Gorsedd Gardens, Cardiff

Gorsedd Gardens, nestled in the heart of Cardiff, offers a serene escape amidst the city's hustle. Located strategically between the National Museum of Wales and the historical neo-Gothic Park House, the garden serves as a picturesque oasis with a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The garden is famous for its vibrant floral compositions that provide a burst of color throughout the seasons, alongside intricate fountains that add a sense of tranquility. The centerpiece of the garden is a stone circle known as the Gorsedd Stones. Constructed in 1899 during the National Eisteddfod of Wales held in Cardiff, these stones pay homage to the Gorsedd of Welsh Bards, a ceremonial order integral to the Eisteddfod tradition.

The garden also hosts several notable monuments and statues that enrich its cultural tapestry. These include statues of David Lloyd George, the only Welsh Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Lord Ninian Edward Crichton Stuart, a World War I hero and member of the influential Bute family. Both statues are works of the Cardiff-born sculptor Sir William Goscombe John. Additional statues in the garden include John Cory, a local coal owner and philanthropist, and an equestrian statue of Viscount Tredegar, both also by Goscombe John.

Gorsedd Gardens was officially opened to the public in 1910 after the city agreed to bear the cost of a caretaker. It has since been a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a quiet retreat from city life. The garden not only provides a peaceful setting for relaxation but also serves as a window into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Wales.