Llanishen Park isn't as pretty or ornate as many of Cardiff's other parks, but it does have a…read morefairly wild, semi-natural woodland area called Coedcochwyn Woods (a designated Site of Importance for Nature Consevation). This is made up of open grassland areas and a few ponds, as well as woodland, so it attracts plenty of wildlife - and you might spot some water-loving birdlife such as coots and moorhens. This part of the park has plenty of interest for walking the dog, if you don't mind getting a bit muddy in the winter. The other half of the park is less interesting: a recreational ground with sports pitches. This area is, however, well used by locals and is home to the local rugby club. If you're driving here, you can use the car park which you access via nearby Newborough Avenue.

Not this is a country park not just a little patch of grass in the city and its a really…read moreinteresting place. Its in the Taff gorge and encompasses a site of scientific interest with a conservation site, a canal and part of the Taff Trial. There's bird watching hide outs, water features and picnic areas too. Its a really good day out and they do lots of education stuff there do so especially good for the kids.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…read more Then a little bit more zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Go watch the water flow past in the river taff for a bit then head back for some more zzzzzzzzzz Still not worked out what is there to do and see ....

Parc Cefn Onn is out on the Northern fringes of Cardiff and isn't really a park, its more like a…read morewoodland area really. Its noted among plant lovers for the Rhododendron displays in the spring and its got lots of streams and ponds so quite good for wildlife. To be honest though there's not really much to see or do and its currently infected with Sudden Oak Death which is making it look a big dull. Its ok but really not worth a trip out of your way to get there.

This is a great set of woods to explore and get lost in. It's frequented by a lot of dogs (in…read moregeneral it's not on their own but with their owners) and families. There are various paths that lead off in different directions, but if you've entered at the main gated entrance on Cherry Orchard Road off the roundabout and keep walking you will most likely end up at the big field at the top by the golf course. Along the way you will pass a few ponds and streams which generally have a charming layer of algae on their surface. As well as this there are the legendary parts of the wood owned by the giant: these being the giant's house, the giant's chair (which is much larger than his house), and the enchantingly named, giant's toilet. These legends may or may not have been made up by my parents when I was growing up, as well as the possible myth that 'all the paths in Cefn-Onn lead back to one another', a frequent proclamation of theirs that I am certain was a ploy to lose my sisters and I for a couple of hours of peace.

Just a few miles from the M4, this Park has 113 acres of woodlands and lakes to wander around, and…read morepaths beside the River Garw. There are also formal, ornamental gardens and a Japanese style Tea Garden Pavilion. Refreshments, available in season, can be found next to the car park. For a more formal meal, there's the Harlequin Restaurant at the house. A nice place to walk.

Was married at bryngarw house 24th oct 2009. Also held our…read morereception there and the weather appart,bryngarw proved tobe the perfect wedding venue. Would highly recomend everything associated with country house and there staff.

Located on an industrial estate between a welders workshop and site for building materials, this…read moreperky lime green warehouse stands out a mile. Yummy mummies and their 4x4's stream in and out of the well guarded gates and high walls that lead to a sanitary paradise of indoor-outdoor adventure. Parc (Welsh for park) is marketed as an 'all weather playground' and it divvies up as two thirds indoors and one third out. The outdoor bit has a fantastic sandy 'beach' area, with large wooden boat complete with pirate flags. In-between the in and the outdoors there is a zip wire, water play area, two swings and a large slide. Inside there are two 'tube' slides, wooden adventure walkway with bridges and ropes and a toddlers area aimed at the 1-4's. The facilities include a cafe area, lots of seating throughout and toilets. I love the little touches such as the double-seater stripy deckchairs. In winter the heated cafe area, with clear views of the toddlers area, is the place to be. I have to admit it I've had my eye on this place from the outset. We live across the river from Parc and when I saw the sign go up wizzed over for a preview. I met the builders (our new, but temporary neighbours) and came back with a carboot full of wood offcuts for the burner. I thought - "a wooden playground on an industrial estate? I like!" ...And I still do, but as I mentioned earlier I do find this type of indoor 'gated' playground a little too sanitary for my taste and in many ways prefer taking my toddler to the beach or the park - But shock horror what if it rains?! A: I just let him get wet. Another small gripe, it seems that there is a small jump from toddler to confident child in terms of the equipment on offer. There could be more for the 3-6's here I feel. All in all well worth a visit, good place to hang out with your mummy mates. Bring your own picnic, sit down, chillax and have a natter...ok if you've got an under 5 that mayyy not happen! Opening hours: Weekdays 10am - 6:30pm last entry 5pm, weekends & school holidays 10am - 6pm last entry 4:30pm Cost: Adults £1.50 peak, £1 off peak. Children £5 peak, £3.50 off peak, reductions for more than 1 child. Note: Parties catered for - but pre-book. Also note: Visits are limited to 2.5 hours on very busy day (but that's about right anyway) Tip: As you can imagine it gets busy during school holidays and after school Tip: Free wifi Top tip: Walk , train it or cycle and get 50p off!

You'd think a place like this would be my idea of hell, but I have to admit I was really impressed…read morewith the facilities at Parc - it's too bad they didn't have play areas like this when I was a kid! I'd never be privy to playgrounds if it weren't for my beloved's two year daughter, who tires herself out by running endlessly from tunnel to slide and back again. I can't wait until she's a bit older so I can live vicariously through her as she tears through Parc on the zip wire... After chasing her around screaming for half an hour, I needed some sort of refreshment (I realised this is neither the time nor the place for a pint), but luckily, Parc has this covered as well, selling coffees and canned drinks, as well as hot dogs and even packs of Oreos (yes!). The best time to go is on a Sunday morning, where you'll pretty much have the place to yourself; otherwise get ready for an onslaught of families and hyperactive children, which isn't so bad, if you can be all Zen about it like the kind lady working the snack hut who simply says, "You don't even hear the screaming after a while - it's like white noise".

