Cathays Park

Cathays Park is a civic center in Cardiff containing formal gardens, government buildings, and educational institutions arranged across a carefully planned urban layout. The complex spreads across multiple areas, including Alexandra Gardens and Gorsedd Gardens, each with its own design and character.

The land was acquired by Cardiff council from the Marquess of Bute in 1898 for civic and educational development. This purchase established the foundation for the site to become a major center of city governance and public institutions.

The Gorsedd Garden serves as a space for Welsh cultural traditions with stone circles that recall the Eisteddfod festival. Visitors gather here to experience events that connect to Welsh identity and local customs.

The park has multiple entry points and is easy to reach on foot from Cardiff city center, with different gardens spread throughout the site. It helps to allow time for exploring the various areas, as each garden has its own layout and features.

Sculptor Sir William Goscombe John created the stone circles and statues in Gorsedd Gardens, reflecting the artistic vision that shaped the park. His work remains one of the most notable features visitors encounter when walking through this part of the site.