New Heritage Trail exploring the history of Roath Park

Friday, 8 May 2026 

 

Visitors to one of Cardiff’s most popular parks can now explore its history by following a new heritage trail.

The ten-step trail around Roath Park includes opportunities to learn about the iconic tree that local legend says once provided shelter for King Arthur and find out about the concerts which used to attract thousands of people to listen to music in the park.

Visitors can also discover how the park’s stunning Rose Garden helped the war effort during World War II and find out about the park’s links to the famous Pettigrew family of gardeners who were instrumental in developing Cardiff’s green spaces.

Officially opened to the public on 20th June 1894, Roath Park now has more than 130 years of history behind it.

QR codes installed on the trail signage allow park visitors to delve even deeper into a history that began when the Marquis of Bute and other landowners donated an area of bogland to the city in 1887. Work on the park began in 1889 and it was officially opened on 20th June 1894.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “Roath Park has long been one of Cardiff’s most popular parks. With 130 years of history to discover, this new trail is another great reason to explore it.”

Cardiff’s parks are coming into bloom and May is also ‘National Walking Month,’ making it the ideal time of year to take a stroll through one of the city’s many green spaces. To find a walking trail near you, visit: https://www.outdoorcardiff.com/trails-across-cardiff/