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 Country park with lively entertainments programme |
Brynmenyn Cardiff CF32 8UU United Kingdom +44 16 56 72 5155 http://www.bridgend.gov.uk |
A haven of natural beauty, this country house and park is situated four miles from Bridgend, close to Junction 36 of the M4 motorway. The park is a mixture of woodland, water and open expanses of grass and has barbecue and picnic areas, a visitor center, gift shop and a children's play area. There's also a programme of entertainment in the summer, while the elegant restaurant is open daily for light meals, cream teas and candlelit dinners. Best of all, admission is free. If you're traveling by bus, catch a bus to Bridgend and then take a number 12 or 15. The bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the park. Call +44 16 56 64 7093 for details of buses. Opening times vary according to season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jane |
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Cardiff's heart and lungs |
Western Avenue (A48) Cardiff CF10 United Kingdom |
The beautiful Bute Park provides Cardiff with greenery in the very centre of the city. Straddling the River Taff, it offers a combination of arboretum, flower gardens, recreation grounds and even some standing stones. Within the park's grounds is the Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, the Welsh Institute of Sport and a riding school. The park backs onto a music and drama college so listen out for the sound of strings and oboes as you walk past. Especially busy at weekends, it is also popular with city workers taking a quick lunchtime stroll. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Take a guided walk |
Fairoak Road Cathays Cardiff CF14 United Kingdom +44 29 2022 7281 |
Situated in a busy, residential area of Cardiff, the cemetery is a peaceful haven from the shops and offices a few minutes away. Access is restricted to daylight hours, but for those interested in the history of the area there are occasional guided tours in the evenings. They are worth looking out for as they offer a fascinating insight into Cardiff's past. Contact the Cardiff Welcome Centre on the above phone number for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Siriol Haf Griffiths |
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 Picnic by the lake |
Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park Cardiff, WE CF64 5FA United Kingdom +44 29 2070 1678 |
Few visitors would believe that this picturesque country park was once a limestone quarry. Parts of the area were flooded when quarrying ceased, forming an extensive area of lakes and wetlands. This, plus the landscaped countryside around, form the main attractions of the park. Facilities include free car parking, marked footpaths for country walks, a visitor centre and restaurant, adventure playground, wardens and an educational package for visiting groups of children (phone to book in advance). On the same site is Cosmeston Medieval Village. The park offers limited wheelchair access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Manor house and gardens |
St Nicholas Cardiff CF5 6SU United Kingdom +44 29 2059 3328 http://www.dyffryngardens.org.uk/ |
A 55-acre Edwardian garden a few miles from the city, this is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. A huge lawn, ornamental lake, a range of formal and informal gardens, rare plants and trees and a stately, stone-built manor are among the attractions on offer here. Look out for the open-air theatre and special events on summer weekends. The garden is a 20 minute walk from the nearest bus stop and therefore, best accessed by car. Disabled facilities include courtesy wheelchairs from the visitors' centre - phone to book one before you go. Admission: adults £3.50; student/senior £2.50; family £7. Admission is free from October to March. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Family recreation |
Allensbank Road Heath Cardiff CF14 United Kingdom +44 29 20 44 5900 |
Heath Park covers several acres of ground close to the university hospital in Cardiff. Primarily aimed at families, there's plenty for children to do, from traditional play areas to miniature golf (clubs and balls are available for hire.) Walkers can enjoy a pleasant stroll through the woodland on the outskirts of the park while local residents make good use of the open grassland as a place to walk their dogs. A small sports centre offers a multi-gym and sports hall with changing rooms, and a shop sells a range of ice creams, drinks and snacks. The park is open throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wildlife and woodland |
Lisvane Cardiff CF14 United Kingdom |
Exploration of this unspoilt woodland reveals meandering streams, burbling brooks, beautiful flowers and a mass of wildlife. A good time to visit is in May when all the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom and a carpet of bluebells covers the ground, but the park is equally beautiful in the height of summer, and in the autumn with the leaves changing color. This really is a great place to get away from it all. There's a large field with benches where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, so take a picnic and chill out. Dogs have to be kept on a lead. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Glorious greenery |
Lake Road West Roath Cardiff CF12 United Kingdom +44 29 20 22 7281 |
Located to the north east of the city, this huge park is Roath's focal point. At one end is an immense boating lake with islands and a floodlit lighthouse - a tribute to Captain Scott who departed for Antarctica from Cardiff. Walking on, you'll come to a garden with scores of different varieties of roses, a tropical conservatory with the most amazing colored fish and plants, children's play areas, tennis courts, a bowling green and a large recreation ground. The summer months often see special events and guided walks taking place. Contact the tourist information office on the number given for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Perfect views of Cardiff Bay |
Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF10 United Kingdom +44 29 20 46 3833 |
The Cardiff Bay development isn't all about new buildings. The Waterfront and Britannia Parks are a pair of beautifully sculpted embankments, stretching along the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre. Stroll along the promenade and feast your eyes on the gorgeous waterfront views and bask in the glory of Cardiff's rich cultural past. In particular, look out for the raised paving inscribed with poetry in many different languages. In summer, you can enjoy various street entertainers and performers. Close to many of the Bay's trendiest bars and restaurants, it's the perfect place for an after-dinner stroll. The parks are permanently open. Phone the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre on the number given for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |