This is another former licensed tipping ground that's now been transformed into a haven for…read morewildlife and conservation - something Cardiff seems to be very good at! At the heart of the park there's a 4 hectare lake , which is circled by two kilometres of footpath, plus a boardwalk that snakes across the lake. The lake itself is stocked with fish, and at the water's edge lots of reeds and other greenery has been planted to encourage wildlife. You can often spot coots, swans, mallards and other birds around the water's edge, and colourful dragonflies hovering about and landing on the reeds. The only thing I would say is that you're quite exposed at this park, so if it's very hot or very windy there aren't so many places to shelter! If you're driving here, there's a car park off Lamby Way with picnic tables, or you can park on streets in Rumney then just walk the short way to the park via Brachdy Lane.

This park in Pentwyn has the area's leisure centre within its boundaries, plus sports pitches and a…read morebowling green surrounded by borders of flowers and plants and some covered seating. The best thing about this space, however, is the large area of centuries-old woodland it incorporates, which is the most established part of the park (the rest was created more recently when the residential housing area was created). There are wilder woodlands than these in other locations in and around Cardiff, but Parc Coed y Nant's woods still offer a great escape for Pentwyn residents. Next to the woods there's a large lake often lined with people fishing, with swans and other birdlife swimming about. The park is not far from the River Rhymney and more rural areas, so if you keep your eyes peeled you can sometimes spot more unusual visitors such as the odd kingfisher or heron around the lakeside. If you're visiting the park by car, you can park in the leisure centre car park.

For anyone into fishing, Hendre Lake Park in the St Mellon's area of the city is well worth knowing…read moreabout. The whole park is centred around the big 10-acre lake - where you'll also often spot local school children enjoying some educational pond-dipping sessions during the week. It's right next to a substantial residential housing area, so tends to be well-used and is far from 'remote' - but it's a pleasant enough space for a walk and some wildlife spotting. There's been quite a bit of European Union funding given to the project, and the lake is constantly being improved to make the fishing better there. Most of the park falls within the Gwent Levels Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of all the rare and protected plants that grow in the area, particularly in the reens (which are historic ditches criss crossing the area). The lake itself is obviously used for fishing and by schools for environmental studies, but there are also pathways running around the edge for casual walkers and joggers.

This is a beautiful old house just outside Newport, very easy to get to from the motorway, and well…read moreworth a visit. For anyone who's a fan of BBC costume dramas, then this is the type of house that would make any Jane Austen heroine fall in love with even the most ruthless and cutthroat of villainous rich men. It packs quite a punch. Sitting in 90 acres of surrounding parkland, this is a lovely oasis of tranquillity. The house and gardens are open to the public during the summer months, and there are also countless festivals and seasonal events happening throughout the rest of the year. There is also a short avenue of arts and crafts shops which are open throughout the year. Here you'll find Busy Bees Patchwork and many other pottery, art and smithies. Pop along for a cultural afternoon.

Tanya is right on the money when she says this park is straight out of a BBC costume drama (don't…read moreeven get me started on their version of Pride and Prejudice - I know the whole damn thing by heart and that series is most likely the reason I moved to the UK in the first place). I used to work at the government building that's right around the corner, so a few lunch hours were spent walking around this park's stunning grounds. The park and woodland walk is open from 9 am to dusk. The House is open from Easter to the end of September, with house tours from Wednesday - Sunday. Tours last a little over an hour starting at 11am, then run hourly until 4pm. Events are held year round, and more information can be found on their website. Tredegar House is licensed for weddings and caters for conferences, although I'm happy just meandering around the park with the grand house serving as part of the background. If you're not a driver, you can get here via the number 30 and 36 Cardiff Bus, which I'd recommend instead of taking the train, as Newport Railway Station is a fair bit away.

A friend of mine is a big fan of fishing and goes regularly to these lakes,which offer both trout…read morefishing and coarse fishing from early in the morning until dusk every day, with tuition available for beginners. Located in pretty countryside between Cardiff and Newport, the site covers 35 acres, has eight lakes, and a network of roads and gravel paths that link up each of the areas. Up at the main Lodge building there's a well-stocked tackle shop selling all the kit and accessories you could need, and there's also refreshments in a bar and restaurant area (with a big wood burner and comfy sofas) and toilets. As well as catering for individual fishing enthusiasts, they offer corporate packages for entertaining clients or rewarding staff - either fishing or clay pigeon shooting, with lunch as part of the package.

