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Welcome to Bute Park and Arboretum
Behind Cardiff Castle just a short walk from the city’s main high streets and civic centre, Bute Park is the green heart of the city.
Explore a superb tree collection, natural play features, a visitor centre, three cafes, and a wealth of horticulture and wildlife.
Bute Park is a Green Flag site and a CADW Grade 1 listed park. Read about the history of the park.
Discover Bute Park
Park attractions
Northern CollectionThe Central CollectionSouthern CollectionWater FountainsWater FountainsVisitors can quench their thirst with fresh, cold water while enjoying the beauty of nature in the heart of Cardiff. Learn more.Summerhouse CaféSummerhouse CaféThe Summerhouse cafe offers a wide selection of locally sourced drinks and snacks. Learn more.Water TaxiWater TaxiThe water taxi service is a unique and fun way to travel to the park. Learn more.Handlebar BaristaSecret Garden CaféSecret Garden CaféThe Secret Garden Cafe is an independent business who describe themselves as “An honest cafe in the heart of Cardiff, promoting local produce, the environment and community.” Learn more.Pettigrew Tea RoomsPettigrew Tea RoomsThis vintage-style tea room is located at the southern end of the park in the handsome West Lodge building on Castle Street. Learn more.‘Love Exploring’ appThe Visitor CentreThe Visitor CentreThe Bute Park Visitor Centre is a hub for learning and training and acts as a visitor centre for the park. Learn more.The People’s DoorThe People’s DoorThe People's Door - a work of art. Learn more.Cardiff CastleCardiff CastleThe Castle’s walls & fairy tale towers conceal 2,000 years of history. Learn more.Bute Park for the young-at-heartBute Park for the young-at-heartThere are several trails, activities and play features throughout Bute Park for you to enjoy. Many will help you learn more about the park and what lives within it. Learn more.Stuttgart GardenStuttgart GardenThe City between the wood and vines. Learn more.Story TrailStory TrailPlay, have fun and follow the child friendly story trail through Bute Park. There are 5 stops along the way... A collaboration with Child Friendly Cardiff Learn more.Nature Activity TrailNature Activity TrailAimed at our younger visitors – this trail is ideal for those aged 4 to 10. Learn more.Dock Feeder CanalDock Feeder CanalThe Dock Feeder Canal runs along the eastern boundary of Bute Park from Blackweir at the north end, south to the Castle, where it turns east, and runs along the north side of the Castle to leave the park. Learn more.Blackweir WoodsBlackweir WoodsThis beautiful woodland is designated as a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC) because of its importance to wildlife in Cardiff. It includes plants such as wood anemones, toothwort, moschatel (town hall clock), and ramsons (wild garlic), which are characteristic of native ancient woodland. Learn more.Cardiff Salad GardenCardiff Salad GardenA range of salad leaves are grown all year round for continuous harvesting. Learn more.Meteorological StationMeteorological StationThe present-day station is part of the Met Office network of more than 270 automatic weather stations which report a mixture of snapshot hourly observations of the weather (synoptic observations) as well as daily summaries of the weather (climate observations). Learn more.Tree Charter PoleTree Charter PoleThe Charter for Trees, Woods and People sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together. Learn more.Wildlife Explorer TrailWildlife Explorer TrailBute Park Wildlife Explorer Trails are available to collect at the Education Centre. Learn more.Pedal PowerPedal PowerYou can hire a bike from Pedal Power in Pontcanna and enjoy the beauty of Bute Park or cycle along the Taff Trail. Learn more.Plant ShopPlant ShopThe Bute Park Plant Shop stock a range of plants and bulbs to purchase. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to offer expert advice on purchasing and maintaining our beautiful plants. Learn more.Gorsedd Stone CircleGorsedd Stone CircleThis circular collection of stones was installed in 1978 to commemorate the Welsh National Eisteddfod in Cardiff. Learn more.Bee hivesBee hivesBute Park honey is now back on the menu and available to buy directly from Bute Park Education Centre and Pettigrew Tea Rooms Learn more.Herbaceous BorderHerbaceous BorderOur renowned ‘Herbaceous Border’ is a striking display of perennial and herbaceous plants that runs parallel to the river Taff. Learn more.Bat MeadowBat MeadowThe wildflower meadow was created in 2017 to provide a diverse and attractive habitat for insects, pollinators and a food source to encourage an increase in bat population. Learn more.Woodland Play TrailWoodland Play TrailHidden in the woods behind the Summerhouse Café, 11 outdoor play items create an exciting and fun woodland balance trail for youngsters or the young-at-heart. Learn more.SculpturesSculpturesThere are twenty one sculptures to discover throughout the park. Learn more.Seasonal Discovery TrailsSeasonal Discovery TrailsOur Seasonal Discovery Trails are packed with fun ideas for children to do in the park throughout the year. Learn more.History Points (QR code) TrailHistory Points (QR code) TrailUse your QR scanner to access a wealth of information, old photographs, drawings and maps of Bute Park. Learn more.Champion tree trailFamily tree trailFamily tree trailA trail for families with children - giving you a fun and friendly insight into our collection. Learn more.Blackfriar’s FriaryBlackfriar’s FriaryBlackfriars Friary is an ancient scheduled monument and a grade II listed building dating back to the 13th Century. Learn more.Mill LeatMill LeatThe body of water along the western edge of Cardiff Castle is known as the Mill Leat. Learn more.The NurseryThe NurseryProducing thousands of bedding plants and supplying plants and trees throughout Cardiff’s parks and in the city centre. Learn more.The Animal WallThe Animal WallAnimals peer over the wall from the park onto Castle Street delighting generations of residents and visitors. Learn more.River TaffRiver TaffThe River Taff is 64 km long and is formed at Cefn-coed-y-cymmer in Merthyr Tydfil at the confluence of the rivers Taf Fechan and Taf Fawr. Learn more.Fitness trailFitness trailAlong the path around Blackweir playing fields you will find our fitness trail which features 8 fitness stations. Learn more.