Roath Park conservatory

The conservatory in Roath Park is heated and contains many unusual species of plants and trees, such as:

• palms,
• banana trees,
• orchids, and
• a bat flower.

The conservatory has a waterfall and pond which is home to:

• fish,
• terrapins, and
• whistling ducks.

The conservatory also sells bird food, for feeding swans and ducks on the lake, seasonal merchandise, plants and accessories.

The conservatory and grounds are supported by the Friends of Roath Park.

Entry prices

• Adults: £2.30
• Children: £1.15, Under 5 years go free.
• Concessions: £1.15
  This rate applies to disabled people, students and pensioners.

Group bookings: please contact us to organise a group booking.

School visits: We provide education sessions for schools at the conservatory.

Season ticket prices (per year)

• Individuals: £11.25
• Concessions: £7.90
• Families: £28.25, 2 adults and 2 children.

History of the conservatory

In 1973 to 1974, the Parks Committee allocated around £20,000 to build the conservatory in Roath Park.

The conservatory opened around the summer of 1975. It was built on the site of the park’s 2 historic greenhouses:

• the Chrysanthemum House, and
• the smaller Cactus House.

These were also known as the New Plant House and the Tropical House.

In 1988, the original glass windows were replaced with triple polycarbonate. This material was considered safer than the glass windows, which could break easily.

Replacement work was to deliver savings on heating costs, so was partly funded by the Council’s Energy Conservation Programme. Savings were estimated to be at least 26% every year.

When it opened, the entry cost was 5p per person.

Watch a short film of the conservatory from 1974.

History and video with thanks to Cardiff Parks.

Discover the conservatory