of trickling streams and woodland walks to explore, including the Nant Fawr stream. These geographical features create a natural habitat for a number of woodland and bird species. Try and visit in a variety of seasons to see the real depths of beauty this park has to offer.