Welsh National War Memorial, Cardiff
A solemn Gothic Revival monument in Cardiff honoring Welsh soldiers who sacrificed their lives in both World Wars.
The Welsh National War Memorial in Cardiff’s Alexandra Gardens is a solemn monument honoring Welsh soldiers who died in the First and Second World Wars. Designed by renowned Gothic Revival architect Sir Ninian Comper and unveiled in 1928 by the Prince of Wales, the memorial features a circular Portland stone colonnade with bronze statues representing the army, navy, air force, and Victory. It stands as a poignant tribute to sacrifice and national remembrance.
A brief summary to Wales National War Memorial
- Cardiff, CF10 3NS, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during quieter weekday mornings for a tranquil experience and better photo opportunities.
- Take time to read the inscriptions and appreciate the symbolic bronze statues representing different military branches.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Cathays Park to explore Cardiff’s civic architecture and green spaces.
- Attend remembrance events held here on key dates such as Armistice Day for a meaningful cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take Cardiff Bus services 6 or 8, which stop near Cathays Park, with a journey time of approximately 15-25 minutes from Cardiff Central Station. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evening and weekend variations. A single ticket costs around £2.50.
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Train and Walk
From Cardiff Central Station, walk approximately 20 minutes through the city center to reach Alexandra Gardens. Alternatively, take a local train to Cathays Station, then walk about 5 minutes. Walking routes are mostly flat and accessible.
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Taxi
Taxis from Cardiff Central Station to the Welsh National War Memorial take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6 to £10. Taxis provide a convenient option if carrying luggage or visiting outside public transport hours.
Wales National War Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Wales National War Memorial
A Tribute to Welsh Sacrifice
The Welsh National War Memorial stands in Alexandra Gardens, Cardiff, as a dignified tribute to the Welsh men who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial was first proposed during the First World War and gained momentum after the war’s end, with a national subscription fund established in 1919. Its purpose is to honor the courage and sacrifice of Wales’ servicemen without listing individual names, instead symbolizing collective remembrance.Design and Artistic Significance
Designed by Sir John Ninian Comper, a distinguished Gothic Revival architect known primarily for ecclesiastical furnishings, this memorial is his only secular work. Completed in 1928, the memorial is a circular colonnade crafted from Portland stone. Four bronze statues by artist A.B. Pegram represent the army, navy, air force, and a central figure symbolizing Victory. The statues were modeled on a young sailor named Fred Barker, adding a personal human element to the monument. The design also includes three leaping dolphins, enhancing its maritime symbolism.Symbolism and Inscriptions
The memorial is rich in symbolism, with Latin inscriptions above each statue reading "In hoc signo vinces" (In this sign you will be victorious). A Welsh inscription above the columns honors the sons of Wales who gave their lives in the 1914-1918 war. Inside, an English inscription by Comper invites visitors to remember those who endured unto death in war by sea, land, and air. In 1949, a plaque was added to commemorate those who died in the Second World War, broadening the memorial’s scope.Historical Context and Unveiling
The memorial’s creation was overseen by a committee led by Cardiff’s Lord Mayor, with the final site chosen in Alexandra Gardens after some debate. Construction began in 1926 and was completed by early 1928. The unveiling ceremony on June 12, 1928, was a significant event attended by nearly 50,000 people and officiated by the Prince of Wales, who notably delivered part of his speech in Welsh after a lesson en route from David Lloyd George.Contemporary Recognition and Surroundings
Today, the Welsh National War Memorial remains a focal point for remembrance ceremonies and a place for quiet reflection amidst Cardiff’s civic center. Nearby, a separate memorial unveiled in 2019 acknowledges the sacrifices of people from minority backgrounds, reflecting evolving recognition of diverse contributions in wartime. The memorial’s location in Cathays Park places it within a historic and cultural precinct of Cardiff, surrounded by other notable civic buildings and green spaces.Architectural and Cultural Legacy
The memorial exemplifies early 20th-century commemorative architecture blending Gothic revival influences with classical monumentality. It stands as a testament not only to those who served but also to the artistic vision of Comper and the community’s commitment to remembrance. Its enduring presence continues to inspire respect and contemplation for Wales’ wartime history and heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Principality Stadium
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Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Museum Ave
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Parc Mackenzie
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Gorsedd Gardens Rd
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National Museum Cardiff
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Gorsedd Gardens
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Cardiff's tranquil civic heart: historic stones, exotic blooms, and urban serenity.
Cardiff International Film Festival
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Bute Park
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Cardiff's verdant 130-acre sanctuary where Victorian heritage meets modern celebration, beneath ancient trees and winter lights.
Coopers Field
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Queen Anne Square
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New Theatre
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Cardiff Castle
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Cardiff Castle Museum
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Essential places to dine
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Bellini's
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The Welsh House Cardiff
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Valentino's
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Pasture Restaurant Cardiff
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The Potted Pig
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Calabrisella Cathays
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The Botanist Cardiff
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Maison de Bœuf
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Cafe Citta
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Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)
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Asador 44 Spanish Grill & Wine House
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Casanova
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A long-standing Cardiff trattoria serving authentic regional Italian food with warm service and an excellent all-Italian wine list.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rokit Cardiff
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The Works
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Cardiff Creative Shop
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Castle Welsh Crafts Ltd
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Hobos Vintage
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A vibrant Cardiff vintage shop packed with retro fashion, trainers, and accessories from the 1950s to today – perfect for throwback style and bargain finds.
Ganesha
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Little Welsh Company
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Great Welsh Gifts
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Flamingos Vintage Cardiff
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Flying Tiger
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Knight Vintage
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Mojo King
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Urban Outfitters
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The CUBE
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Coco Cubanas
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
