Roath Local History Society: Guardians of Cardiff's Past
Explore Cardiff’s heritage through the Roath Local History Society, preserving the stories and culture of the old Roath parish since the 1980s.
The Roath Local History Society, located at St Edward's on Westville Road in Cardiff, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the old parish of Roath and its surrounding areas. Since its inception in the 1980s, the society has been a hub for historical research, exhibitions, and community engagement, offering visitors a unique insight into Cardiff’s cultural and natural heritage through diverse collections and events.
A brief summary to Roath Local History Society
- St Edward's, Westville Rd, Cardiff, CF23 5DE, GB
- +442920810077
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the society’s event calendar for talks and exhibitions that offer deeper insights into local history.
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and opportunities to engage with knowledgeable volunteers.
- Explore the society’s newsletters and publications available on-site for detailed historical accounts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take Cardiff Bus services 11 or 12 from the city center to Westville Road; the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Services run frequently during the day but reduce in the evening. A single fare costs around £2.00.
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Train and Walk
From Cardiff Central Station, take a taxi or bus to Westville Road, approximately a 10-minute ride. Walking from the station is possible in about 30 minutes along urban streets. Taxi fares start at £6.00.
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Car
Driving to St Edward’s on Westville Road takes about 15 minutes from Cardiff city center. Parking options nearby are limited and may require street parking permits. Be mindful of local parking restrictions.
Roath Local History Society location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Roath Local History Society
Origins and Mission of the Society
Founded in the 1980s, the Roath Local History Society has devoted itself to researching and preserving the history of the old parish of Roath, which historically encompassed areas such as Roath, Splott, Adamsdown, Pengam, and Pen-y-lan. Its mission is to bring local history to life by collecting stories, artifacts, and documents that illustrate the social, cultural, and industrial evolution of this vibrant part of Cardiff.Collections and Research Focus
The society's collections are diverse, covering not only historical documents but also art, geology, and natural history relevant to the region. These resources provide a comprehensive picture of Roath’s development over time, from its rural origins to its growth as a dynamic urban community. Research projects often explore themes such as local architecture, community life, and the natural environment, enriching public understanding of Cardiff’s heritage.Community Engagement and Educational Role
Roath Local History Society actively engages the community through newsletters, talks, exhibitions, and guided tours. These activities foster a connection between residents and their local history, encouraging participation in preserving the past. The society serves as an educational resource for schools, historians, and anyone interested in the area's unique story.Venue and Atmosphere
Housed at St Edward’s on Westville Road, the society’s venue offers a welcoming and intimate setting for visitors. The location itself is part of the community fabric, providing a tangible link to the history it preserves. Exhibits and events are designed to be accessible and engaging, inviting visitors to explore Cardiff’s heritage in a relaxed and informative environment.Significance Within Cardiff’s Cultural Landscape
As a custodian of local history, the society plays a crucial role in maintaining Cardiff’s cultural identity. It complements other historical and cultural institutions by focusing on the specific narratives of Roath and its environs. This localized focus enriches the broader understanding of Cardiff’s past and contributes to the city’s diverse historical tapestry.Future Directions and Preservation Efforts
Looking ahead, the Roath Local History Society continues to expand its archives and outreach, embracing digital technologies to make history more accessible. Preservation efforts remain central to its work, ensuring that future generations can explore and appreciate the rich heritage of Roath and Cardiff at large.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
James Howell's House
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Scott Memorial Lighthouse
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Historic lighthouse memorial in Roath Park honoring Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition, set beside Cardiff’s scenic Victorian lake.
The Gathering - Cardiff
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Victorian Neogothic landmark and active faith community in the heart of Cardiff
Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Cardiff.
1.7 km
A dynamic Christian church in the Capitol Shopping Centre, offering daily worship, prayer, and community in the heart of Cardiff.
Capitol Cardiff
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Discover the heart of Cardiff at Capitol Cardiff, a shopping center offering diverse retail options, dining experiences, and a taste of local culture.
HMP Cardiff
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Discover the rich history and architectural significance of HMP Cardiff, a landmark prison reflecting the evolution of the UK's justice system.
City Hall
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Majestic Edwardian Baroque landmark and civic heart of Cardiff, crowned by a striking clock tower with a Welsh dragon.
South African War Memorial
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Nereid Statue
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Cardiff Town Wall
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Step back into medieval Cardiff with the ancient Town Wall, a striking relic offering history, architecture, and panoramic city views.
Fogo's Free Tours
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Explore the vibrant history and culture of Cardiff with Fogo's Free Tours – an engaging experience for every traveler.
John Batchelor Statue
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A Victorian radical immortalised in bronze, standing where Cardiff’s political battles once raged.
Historical Wales
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Explore Historical Wales, a charming gift shop in Cardiff, offering unique souvenirs that embody the rich culture and heritage of Wales.
Animal Wall
2.3 km
Explore the Animal Wall in Cardiff, a historical landmark filled with whimsical animal sculptures that tell the story of the city's rich heritage.
