Splash about in Victoria Park, Cardiff

 

Victoria Park is an absolute treasure, located in Canton and conveniently, just a 5 minute drive from my home! This makes Victoria Park my local and I’ve been here a hundred times – not just with my son, but my mum used to take me here as a little girl as I grew up nearby. Of course, it’s changed a lot now and has gotten better and better and better.

Great Place to Walk the Dog

Even though Victoria Park is a small city park, dogs are allowed if under control. There is a large field area on one side of the park where folks walk their dogs. My dog may be old, but she still loves coming here and meets loads of other friendly doggies. There are plenty of bins to pick up after them and walking around the outskirts is a pleasant 30 minutes walk. Just remember they’re not allowed in the playground, splash park or game courts.

Beautiful Walks

The flower beds in Victoria Park are immaculately kept and full of colour. They are at their best in the summer as you would expect, but the groundskeepers do amazing work throughout the year. There are loads of different paths around the field, through the trees or next to the flower beds so if you’re just out for a stroll there are plenty of options. Also perfect for a photo shoot like the one I suggest on my Maternity Bucket List!

Playground Delight

There’s a pretty epic playground here with loads and loads of swings, climbing apparatus and even a zip line! There are different sections for youngsters or older kids and the playground is fenced off with animal grates at the entrances so that dogs can’t go in, although last week I did see a cheeky squirrel make it through!

Sporty Goodness

There are tennis courts, basket ball courts and a five a side football pitch. In 2017 they added something very new as Cardiff Beach Volleyball Club has come to stay. They’ve converted what used to be the old bowls pitch into a beach with volleyball nets. I’ve seen them having some pretty big tournaments here over the summer so I hope it’s here to stay long-term.

Splash Park

This is a big draw as Victoria Park houses one of the only outdoor water features in Cardiff. Our weather is a little bit limited so this is mainly open in the summer and at peak times like weekends. On a hot day it is PACKED with hundreds of kids – but there is always space for one more. There are tons of water features inside and I love watching the kids play in them. This used to be a full swimming pool when I was young, but I guess a splash park is safer, more practical and economical. To be honest, it was always freezing in the pool as it was unheated and it was a little awkward as there are no changing rooms so I can see why they converted it. If you fancy an outdoor swim I can highly recommend Ponty Lido – about 20 mins outside Cardiff, but heated and absolutely divine.

Note: The first two photos were taken at 9am on a cloudy sunday morning. The water was on, but it was empty! Bit chilly I think… or maybe sensible people were having a lie-in but I don’t remember what those are anymore. The third photo was at 5pm on a sunny Sunday!

Parking & Facilities

There’s no dedicated car park for Victoria Park but there is free on-street parking all around the circumference of the park. With multiple entrances dotted all over the place, you won’t have far to walk wherever you end up parking.

There are toilets at the center of the park and baby changing facilities in both the ladies and the gents, as well as a staff room which is staffed mainly in the summer with someone who can assist you if you need help.

There’s an ice cream kiosk that also serves hot food at very busy times. It’s mostly open on peak times – holidays and weekends and the prices are actually pretty reasonable. £1.50 for a ’99 isn’t the crazy inflation some places charge so it won’t break the bank to have a treat at the end of the day.

An absolute must visit if you’ve got kids and are in Cardiff, especially in the warmer weather. Best of all? It’s completely free!