Open Tranquility
Our beautiful gardens have been open to all as a public garden since 1946. They are popular for dog walking, picnics or just admiring the flowers. Access is free, with pedestrian access available from the North Gate on Fairwater Road (main entrance), the South Gate on Vaughan Avenue and the East Gate on Insole Gardens.
If you would like to volunteer in our gardens you can join our drop-in session on Wednesdays 10am-1pm. To join us and find out further information about volunteering opportunities, please click here.
We work closely with Cardiff Council to maintain our gardens to the best standards. Our Gardening Volunteers currently work on a project-by-project basis.
Information
Opening Times
Sunrise – Sunset 7 days a week
Tours
To find our more about the history of the garden, including fascinating facts about the exotic trees and plants, you can take one of our seasonal Garden Tours.
Find out more
FAQs
If your question isn’t answered below, please email [email protected]
Cycling
Cycling
Bike racks are available at both the Potting Shed southern entrance and at the Mansion in front of the Swiss Wing
Public Transport
Public Transport
By Bus
The nearest buses that operate between Cardiff city centre and Insole Court are:
66 (Cardiff Bus)
Alight on Fairwater Road at Rookwood Close, walk back 150m to the North gate.
25, 62 or 63 (Cardiff Bus) & 122 or 124 (Stagecoach)
This stop is 550m from the North Gate on Fairwater Rd. Alight at Llandaff Black Lion, walk up the hill to the traffic lights, turn left into Fairwater Road, and follow the brown signs.
Insole Court is approximately a 25 minute bus ride from Cardiff city centre.
You can plan your bus or train journey using the Traveline Cymru website or by calling their helpline on 0300 200 22 33.
By Train
The nearest station is Fairwater. Insole Court is 500m from the Fairwater Road exit. Services are operated by Transport For Wales on the City Line that runs from Coryton to Radyr through the city centre (and in reverse).
Eating
Eating
The Potting Shed Cafe is open 9-5 daily and serves a selection of locally sourced, seasonal dishes as well as coffee, cakes and bakes. There are picnic benches in the grounds for you to enjoy takeaway orders during busy times.
Dog Walkers
Dog Walkers
Dog walkers are welcome around the site. A water bowl is available by the Gift Shop and we sell dog treats in both the Gift Shop and the Mansion, We kindly ask that dogs are kept on leads on the northern drive and in the car park for safety.
Parking
Parking
We have a dedicated Car Park on site with spaces taken on a first come first serve basis. Parking is free but we ask for a suggested donation of £3 for those who can afford it. This can be paid in the Gift Shop or the Foyer of the Mansion. When the Car Park is full we ask people not to park in undesignated places but to instead park off site on the surrounding streets. Please respect local residents when finding a space.
Accessibility
Accessibility
Both the Stable Yard and Mansion have disabled access toilets. Please download a map from our ‘Visit’ page to view accessible pathways in the gardens. Assistance dogs are allowed in all buildings. Disabled parking is available north of the Gift Shop in our car park.
Baby Changing
Baby Changing
Baby Changing facilities are available in both the Mansion and in 2 locations in the Stableyard.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
1 day wi-fi codes are available from the Potting Shed Cafe and Gift Shop. Join the network ‘Insole Court Free Wi-Fi’ and enter your code.
Become a Member
By joining as a member you will help us conserve Insole Court and ensure its future as a place for all the people of Cardiff. So please support us today.
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