Victoria Park in Canton is the perfect place for an autumn stroll

People and dogs are flocking to Canton’s award-winning Victoria Park every day. What is it like wondering around this Victorian open space with a modern twist?

Autumn leaves in Canton Park Cardiff.
Kicking around fallen leaves this time of year never gets old.

Among the trees you will find flower gardens and Victorian architecture alongside modern play areas and sports facilities.

A pavilion in Canton Park Cardiff.
A pink ball stuck on top of the pavilion roof serves as a reminder to keep play on the football pitch.

“It’s great for the community to have a space like this.”

Liz Lucock, of Ely, has been coming to visit Victoria Park for 30 years while her mother, Angela, has been walking the paths for more than half a century.

“We used to come down when we were children. It was an adventure. The park has changed a lot since then but it’s still a safe environment.”

First opened in 1897, the park has a rich history and even spent time as a zoo.

A statue of Billy the Seal in Canton Park Cardiff.
A statue of Billy the seal overlooks the Splashpad play area, a nod to the most famous resident of the park’s wild past.

Visit today and most of the animals you see bouncing around are dogs.

“You’ll learn the dogs by name but not the owners,” said the walker of Poppy and Teddy.

A dog looks at their owner hoping for a treat in Canton Park Cardiff.
Be prepared to be approached by dogs hoping for a treat.  

All good walks must come to an end however and the park closes 30 minutes before sunset. Something Paul the Ranger strictly enforces with a bike and whistle.

A ranger in Canton Park Cardiff.
Ranger Paul checks to see if everyone is out before locking the gates.