Bute Park
4.5
About
Bute Park & Arboretum is an extensive area of mature parkland that forms the 'green heart' of Cardiff. Equivalent to 80 football pitches in size, Bute Park is one of the largest urban parks in Wales. As well as beautiful flowers and an abundance of paths and tracks to explore, visitor facilities include an Education Centre & Visitor Centre (open daily 12 - 3pm), 3 cafes, toilets, a woodland play trail, wooden sculptures and fitness equipment. There is a varied events programme, see Bute-park.com for current listings. A Grade 1 listed landscape, it contains designed views and interesting built heritage such as the remains of a medieval friary and the ever-popular Animal Wall. The magnificent arboretum contains “champion” (tallest or widest of their species in UK) and many rare and beautiful trees. The site is managed by Cardiff Council and benefitted from a £5.6M restoration project between 2010 - 2014, supported by a £3.1M grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighborhood: Cathays
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,882 reviews
Excellent
1,280
Very good
530
Average
61
Poor
7
Terrible
4
paulbennett0460
Southend-on-Sea, UK95 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We walked through the park during a women’s charity walk for cancer charities and found it very moving that so many people had turned out for this good cause. The park is very moving, however…
Did you hear the one about the cafe that closes for lunch?
We hadn’t until today. The Secret Garden cafe, which promises all manner of healthy food, actually closes between 1 and 2. As we had passed on the panini and white bread rolls offered by the other two cafes, we trudged back to town to get something a bit more healthy. Did you hear about the cinema that closes between 7 and 9 in the evening? No, nor us, but there’s still time…
Did you hear the one about the cafe that closes for lunch?
We hadn’t until today. The Secret Garden cafe, which promises all manner of healthy food, actually closes between 1 and 2. As we had passed on the panini and white bread rolls offered by the other two cafes, we trudged back to town to get something a bit more healthy. Did you hear about the cinema that closes between 7 and 9 in the evening? No, nor us, but there’s still time…
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissy309
Shrewsbury, UK226 contributions
Aug 2020
Bute Park, is situated right next to the castle and river.
It covers quite a large area with gardens, walks and a cafe (when open). Plus there was a childrens activity taking place, while we were there. Shame that the weather not so good when I visited but would be lovely on a nice sunny day
It covers quite a large area with gardens, walks and a cafe (when open). Plus there was a childrens activity taking place, while we were there. Shame that the weather not so good when I visited but would be lovely on a nice sunny day
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne N
359 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
During the school summer holidays I met my sister and nephews in Cardiff. We arranged to meet near Cardiff Castle and decided to enjoy a picnic at the historical Bute Park. This was our first visit and the parkland was very big with various trails and artifacts of historical interest.
Prior to our visit, my nephew's googled the history of the park and couldn't wait to find the excavated medieval Blackfriars Friary. They were excited to see the animal wall, an iconic William Burges landmark. The boys have a keen interest in history and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the mill pond, the Gorsedd stones and the dock feeder canal. They were especially interested in the learning about the salmon pass. The boys also enjoyed inspecting the amazing trees and sculptures within the arboretum.
The scenery within the park was fantastic, with lots of wildlife and flowers. Within the park there was a plant shop and bee hives, as well as plenty of space for children to play and people to enjoy picnics. After lunch, we enjoyed a long walk and the highlight of the visit was the ride on the water taxi.. The boys really want to return in October to see the salmon and to collect conkers. After visiting the park we spent several hours shopping in Cardiff exploring the labyrinth of shopping arcades, indoor market, St David's Shopping Centre and Queen Street. Before heading home the boys enjoyed a McDonald's tea at Queen Street.
Prior to our visit, my nephew's googled the history of the park and couldn't wait to find the excavated medieval Blackfriars Friary. They were excited to see the animal wall, an iconic William Burges landmark. The boys have a keen interest in history and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the mill pond, the Gorsedd stones and the dock feeder canal. They were especially interested in the learning about the salmon pass. The boys also enjoyed inspecting the amazing trees and sculptures within the arboretum.
The scenery within the park was fantastic, with lots of wildlife and flowers. Within the park there was a plant shop and bee hives, as well as plenty of space for children to play and people to enjoy picnics. After lunch, we enjoyed a long walk and the highlight of the visit was the ride on the water taxi.. The boys really want to return in October to see the salmon and to collect conkers. After visiting the park we spent several hours shopping in Cardiff exploring the labyrinth of shopping arcades, indoor market, St David's Shopping Centre and Queen Street. Before heading home the boys enjoyed a McDonald's tea at Queen Street.
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William L
Cheltenham, UK56 contributions
Aug 2022
This is a beautiful park, just at the top of the pedestrianised city centre and easily accessed through the Castle grounds. Lots of lovely trees there and pretty paths to stroll along. It's adjacent to the River Taf, and a small mill stream flows through it too. Unexpectedly you come across some interesting pieces of art, including some you can make sounds on. There's a marvellous old dead tree on its side with magnificent roots and branches, and a lovely walk through ornamental flower beds. Probably lots more to see too, but I really enjoyed our visit there. You can catch a water bus every half hour back to the Bay.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PebbleL
Cardiff, UK867 contributions
Nov 2019
Despite living in and around Cardiff for several years, I've only recently got round to properly exploring Bute Park. I had no idea it's so big (130 acres in total) and hadn't realised there is so much stunning woodland to see. A lot of people travel to Westonbirt arboretum, not realising there are beautiful autumnal walks to be had here in Cardff.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel
Caerphilly, UK147 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Bute park is absolutely huge, we spent most of a sunny day walking around Bute park as a family. Stopped near the ice cream van to have a picnic and an ice cream and then carried on exploring the grounds. Lovely day out.
