The park was opened to the public in 1894 on land formerly known as the 'Roath Mill' site.
The Scott Memorial Lighthouse is a unique freshwater landmark, as most of its kind are situated on coastlines.
The lake was created by damming the Nant Fawr stream, which previously powered local mills.
The Botanic Garden contains a diverse collection of temperate and subtropical plants housed within a specialized conservatory.
The park's creation was part of a broader municipal effort to provide green lungs for Cardiff's rapidly expanding industrial population in the 19th century.
Roath Park is a Victorian-era public park located in Cardiff, featuring a 30-acre man-made lake as its central attraction. The site is divided into distinct zones, including a formal botanic garden, a large recreational lake, and expansive wildflower meadows. The lake is fed by the Nant Fawr stream and is home to a significant population of swans and waterfowl. A notable feature is the Scott Memorial Lighthouse, a white structure erected in 1915 to commemorate Captain Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic, which set sail from Cardiff. The botanic garden houses a variety of species within its conservatory and surrounding curated flower beds. The park includes a designated Wild Garden area preserved for local flora and fauna. Facilities include boat hire services on the lake and multiple children's play areas.
The bridge overlooking the Scott Memorial Lighthouse with the lake in the background.
Bring bread-free bird feed if you wish to feed the ducks and swans, as bread is harmful to their health and the lake's water quality.
Walk the full circumference of the lake to access the quieter Wild Garden area located at the northern end.
Visit the conservatory on cooler days to enjoy the regulated climate of the botanical displays.
Feeding the birds bread, which is discouraged by park signage to prevent water pollution.
The conservatory has restricted hours separate from the main park; the lake and grounds remain open year-round.
Maintain pathways, keep dogs on leads in the formal botanical garden, and do not enter the water.
