Introduction
Roath Park is an extensive late-19th-century public park, laid out by William Harpur and planted by William Pettigrew. It remains intact, with much of its original framework. However, the layout and planting have been simplified and built structures replaced.
Roath Park is a very fine, extensive late-Victorian public park, laid out by William Harpur and planted by William Pettigrew. It remains intact, with much of its original framework. However, the layout and planting have been simplified and built structures replaced.
The large lake is an unusual and outstanding feature. The park still contains all the typical elements of an urban public park of this period, and continues to serve most of its original recreational functions.
The park also retains its setting of surrounding villa residences, which were built to take advantage of the pleasant setting that the park, and in particular its large lake, afforded.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01443 336000Website
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/Access contact details
This is a municipal park for general public use.
Owners
Cardiff Council
Heath Park, King George V Drive, CF14 4EP
- History
Roath Park was the first publicly-owned public park in Cardiff. It was ambitiously conceived to provide a wide range of recreational, sporting, and educational facilities for the residents of east Cardiff. It was constructed between 1887 and 1894.
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
Conservation Area
- Reference: Roath Park lake and gardens; Roath Park
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW(Gm)24(CDF)
- Grade: I
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: footbridge over Roath Brook conservatory/ lake
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: footbridge over Roath Brook near conservatory
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: footbridge over Roath Brook south of lake
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: footbridge over Roath Brook, Pleasure Gardens
- Grade: II
Features
- Lake
- Description: There is a 30 acre lake, forming the focal point of the park.
- Conservatory
- Ornamental Bridge
- Description: There are several footbridges listed at Grade II.
- Planting
- Description: Wild garden area at the north of the lake.
- Planting
- Description: The former botanic gardens.
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- CADW, {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan} (Cardiff: CADW, 2000) 70 Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan
- Newman, J., {The Buildings of Wales} (London: Penguin, 1995) 310 The Buildings of Wales: Glamorgan
- Pettigrew, A., {The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff}, Vol. 2} (1926) 8-25, 49-64 The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff, Vol. 2