History
Roath Park, opened in 1894, was one of the first public parks in Cardiff’s and still retains its classic Victorian atmosphere and layout of characterful linear parks, extending along the Nant Fawr stream.
Each section of the park was designed for a specific purpose and the park still provides a wide range of horticultural interest, nature conservation and activities to delight today’s visitors.
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, herons and a population of about 100 swans. Four islands within the lake, inaccessible to the public, provide safe nesting sites. There is also a managed wildflower garden which encourages wildlife and native species.
The park and pleasure gardens are open from 7.30am – 30 minutes before sunset. The recreation ground is open 24 hours a day.
- Grade 1 listed historic park: Listed on the Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
- Roath Park Lake: The 30 acre man-made lake is a popular facility for fishing and boating. The Scott Memorial Lighthouse on the lake is one of Cardiff’s iconic images.
- Wild Garden: North of the lake, its winding paths and wildflowers are shaded by trees
- Llandennis Oval: North of the Wild garden, this is a site steeped in history. Its ancient pond is said to be the site of St Isan’s 12th century ‘Llan’ or enclosure.
- Botanic Garden: South of the dam, the ‘botanics’ contains a superb tree and shrub collection, floral displays, adventure playground and Roath Park Conservatory.
- Roath Pleasure Gardens: Lying south of Eastern Avenue, the Pleasure Gardens provides bowls, tennis and basketball facilities in a parkland setting.
- Roath Recreation Ground: South east of the Pleasure Gardens, the home of Welsh baseball also provides football and rugby pitches, a children’s playground and trim trail.
Memories
I remember visiting this park regularly when I was a small child, but now live rather far away in Australia. When returning home to visit my parents, who still live in the area, we take walks to Roath Park and enjoy seeing the wildlife, particularly the water fowl. I have included some of our many pictures in the gallery.
Hours of fun have been had over the years including boating on the lake (boat hire is available from the boatstage at Roath Park Lake), self guided tours around the Botanical Gardens in the conservatory, tea and cake in the tearooms, playing Pooh sticks in streams and brooks, and attempted photo opportunities with the squirrels, ducks and swans (staying well clear of the geese which scare me!)
My mum tells me stories of daytrips to the park was when she was a girl and relates stories of swimming in the lake and making tea to warm up in the communal huts, which are long since gone. Swimming is no longer permitted due to the decline in water quality.
Logging Requirements
Take a photo of yourself (or an object with your caching name if you prefer) at the listed coordinates on the Promenade, and include The Scott Memorial, at least one bird in the background. Extra 'points' for artisit endeavour if you also include a beautiful sunset/sunrise/artistic composition! Upload photos with your log.
I look forward to seeing your pictures, with the added bonus of helping me enjoy Roath Park from afar (I miss it, and my folks).
*Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025*
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
**Congratulations arm-chair on a speedy FTF**