Roath Park Wild Gardens
2.4 km
Experience the natural beauty of Roath Park Wild Gardens, a serene nature reserve in Cardiff perfect for family outings and peaceful strolls.
Unmissable attractions to see
Roath Brook Gardens
0.1 km
A peaceful, historic garden corridor along Roath Brook offering lush greenery and tranquil urban nature in Cardiff’s Roath district.
Roath Mill Gardens
0.2 km
Discover Roath Mill Gardens, a tranquil 4-acre urban oasis in Cardiff’s Roath district, perfect for peaceful walks and seasonal nature escapes.
Claude
0.3 km
Traditional stone-fronted corner pub on Albany Road—simple food, rotating ales, sports screens and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Pear Tree
0.4 km
A friendly Wellfield Road pub with classic pub food, cask ales and a cosy beer garden — ideal for relaxed meals, drinks and dog‑friendly afternoons.
Rainbow Bargain
0.5 km
A compact Roath discount store stocking thousands of everyday bargains, DIY essentials and party supplies under one roof.
Roath Recreation Ground
0.6 km
A lively, family-friendly urban park in Cardiff offering playgrounds, sports fields, and peaceful green spaces for recreation and relaxation.
The Cardiff Buddhist Centre
1.1 km
A peaceful urban sanctuary offering meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhist teachings in the heart of Cardiff.
AdventureRooms Escape Games Cardiff
1.2 km
Engage your mind and teamwork skills with immersive escape room adventures in the heart of Cardiff.
Cardiff Indoor Flea Market
1.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s vibrant indoor market with vintage treasures, antiques, and a cozy tearoom in a friendly, accessible industrial setting.
Roath Park Conservatory
1.4 km
Step into a tropical haven within Cardiff’s historic Roath Park, where exotic plants and tranquil koi ponds create a serene escape.
Howardian Local Nature Reserve
1.5 km
A serene 32-acre urban nature reserve near Cardiff city centre, rich in wildlife, woodland, meadows, and peaceful trails.
Roath Park
1.5 km
A historic Victorian park in Cardiff featuring a vast lake, iconic lighthouse, tropical conservatory, and diverse recreational spaces for all ages.
Cardiff International Film Festival
1.5 km
Where world cinema meets Welsh culture—a premier festival celebrating global storytelling and filmmaking excellence.
Parc Mackenzie
1.6 km
A tranquil urban park in Cardiff honoring Wales’ first female professor with serene green spaces and academic heritage.
National Museum Cardiff
1.6 km
Explore world-class Welsh art, natural history, and culture at Cardiff’s iconic free museum in the heart of the city.
Essential places to dine
SaraZtro
0.4 km
Authentic Greek flavors and warm hospitality await you at SaraZtro, Cardiff’s beloved Mediterranean gem on Wellfield Road.
Legacy Indian Cuisine
0.4 km
Authentic Indian flavors meet fresh ingredients and warm hospitality in Cardiff’s beloved Legacy Indian Cuisine.
Silures
0.4 km
Experience exquisite modern European cuisine with elegant ambiance and impeccable service in the heart of Cardiff.
Juno Lounge
0.4 km
A welcoming British café and bar in Cardiff with dedicated gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options for inclusive dining all day long.
Troy Meze Bar
0.4 km
Authentic Mediterranean meze and charcoal-grilled kebabs served with warm hospitality in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Roath district.
Yamas Restaurant Cardiff
0.4 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in Cardiff’s lively Yamas Restaurant.
La Dolce Vita
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Cardiff’s cozy La Dolce Vita on Wellfield Road.
Little Kochi
0.5 km
Discover authentic Keralan cuisine with generous portions and vibrant flavors at Little Kochi, Cardiff’s premier South Indian restaurant.
Chickaros Cardiff
0.7 km
Savor succulent chicken and gourmet flavors in a lively, welcoming spot on Cardiff’s Albany Road.
Shaam nights restaurant
1.0 km
Experience authentic Syrian cuisine and ornate Middle Eastern ambiance in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Roath district.
Giardini di Sorrento
1.2 km
Experience authentic Southern Italian cuisine with warm hospitality and a dog-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Cardiff’s City Road.
The Hellenic Eatery
1.4 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality at The Hellenic Eatery in Cardiff’s vibrant Crwys Road.
Svago Italian
1.5 km
Authentic Italian flavors and vegan delights served in a welcoming Cardiff setting with a lively bar atmosphere.
Calabrisella Cathays
1.5 km
Savor authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in a lively Cardiff setting with warm service and a vibrant atmosphere.
Daffodil
1.6 km
Stylish gastro pub in Cardiff offering seasonal Welsh dishes, creative cocktails, and a serene garden terrace in the city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Penny Lane Vintage
0.4 km
Unearth hand-picked 1940s-1970s treasures—vintage clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and homewares—in Cardiff's charming Roath arcade boutique.
Boutique 53
0.4 km
Discover curated ladies' fashion on Cardiff's vibrant Wellfield Road, where independent style meets personalized service in Roath's chic shopping heart.
Style Bird
0.4 km
Uncover curated fashion treasures at Style Bird, Cardiff's intimate boutique in Roath where unique styles and personal service create wardrobe magic.