There is a very small turn off opposite the coal shaft near travis perkins its not sign posted and…read moreyou go over a very old looking one lane bridge. There is a huge free carpark that leads into the park where there is a small building with vending machines and toilets also they display some info about the site there are two small fishing lakes and loads of places to picnic or bbq At the far end is a large play area with two separate places for older and younger children There are loads of paths leading up into the mountains with long and short walks It is semi wheelchair friendly with some proper paths around the lakes and park On a fine day its a really good place for the kids to take bikes and balls and dogs

Let me just say, I like deserted parks…read more Not for any perverted reason, I just enjoy wandering without being privy to passers-by (if I do happen upon a few, ones without thirty cans of cider would be preferred). That said, Alexandra Park is probably my favourite park in the Cardiff-ish area. With gardens, topiaries, and hideaway benches peppered throughout, the park offers a stunning views of Penarth once you manage to climb to the top of its commanding hill. But it's a definitely a hike worth making. Right smack in the middle is a cockatiel aviary, which I find both mesmerising and kinda sad - I'm not really a crazy-hippie-tree-hugger, but I do feel strangely compelled to rip the caging off and let the poor things out. If you tire of the wooded landscape, Alexandra Park is right across the street from the Penarth Pier, where you can grab a slice of pizza and an ice cream cone before heading to the rocky beach for a stroll.

I've living with my back garden backing onto this park for quite a while now, and in all of 600+…read morereviews, I've never before thought to review it! It's kind of like reviewing your own garden... weird. This is a lovely little park with a tangels mess of pathways amoung the wood and flowers, with excellent clear views of the Bristol Channel and beyond (if the weather prevails).

As others have said, this is a lovely, almost hidden park, with a small area of formal gardens with…read morea pond and fountain, complete with a statue of Peter Pan, wild woodland areas and a large playing-field area. It has wonderful views from the top across the lower Ely valley towards Llandough, as well as some amazing mature trees. It is one of the city's oldest parks, given to the city by Charles Thompson in 1911. Perfect for a short walk or a lazy summer afternoon picnic.

Although there are a whole lot of parks in and around the Cardiff area, Thompson's Park in Canton…read morein somewhat unique. Most others offer wide stretches of grass, the odd flowered border and playgrounds. Thompson's Park is smaller than most, and has a particularly quaint feeling. This park is landscaped well, and combined areas of woodland in the heart of the city, with fountains (including the famous Peter Pan statue), duck ponds, winding stairs and a wide grassy area on its higher level. On this field I took part in many school sports days in my time. Never won anything though. Thompson's Park is small and compact, but large enough to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's like a lost garden in a city wilderness.

The castle is lovely and grounds are absolutely stunning. Although the structure and landscaping…read moreare lovely, our tour guide felt the need to weave her strong political views into most topics. Examples would be regarding a pitcher/jug that is displayed in one of the glass cases. She said the pitcher "should not be here" and if she had her way "it would be returned" because it was "stolen from a masque." She also said when referring to Dr. Edward Jenner being the first to develop a successful vaccination for small pox that "it really is a question if he were the first." She said he barely beat Africa and Turkey in this world altering vaccine. To which doctors to whom was she referring to in Africa or Turkey? She made a comment of, " My grandfather always said, 'Whatever horrible acts done have been done have been done by the English first.' and I firmly believe this." She was also railing against the decisions of the monarchs before the addition of the parliament. Then she went on to say she wished she could get rid of the current government. A guide should concentrate on the facts and remove biases. It is quite distracting and unnecessary.

What can you say about one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world which is still owned by the…read moresame family from 900 years ago. You have to go. Its where Edward II was murdered with a red hot poker up his fundament .

Victoria Park is, apparently, one of the most popular parks in the UK. I can understand why. This…read morepark is full of flowers (beware, hay-fever sufferers), trees, winding paths and grassy areas. This is a fantastic place to bring children on a sunny summer day. Victoria Park is probably most famous for its spectacular playground and massive shallow paddling pool (in the summer). Imagine ice creams and picnics and children splashing water everywhere. Good times. There are also a number of summer events that go on in this park. Summer Fetes and Scout/Guide events, face painting and throwing wet sponges at teachers. There is also a bandstand and a cafe. The only thing wrong with this park is its popularity, as it does manage to get heavingly busy on hot days. You've been warned. I have lovely memories from Victoria Park, so could you!

A lovely traditional park, covering nearly 20 acres, situated just west of Canton, on Cowbridge…read moreRoad. It has been awarded a prestigious 'Green Flag' award and attracts over 600,000 visitors a year. It was founded in 1897 and contains a mixture of traditional flower beds, mature trees, a paddling pool, bandstand, children's playground, tennis courts, a 5-a-side football pitch, and open lawns. There's a cafe, toilets and a park-keeper's lodge - one of the few left in the UK where the keeper lives on site. The park used to have animals in a small zoo (my mother used to visit them in the early 1930s), most famously Billy the Seal; caught accidentally by a local fishing boat in 1912, he was donated to the park, living there until 1939. After he died, he was found to be female! She is commemorated by a life-size statue in the park. A great place for families and children, as well as for a quiet stroll.