Highlights
- An arboretum of more than 3,000 individually catalogued trees, with champion trees marked by blue plaques
- The Animal Wall, designed by William Burges
- The herbaceous border and Bat Meadow
- The Gorsedd Stone Circle and 21 sculptures
- Blackweir Woods and the Dock Feeder Canal
About Bute Park
Bute Park stretches north from Cardiff Castle along the River Taff, a short walk from the city centre. The land belonged to the Bute family, who inherited the castle in 1766. In 1873 Andrew Pettigrew became head gardener to the 3rd Marquess of Bute and, working with the architect William Burges, laid out the castle grounds.
In 1947 the 5th Marquess gave the castle and grounds to the people of Cardiff, and the park opened to the public in 1949. A restoration project between 2010 and 2014, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, repaired historic features, improved access and built the Visitor Centre. The park is a Green Flag site and is Grade I listed by Cadw.
What to see
- Arboretum: more than 3,000 individually catalogued trees, with champion trees marked by blue plaques.
- Animal Wall: carved animals along the wall by the castle, designed by Burges and restored during the recent project.
- Herbaceous Border and Bat Meadow.
- Gorsedd Stone Circle and sculptures: 21 sculptures are spread around the park.
- Blackweir Woods and the Dock Feeder Canal: for quieter walks.
Planning your visit
The Visitor Centre on North Road has toilets, baby changing and the Secret Garden Café. There are also the Summerhouse Café and Brodies on the Wall. The Bute Park Nursery plant shop opens on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 3pm. There is no parking in the park, but several pay and display car parks are nearby. Cycling is allowed on the shared routes, but barbecues are banned. A water bus stops at the southern end near Cardiff Bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bute Park free?
Yes. Bute Park is a public park and free to enter.
What time does Bute Park close?
The park opens daily at 7.30am. Locking times change week by week with the daylight, from around 3.45pm in December to 9pm in June and July. Current times are posted on the park's website and social media.
Can I bring my dog to Bute Park?
Yes. Dogs must be kept under control and in sight, on leads in signed areas, and owners must clean up after them.
Where can I park for Bute Park?
There is no public parking in the park. Nearby pay and display car parks include North Road, Sophia Gardens and Castle Mews. Cardiff Central station is about a 10-minute walk from the West Gate.