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A mini guide to
Cathays Park and Roath: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Book a free museum ticket
National Museum Cardiff is free; its site offers a free admission ticket to book and lists the opening hours.
Walk the civic centre
City Hall, the museum, the war memorial and the Temple of Peace stand close together around Alexandra Gardens.
Head to Roath Park lake
The lake is about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) around; Visit Cardiff mentions boating and fishing, the lighthouse and the conservatory.
Eat on Wellfield Road
Visit Cardiff describes Wellfield Road as a small, busy street of cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
Hear the students play
Visit Cardiff recommends the free Friday jazz at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cathays Park and Roath?
Cathays Park and Roath is in Cardiff, Wales. The Edwardian civic centre and National Museum, then student Cathays and leafy Roath Park. Nearby stops and stations include Cathays, Cardiff Queen Street, Cardiff Bus.
How long do I need in Cathays Park and Roath?
Half a day to a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include National Museum Cardiff (Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd), Roath Park (Parc y Rhath), City Hall. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Cathays (Transport for Wales); Cardiff Queen Street (Transport for Wales); Cardiff Bus (Cardiff Bus). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 21 places to eat and drink in and around Cathays Park and Roath, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 3 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Cathays Park and Roath accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Cathays Park and Roath
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Cathays Cemetery
One of the UK's largest cemeteries at 110 acres, listed on the Cadw register of historic parks and gardens.
Cardiff M.A.D.E.
Gallery and arts space in Roath showing work by local artists and makers.
National Museum Cardiff (Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd)
Free museum and art gallery, with exhibitions from contemporary art to dinosaurs, part of Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales.
Cardiff
More areas to explore
Pontcanna, Canton and Llandaff
Restaurant streets, riverside parkland, a cathedral village and the castles and museum beyond
Open the mini guide →
City centre and Cardiff Castle
The castle, the national stadium, a Victorian market and the arcades, all within a short walk
Open the mini guide →
Cardiff Bay
The redeveloped docklands: the Senedd, the Millennium Centre and a freshwater bay
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Sherman Theatre: Ham, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Cathays Cemetery: No Swan So Fine, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Cardiff M.A.D.E.: Sionk, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- National Museum Cardiff (Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd): Ham II, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Pontcanna, Canton and Llandaff: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- City centre and Cardiff Castle: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Cardiff Bay: GeraintTudur2, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cardiff