The staff are always helpfull. I have fished horseshoe lake carp lake match lake and willow.Always…read morecaught plenty of good sized fish. Easy fishing pleasant surroundings , never crowded. I'd give it 10 out of 10

There is so much to do and see in Roath Park that each activity almost warrants its own category…read more One of the things to do is take you kids to the playground. A few words of warning though - if you go at the obvious times your kid may have to wait for a go of a swing or a slide as it gets pretty popular. My advice is to go there on a sunny weekday afternoon rather than a weekend and you're child is guaranteed the run fo the place. There is a variety of swings, a big slide built into the banking, a small slide, climbing frames, roundabouts all you need to keep you occupied for an hour or so, sorry I meant all you need to keep you children occupied - I didn't have a go on any of them honestly!

Such a cute park! I had tons of fun with my aunt and 2 younger cousins on the pedal boats (word to…read morethe wise : AVOID the algae, we ended up getting trapped and had to get a friendly couple to push us out XD). The boat is also quite a workout, we ended up getting lazy and making the 8 year old and the 12 year old pedal, classic haha! Lovely place to walk around, had a playground for the kiddies. Very enjoyable hour or so spent here.

Signposted from the M4, this is well worth a visit. There are seven miles of forest to explore,…read morewith several parking bays along the way where you can get out to walk along one of the marked paths, or have a picnic. There is also a fishing lake and a mountain bike trail. The views from the top are incredible! There's a fairly new visitor centre and cafe at the foot of the drive.

We've just spent a lovely couple of days podding at the campsite here absolutely breathtaking…read morescenery, spotless loos and showers, and really well thought out pod arrangements, all for £35 a night (minimum 2 nights). Loved the picnic table and bbq areas too if we come back to South Wales we'll definitely stay again. Gorgeous.

This ancient semi-natural woodland in Lisvane provides the local residents with a fantastic space…read morefor informal recreation, whether it's walking or just enjoying a picnic. The park covers 5 hectares and is owned by Cardiff Council, although locals get involved to help improve and manage the woodlands. The Nant Fawr brook, which runs through the area and finally tips out into Roath Park Lake, was once used to power the Llanishen Corn Mill, and you can still see the old mill pond on the site. If you listen out you can often hear the hammer of woodpeckers in this woodland, and if you keep your eyes peeled to the tree trunks you might spot a tree creeper working its way up and down, hunting for tasty morsels. There is a network of paths throughout, but four main ones that meet at a cross roads.

The best time to go to these woods is in the spring when you can see them carpeted in bluebells and…read morelooking completely magical. They are a pretty sight all year round, however, encompassing 14 acres of mixed native broadleaved woodland with semi natural ancient woodland along a long flat enclosure teetering at the edge of a steep valley drop. It is a valuable section of the Nant Fawr corridor that is recognised by the County Council as having strategic importance in terms of recreation, amenity and wildlife. Hidden away within Lisvane, Cardiff the area is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Those of you keen to get involved in keeping the place looking lovely should get in touch with the Friends of Coed-y-Felin, a group of volunteers, mainly of neighbours from around the wood, and whose objectives include conserving and improving the woods, wildlife, flora and fauna and to promote the educational enjoyment of Coed-y-Felin. Also look out for: Pied Flycatchers in summer who migrate from Africa to nest in Northern Europe.

This may be called a wetlands reserve but its more like a little walkway along the reed area of the…read moresea front. Its not very big and don't expect to see a huge array of animals. There are information boards around so if your a keen wildlife spotter or want to get the kids involved they are a nice touch. What it is, is a very peaceful spot where even on a very busy summers day you can find a spot to sit and enjoy the sun, or feed the ducks (although I don't think your meant too!)

This is a fairly exposed nature reserve with a boardwalk for visitors to stroll along, bordered by…read moremarshy reeds and offering views out over the Bay. These wetlands were created in 2002 when the barrage was completed to compensate partly for the disappearance of the old saline mudflats, which of course were being turned into a freshwater lake. The wetlands provide an important habitat for over-wintering and breeding birds, so the reserve is justifiably popular with birdwatchers. On a cold and windy day, this isn't the most pleasant open space you could choose to explore because it often gets really windy with a nasty chill factor - far better off finding some secluded woods to shelter in. In the summer, however, it's a different story - with some good views from the boardwalk back over the reserve and to the Bay's skyline and out to Cardiff Bay Barrage.