Roath Park (Welsh: Parc y Rhath) Cardiff, Wales, is one of Cardiff's most popular parks, owned by Cardiff County Council and managed by the Parks Section. It retains a classic Victorian atmosphere and has many facilities. The park has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award to recognise its high quality and its importance to Cardiff. Roath Park has widely diverse environments across the park.
The park was built on 130 acres (0.53 km2) of reformed bogland, known then as a malarial bog, and includes a 30-acre (120,000 m2) lake 1.3 miles (2.1 km) 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. The main park includes a large playground, floral displays, the glasshouse conservatory and recreational areas.
Roath park occupies a long strip of land stretching from Cyncoed in the north to Roath towards the southeast. 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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The land for Roath Park was donated by the Marquis of Bute to the city in 1887. The park was officially 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 in 1910. The park's atmosphere today still retains the Victorian elegance and its status as a Conservation Area ensures these qualities will be conserved.
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. Four islands within the lake, which are inaccessible to the public, are safe nesting sites. The lake has a population of about 100 swans and a number of geese. Many wild birds are scared off by the abundance of geese in the lake, and local conservationists actively take measures to control their numbers. There is a wildflower garden included in the park where the area is managed to encourage wildlife and native species.
The Tree Register of the British Isles, (TROBI), is an organisation which records and measures trees in the UK. The biggest and best of their kind are called Champion Trees; there are twelve of these in Roath Park.
There is a trail which can be followed around the park, at each location there will be a marker post to assist in identifying each tree:
(*common name)
Roath Park Recreation Ground, towards the southern end of the park, contains sports pitches available for many different activities such as football, baseball and rugby union. High quality bowling greens and tennis courts are provided in the central section of the park, the Pleasure Gardens. There are also rowing boats which can be hired out and used on the lake. The lake is also home to a local radio-controlled boat society and is used for coarse fishing throughout the year. There are also two well equipped playgrounds.
There are regular events within the park including guided walks, concerts, exhibitions etc. See the Parks Website for information about current events.
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 and waterfall form an interesting feature, containing fish, terrapins and whistling ducks. Amongst the plants you may spot one of the Green Water Dragons. There is also the chance to talk with the botanical assistants about your own garden or pick up some leaflets. Swan and duck food is on sale for feeding the birds on the lake.
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.
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.
Fishing is also allowed on the lake although a permit must be obtained first.
Roath Park is a long, fairly narrow park stretching from 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:
| Llanishen | Cyncoed | Llanedeyrn |
| Heath | Roath Park | Penylan |
| Cathays | Roath | Tremorfa |
Click here for a map from Cardiff Council.
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