Roath Park
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Roath Park (Welsh: Parc y Rhath) Cardiff, Wales, is Cardiff's most popular park which still retains a classic Victorian atmosphere and boasts a wide variety of facilities. The park has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award, to recognise the high quality of Roath Park and its importance to Cardiff. Roath Park is full of historic and horticultural interest, with widely diverse environments across the park.
The park was built on 130 acres of reformed bogland, known then as a malarial bog, and includes a 30 acre lake (1.3 Miles around) formed by the damming of the Nant Fawr stream. It is a popular facility for fishing and rowing. There are four islands within a conservation area, home to many water birds. Elements of the main park include a large playground, superb floral displays, the famous conservatory and high quality recreational areas.
The park is divided into several parts along the Roath Brook, Nant Fawr. From North to South; The Wild Gardens, Roath Park Lake, Botanical Gardens, Rose Gardens, Pleasure Gardens, Roath Park Recreation Ground, Roath Brook Gardens, Roath Mill Gardens and Waterloo Gardens.
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[edit] History
The land for Roath Park was donated by the Marquis of Bute to the city in 1887.The park was offically opened to the public in 1894. Work initially focused on creating the lake from an area of marshland. In 1915 a lighthouse was constructed in the lake containing a scale model of the 'Terra Nova' ship to commemorate Captain Scott's ill-fated voyage to the Antarctic from Cardiff Docks in 1910. The parks’ atmosphere today still retains the Victorian elegance and its status as a Conservation Area ensures these qualities will be conserved.
[edit] Nature
There is a wide range of habitats in the park, which attracts a diverse variety of wildlife. The lake acts as an important habitat for over wintering and breeding birds, including mallard, cormorants and herons. Islands within the lake also act as safe nesting sites. There is a wildflower garden included in the park where the area is managed to encourage wildlife and native species.
[edit] Champion Trees
The Tree Register of the British Ises (TROBI) is an organisation which records and measures trees in the UK. The biggest and best of their kind are called Champion Trees and twelve of these have been identified in Roath Park. There is a trail you can follow around the park, at each location there will be a marker post to assist in identify each tree;
- Elaeagnus angustifolia, (Oleaster)
- Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula', (Weeping Maidenhair Tree)
- Pterostyrax corymbosa
- Laurus nobilis 'Aurea', (Golden Bay)
- Meliosma parviflora
- Emmenopterys henryi
- Quercus pyrenaica, (Pyrenean Oak)
- Magnolia virginia, (Swamp Bay)
- Malus 'Magdeburgensis', (Magbeburg apple)
- Maclura pomifera, (Osage Orange)
- Pinus densiflora 'Umbraculifera', (Dwarf Japanese Red Pine)
- Prumnopitys andina, (Chilean Plum Yew)
(*common name)
[edit] Recreation
The southern end of the park contains sports pitches available for many different activities such as football, baseball and rugby. High quality bowling greens and tennis courts are provided in the central section of the park, the Pleasure. There are also boats which can be hired out and used upon the lake. The lake is also home to a local radio controlled boat society and is used for fishing throughout the year. Children are not forgotten - there are two very well equipped playgrounds which are always well used.
[edit] Special Events
There are regular events within the park including guided walks, concerts, exhibitions etc. See the Parks Website for information about current events.
[edit] Conservatory
There is a glasshouse in Roath Park which was built in Victorian times. It contains many unusual species of plants and trees such as palms, banana trees and orchids. A pond forms an interesting feature, containing fish and whistling ducks. There is also the chance to talk with the botanical assistants about your own garden.
[edit] Ornamental Gardens
The park boasts exceptional floral displays. These include the flowerbeds along the promenade and the famous rose garden which include trial beds for the National Rose Society. Further information on plants in the park can be obtained from the Parks Website on the Illustrated Plant Guide.
[edit] Views
The promenade along the dam at the bottom of the lake offers great views to the hills on the edge of Cardiff. A walk around the lake is a very popular pastime and is full of interest.
[edit] Facilities
- A cafe adjacent to the lake is open most of the year and provides refreshments and light meals. A kiosk also serves refreshments
- Toilets are provided within the park
- The Boat House is the centre for hiring rowing boats and other craft that use the lake.
Fishing is also allowed on the lake although a permit must be obtained first.
- A pavilion is provided for those using the bowling green and tennis courts.
- Changing Rooms are provided for the sports pitches.
[edit] Map
Click Here for a map from Cardiff Council.
[edit] Information and Contacts
The park is owned by Cardiff County Council and managed by the Parks Section. Further information about the park and any current events can be obtained from the Parks Website. Parks Service Cardiff County Council Heath Park, King George V Drive, Cardiff. CF14 4EP Tel: 02920 684000 Email: parks@cardiff.gov.uk
[edit] Nearby
Roath Park is a long, fairly narrow park stretchingfrom Roath into Cyncoed. The nearest district centre is at the southern end of the park on Wellfield Road and Albany Road. Access is also good to other open spaces: Nant Fawr Corridor Lying to the North of the park and forming a 'green' corridor out to the open countryside. Cathays Cemetery Very old cemetery with a wealth of listed buildings and tombs. Heath Park Another large park, Heath provides numerous sports pitches for different types of sports and is home to several sporting teams.
| Llanishen | Cyncoed | Llanedeyrn |
| Heath | Roath Park | Penylan |
| Cathays | Roath | Tremorfa |
