Sophia Gardens
Sophia Gardens is a Victorian park on the west bank of the River Taff, a short walk from Cardiff city centre. Opened in 1858, it is home to Glamorgan's cricket ground and the city's National Express coach stop, and a footbridge links it straight into Bute Park.
Photos
Rich C
A Victorian park with royal-ish roots
The gardens are named after Sophia, Marchioness of Bute, who opened them to the public in 1858 to replace the Cardiff Castle grounds, which had closed. Architect Alexander Roos laid them out on the old Plasturton Farm, and the park was extended north around 1879. In 1891 it hosted Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. It is Grade II on the Cadw register of historic parks and gardens.
Cricket and sport
The Sophia Gardens cricket ground is home to Glamorgan County Cricket Club and stages county and international matches, including Tests. The Sport Wales National Centre is also in the park, and there is a Brewhouse & Kitchen pub on site for a drink after play. On big match days the park and the surrounding streets get much busier, so plan your arrival.
Using the park
On non-match days it is an easy green space for a riverside walk. Cross the Millennium footbridge over the Taff into Bute Park towards Cardiff Castle, or carry on north into Pontcanna Fields. If you are arriving by National Express coach, this is where you'll step off: long-distance coaches have used Sophia Gardens since Cardiff Central bus station closed in 2015.
Highlights
- Opened to the public in 1858
- Home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club
- Footbridge across the Taff to Bute Park
- Cardiff's National Express coach stop
- Grade II listed historic park
Good to know
- National Express long-distance coaches stop at Sophia Gardens.
- There is a car and coach park within the park.
- Expect crowds and busier roads on cricket match days.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org