Written November 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prhightrees
Dorridge, UK55 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
I love Bute Park, and we go most weeks to walk our dogs and have a cuppa.
The reason for the low star rating is the rubbish that is always there. The bins aren't fit for purpose. They are open, and the gulls and squirrels get in them, but..
The number of people who litter is depressing..
We aren't litter pickers members, but we always do in Bute Park. Empty beer cans/bottles deliberately rammed into trees, and the ground ready to cut people and dogs who stand on them
Also, no toilets. I'm not sure if Cardiff County Council think people won't need a wee (or more) when they're picnicing, but when the weather is hot, the woods stink. Shame for such a beautiful spot..
The reason for the low star rating is the rubbish that is always there. The bins aren't fit for purpose. They are open, and the gulls and squirrels get in them, but..
The number of people who litter is depressing..
We aren't litter pickers members, but we always do in Bute Park. Empty beer cans/bottles deliberately rammed into trees, and the ground ready to cut people and dogs who stand on them
Also, no toilets. I'm not sure if Cardiff County Council think people won't need a wee (or more) when they're picnicing, but when the weather is hot, the woods stink. Shame for such a beautiful spot..
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
packedandready2go
California1,035 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This is an outstandingly beautiful park. Lots of different types of trees beautfully laid out. Adjacent to Cardiff Castle. You can catch a boat to Cardiff Bay from the Taff River wharf close by Petigrew's Cafe, which is also a good place to have a snack.
Written May 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJM_DC
Washington DC, DC85 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We forgot we were in a city while visiting this quiet, meditative park abutting Cardiff Castle. There are many trails for walking and cycling, as well as a couple places to refuel if need be. Our kids loved the little percussion installations lining a trail in the southwest quarter of the park, as well as a play area next to the Summerhouse Cafe. It was an amazing experience!
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe
Bangkok, Thailand4,955 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
A huge sprawling city park at the heart of Cardiff. Named after The Third Marquis of Bute, a man whose family developed most of the Cardiff we know today.
The main features of this park are the huge grassy areas which are perfect for picnics, sports, dog walking or just relaxing. Another joy feature is the wide range of different trees here from Evergreen to those that change with the season. Many of them blossom with fruits and berries.
It's a large park so if you want to see it all you should allow a couple of hours and it's quite easy to get lost so mind your direction
The park connects downtown Cardiff with Llandaff Cathedral and is a glorious walk
The main features of this park are the huge grassy areas which are perfect for picnics, sports, dog walking or just relaxing. Another joy feature is the wide range of different trees here from Evergreen to those that change with the season. Many of them blossom with fruits and berries.
It's a large park so if you want to see it all you should allow a couple of hours and it's quite easy to get lost so mind your direction
The park connects downtown Cardiff with Llandaff Cathedral and is a glorious walk
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to pay to get into the park?
Written August 7, 2017
There is NO fee for entry to the park.
Any footwear if fine, although, that will depend on the amount of walking wishes to do.
Written February 21, 2018
what footwear do you advise to wear? thanks
Written April 13, 2016
Depends where in the Park you are walking and time of year; for a summer stroll on the main footpaths, ordinary shoes are fine. If you are dog walking in autumn or winter, then good quality wellies are advised
Written August 24, 2016
mags190
Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom
Where is the best place to park car for days visit to Bute Park RHS flower show on Friday April 2016
Written March 8, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Penzance, United Kingdom
Hi,Where in the park do you get the Water Taxi.Thanks
Written February 9, 2016
ButeParkTeam
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hi, thanks for your message. Yes dogs are allowed in Bute Park, but we ask them to kept on a lead by the cafes. Kind Regards, Emma, Bute Park Team
Written July 20, 2015
ButeParkTeam
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hi, thanks for your message. There is to charge to enter the park; it is free for everyone to enjoy. Kind Regards, Bute Park Team
Written March 26, 2015
ButeParkTeam
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hi, thanks for your message. We only have toilet facilities in Bute Park, no showers or changing facilities. Any other queries, please email butepark@cardiff.gov.uk. Kind Regards, Bute Park Team.
Written December 29, 2014
what is the timetable for the xmas holiday period please
Written December 21, 2014
ButeParkTeam
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hi,
thanks for your message and many apologies for the late response.
Bute Park is open every day over the Christmas period from 7.30am each morning, and closes half hour before sunset which is 3.45pm over the next 2 weeks.
Details of the concession opening times, and other information, is listed on our website.
Any other queries, please don't hesitate to email butepark@cardiff.gov.uk
Kind Regards
Bute Park Team
Written December 29, 2014
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