Cymraeg

Cathays Park (Cardiff’s Civic Centre)

About Cathays Park

Formerly part of Cardiff Castle grounds, Cathays Park was laid out as Cardiff’s Civic Centre in the early 20^th century.

Its high quality formal parks include Alexandra Gardens, home of Wales National War Memorial, Gorsedd Gardens and Friary Gardens. These provide a stunning setting for the many impressive buildings, including City Hall , the National Museum of Wales and Cardiff University.

These characterful and historic open spaces are very important to the image of the city and retain their original Edwardian layout.

Visitor information

The park is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are no public toilets in Cathays Park.

Features

Cathays Park Alexandra Gardens bedding and memorial

Centenary Field: Alexandra Gardens has been dedicated as a Centenary Field to be preserved in trust in association with Fields In Trust as part of their centenary campaign to preserve parks and green spaces with First World War memorials.
Grade 1 listed historic park: Listed along with as Grade 1 on the Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
Alexandra Gardens: The Welsh National War Memorial at the centre of this formal garden forms the focus of Cardiff’s annual civic Act of Remembrance in November. Other memorials in the garden recall more recent conflicts.
Gorsedd Gardens: Standing stones (the Gorsedd) record the 1899 Eisteddfod which took place in Cathays Park. Statues of significant local figures, many by Cardiff sculptor Sir William Goscombe John, recognise their contribution to the development of Cardiff as a city.
Friary Gardens: This small, formal garden, laid out in traditional ‘parterre’ style, provides a welcome refuge from surrounding traffic. Its name recalls Cardiff’s Franciscan ‘Greyfriars’ Friary which was once located nearby.

Facilities

Welsh National War Memorial (Alexandra Gardens)
Refreshment kiosk at Gorsedd Gardens

How to find us

How to find us
Access point	GPS (latitude / longitude)
Alexandra Gardens	51.4865994,-3.1826733
Gorsedd Gardens	51.485091,-3.177523
Friary Gardens	51.4833513,-3.1795689

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