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About Parc Cefn Onn
This grade 2 listed historic park, situated on the northern fringes of Cardiff, is also designated as a Country Park providing access to the footpath network of Caerphilly Mountain. It contains a truly magnificent collection of native and exotic trees set within an intimate valley. Visitors enjoy the stunning scenery and the calm, relaxing atmosphere.
The upper park was originally laid out around 100 years ago by former owner Ernest Prosser, Director of the adjacent Rhymney Valley Railway. Its tumbling streams and winding paths take advantage of the gentle valley containing the Nant Fawr stream.
The streams, ponds, woodlands and other planting make this a rich haven for wildlife. Visitors regularly return to enjoy the park in different seasons.
Visitor information
The park is open from 7am until 30 minutes before sunset.
Parking available on site.
Features
Grade 2 listed historic park: Listed on the Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
Woodland garden: laid out after 1944 in the southern part of the site
The Dingle: the historic northern garden laid out by Ernest Prosser. This area contains a collection of rare and exotic plants (closed to the public from 4 February 2019 for 4 months)
Summerhouse and former swimming pool: The pond and summerhouse are early features of the Dingle, constructed to alleviate the symptoms of the tuberculosis suffered by Prosser’s son, Cecil.
Coed Transh yr Hebog: a semi natural Oak and Beech woodland lying north of the more formal parkland near the top of Caerphilly mountain
Mural artwork: located in the subway at the entrance to the park, telling the story of the park
Spring displays: the park is a glorious sight throughout the spring with its floral carpets of spring bulbs and exotic Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Autumn colours: the tree and shrub collection provides a rich and colourful seasonal display in autumn.
Facilities
Wildlife Explorer Trail for children (download a leaflet)
12 Activities for Children in Parc Cefn Onn (download a leaflet)
Waymarked routes: signposted throughout the park and linking to footpaths in the surrounding countryside
Footpath links: to Caerphilly Ridgeway walk
Volunteering opportunities: The Parks Community Ranger Service organises work days and other activities in the park in association with The Friends of Parc Cefn Onn
Tramper hire at Parc Cefn Onn
We have teamed up with Countryside Mobility, to provide 2 outdoor mobility scooters at Parc Cefn Onn. With support from The Lottery Heritage Fund, the scooters, known as Trampers, will make the park more accessible.
There are 2 Trampers available for hire. You will need to book and pay in advance by calling 029 2233 0243, 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
With 2 routes available through the park, you can do a full loop within 1 hour. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, we recommend taking at least 2 hours.
To hire a Tramper, you will need to become a Countryside Mobility member.
You will need to choose one of the following options, and pay a hire fee of £2.50 per hour:
Single use – £3
2 weeks – £5
12 months (ideal for repeat visits to the park and other Countryside Mobility locations).
Memberships can be used at all other Countryside Mobility locations, and will expire after their end date.
We recommend reading the Tramper hire conditions in advance. This will save you time when registering for membership.
There will be a training session of up to 15 minutes, to make sure you can use the Tramper comfortably and safely. You will need to pay a deposit beforehand.
You can only hire a Tramper between 10am and 2:30pm on specific dates:
2024
Wednesday 14th February
Wednesday 21st February
Saturday 2nd March
Wednesday 6th March
Wednesday 13th March
Saturday 23rd March
Wednesday 3rd April
Saturday 13th April
Wednesday 17th April
Saturday 27th April
Wednesday 1st May
More dates to be confirmed.