Gift shop Cardiff Home 4 You Home goods and craft store
0.8 km
Uncover eclectic home goods, crafts, and jewelry in Roath's charming Gift Shop Cardiff Home 4 You – where style meets affordability on Albany Road.
Dandy Gallery Retro Vintage Antique Shop Cardiff
1.3 km
Discover Cardiff’s premier retro and vintage shop offering unique antiques, mid-century furniture, and decorative treasures in a vibrant industrial setting.
Cathays High Store
1.3 km
Discover the convenience of Cathays High Store in Cardiff, your local supermarket offering a wide range of groceries and local specialties.
City Shop
1.4 km
Discover Cardiff's City Shop, your convenient destination for essentials, snacks, and local treats in the heart of the city.
Flamingos Vintage Cardiff
1.7 km
Discover sustainable style and unique vintage treasures by weight at Flamingos Vintage Cardiff in the Capitol Shopping Centre.
The Thrift - Cardiffs Vintage Superstore
1.8 km
Discover Cardiff’s ultimate vintage warehouse with racks of unique, affordable, and rare fashion treasures in a fun, underground setting.
Ganesha
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Discover ethically sourced Indian and Nepali handicrafts, jewelry, and vibrant clothing in the heart of Cardiff's Queen Street shopping scene.
Cardiff Creative Shop
1.9 km
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Rokit Cardiff
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Flying Tiger
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Discover quirky Scandinavian gifts and creative everyday essentials at Flying Tiger in Cardiff’s St David's Centre.
The Works
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Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street shopping district.
Little Welsh Company
2.1 km
Discover Cardiff's premier independent shop for authentic Welsh gifts, blending tradition with modern charm since 2003 on lively St John Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wellfield Terrace Bar
0.4 km
Cozy terrace pours on Roath's lively Wellfield Road, where craft beers flow amid Cardiff's indie neighborhood buzz. Unwind with locals under string lights. (162 characters)
Albany Hotel
0.7 km
A friendly, old-school Cardiff pub with affordable rooms above — straightforward food, local ales and a cosy, lived-in atmosphere.
Royal Oak
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The Royal George
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Historic Roath pub at 'Death Junction'—live sports, student deals, and community vibes in a Victorian V-shaped gem.
Crwys Hotel
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Cathays' cozy corner for pub grub, pints, sports screens, sunny garden escapes, and quiz nights in Cardiff's student heartland.
The Vulcan Lounge
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Boho pub vibes, craft pours, and hearty bites in Cardiff's student heartland – unwind with ales, pizzas, and pool in this eclectic Cathays lounge.
Gassy's
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A lively Cathays pub and kitchen offering affordable pub food, strong vegan choices, bottomless brunch and regular quizzes, live music and sports screenings.
Cathays Beer House
1.4 km
Cozy Crwys Road craft beer haven with high ceilings, expert pours, live events, and outdoor vibes in Cardiff's vibrant Cathays.
Pen & Wig
1.5 km
Traditional Cardiff pub haven: award-winning pies, real ales, and a heated beer garden moments from Queen Street's energy.
The Flora
1.5 km
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Cathays Sports & Social Club
1.5 km
Cardiff's unpretentious social hub: cheap pints, games galore, live tunes, and community vibes in student-favorite Cathays.
Bar 105
1.6 km
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The Woodville
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Cathays' go-to pub for burgers, brews, sports screens, and unbeatable student specials in a lively, welcoming spot.
Henry's Cafe Bar Cardiff
1.8 km
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Yates - Cardiff
1.8 km
Lively sports bar and nightclub in Cardiff city centre with unbeatable sports coverage, great drinks, and a unique dancing doorman.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Globe
0.4 km
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Pulse
1.8 km
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CIRCUIT Cardiff
1.8 km
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Tiger Tiger Cardiff
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The CUBE
1.9 km
Cardiff’s vibrant nightclub hotspot offering dynamic music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city.
For Your Eyes Only
2.2 km
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Metros
2.2 km
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Clwb Ifor Bach
2.3 km
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Fuel Rock Club
2.3 km
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Popworld - Cardiff
2.3 km
Dive into cheesy pop heaven at Popworld Cardiff—karaoke, half-price drinks, and dance floor anthems until 3am on vibrant St Mary Street.
Be At One - Cardiff
2.4 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail culture at Be At One in Cardiff, where every drink is a celebration and the atmosphere is electric!
Dirty Martini - Cocktail Bar in Cardiff
2.4 km
Experience Cardiff's nightlife at Dirty Martini, the ultimate cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Walkabout - Cardiff
2.4 km
Discover the ultimate sports bar experience in Cardiff, offering vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and live sports in a lively atmosphere.
The Vaults
3.4 km
Dive into Cardiff’s iconic underground club housed in a historic former bank, where techno beats and vibrant nightlife come alive beneath the city streets.
Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
3.5 km
Dive into Cardiff Bay's sizzling hub of drag, burlesque, comedy, and live music at Cabaret – where inclusive performances sparkle with pop culture magic and high-energy fun.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
