Roath Park
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Cardiff
What it’s like
A lake to pedalo across, two playgrounds, a trim trail and a wildlife trail, all free to wander round.
The big draw here is the lake. You can hire a pedalo and get the kids paddling round it for half an hour or a full hour, though at £10.67 for thirty minutes it's the kind of treat you save for a special trip rather than a weekly habit. The boatstage only runs from Easter to September, and even then it's weekends only in term time, so a wet Tuesday in November isn't the day for it.
Off the water there's plenty to fill a morning without spending anything. There's a playground in the Botanic Garden and another in the Recreation Ground, plus an adventure playground and a trim trail if you've got a child who needs the bigger equipment. The Wildlife Explorer Trail gives younger ones something to hunt for as you walk, and the botanic garden itself is worth a slow lap for the tree and shrub collection and the floral displays, even if that bit's more for the grown-ups.
The Conservatory does self-guided tours, handy for a shelter stop or if you fancy a change of pace from open grass. There's a café on site and toilets with baby change, so a full day is manageable without having to trek home for essentials. Parking is on-street around the park rather than a dedicated car park, so give yourself a few extra minutes if you're arriving by car at a busy time.
Because entry itself is free, this is an easy one to drop into a weekend with no real planning. The park gates open at 7:30am and close half an hour before sunset, though the Recreation Ground itself is open around the clock if you just want an early or late walk.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- Last hire 6:15pm
- Parking
- On-street parking available in surrounding area
- Pedalo hire only runs Easter to September, weekends in term time
- Last pedalo hire is 6:15pm
- There's no dedicated car park, just on-street spaces nearby
- The Conservatory offers self-guided tours if you fancy a change from being outside
- Toilets have baby change facilities
Plan your visit
How much does it cost to get in?
Nothing, the park itself is free. The only spend is if you want a pedalo, which is £10.67 for thirty minutes or £19.17 for the hour.
Do we need to book the pedalos?
There's no booking link listed, so it looks like a turn up and hire job. Last hire is 6:15pm.
Is the boatstage open all year?
No, it runs Easter to September. In term time that's weekends only, 11am to 7pm, but every day during school holidays.
Is there parking?
On-street parking in the surrounding area rather than a dedicated car park.
What's there for younger kids?
Two playgrounds, one in the Botanic Garden and one in the Recreation Ground, plus an adventure playground and a wildlife trail to follow.
Is there anywhere to eat?
There's a café on site, so you don't need to bring a full picnic if you'd rather not.
What are the opening hours?
The park and pleasure gardens open at 7:30am and close half an hour before sunset. The Recreation Ground itself is open 24 hours.
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