Always one of our favourite family activities in Cardiff every summer is hiring a pedalo at Roath Lake.

It’s such a lovely way to explore one of Cardiff’s most popular visitor spots and something that all ages can enjoy.

With prices starting from £10.30 for half an hour, it’s not too expensive an activity, with the rest of the park being free to visit and plenty of free street parking around the lake too.

Roath Park opened in 1894 and still retains much of that Victorian splendour with its promenade area between the lake and the playground and the stunning floral gardens.

The lake itself was manmade, with the iconic Scott Memorial Lighthouse and clock tower built around 1914. This is dedicated to Captain Robert Falcon Scott who died along with his crew on his expedition to the South Pole. Their ill-fated voyage left Cardiff in 1912, with the team dying in the Antarctic in 1912.

How much does it cost to hire a pedalo boat at Roath Lake Cardiff?

For summer 2025, boat hire costs £10.30 for half an hour or £18.50 for one hour.

You pay per boat, rather than per person, with a maximum of four people per boat.

There’s no need to book. You can just turn up at the kiosk at the boat shed, which is located not far from the Terra Nova café.

The boats are open from 12pm daily, with last hires at around 6.15pm. It may close earlier or not open at all in case of boat hire.

Younger children will need to wear life jackets which are included in the costs.

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What else is there to do at Roath Park Lake Cardiff?

There’s lots to do at the Grade One listed park. You can walk around the lake itself, which is a distance of around a mile.

There’s a brilliant children’s playground with the famous long slide and a huge rope climbing frame. You’ll find a couple of trees to climb, lots of benches to sit on plus the flower gardens are in full bloom over the summer.

Terra Nova café serves hot and cold food and drinks, including pizzas, plus there’s an ice cream kiosk and usually an ice cream van.

The park has two blocks of toilets.

As well as Roath Lake and the playground, you can explore the Wild Gardens, to the north of the lake, the botanic garden filled with floral displays and the conservatory. Head a little further South for Roath Pleasure Gardens and Roath Recreational Ground, which has football and rugby pitches, a children’s playrground and is next to Penylan Community Centre with a library and under 5s soft play (check for opening hours).

Roath Park and Pleasure Gardens are open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunshine. The Recreation Ground is open 24 hours a day.

Visiting Roath Park Conservatory

We also headed to Roath Park Conservatory, the indoor greenhouse-style building which is home to huge goldfish, turtles, ducks and plants living in the tropical heat. It doesn’t take long to walk around, and it’s pretty warm inside, but it’s a nice extra if you’re visiting the park.

Entry is £2.50 for adults, £1.25 for children, free for under 5s with annual season tickets available for £20 adults, £14 children and £50.25 families (2+2)

The conservatory is open from 10.30am-4pm during the summer.

How to get to Roath Lake and Park Cardiff

You can find Roath Park Lake on Lake Road West or Lake Road West, with the postcode CF23 5PH.

There is plenty of free roadside parking around the lake, although please be mindful of local residents.

You can also get there via bus (Cardiff Bus routes 28, 28A, 28B) or it’s a short  walk from Heath High Level or Heath Low Level train stations.

Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, CF23 5PH

I have plenty more ideas for local days out in the Cardiff section of my blog, as well as lots of videos on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.

Do tag me in your adventures if you visit Roath Lake Cardiff and hire a pedalo. Or let me know if you’ve visited anywhere you’ve seen recommended here. I started Cardiff Mummy Says to help families make the most of all the brilliant places we have locally. It makes my day when someone tells me they’ve been somewhere I’ve posted about.

More days out ideas for families in and near Cardiff

Bluebells at Coed y Wenallt, Cardiff

Climbing the Garth with children

Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Nash Point lighthouse and Nash Point