Wales is known for its sweeping shorelines, idyllic countryside and rugged mountains. But another golden - or even green - gem we are lucky have on our doorstep and take advantage of regularly are the vast number of glorious open spaces and parks, offering much more than just a play area.
With nominees for the UK's favourite parks 2022, as stated by Fields in Trust, having recently been released - see the shortlist here - it seems the UK agrees as a stunning handful of them are, rightfully so, located in good ol' Cymru.
Read more: The four Welsh beaches named the cleanest in the UK & Ireland
While South Wales seems to hold the most nominations in and around its capital city, there are parks all over that you simply must visit, soaking up all its green goodness.
Voting is now open for you to crown your favourite park here. But to make things a bit easier, here's a list below - in no particular order - of the Welsh nominees:
Parc Bryn Bach
There is more to this particular park than a field. As a local nature reserve, it boasts an incredible 340 acres of grass and woodland and has a sparkling 36-acre lake. It's even big enough to house its own caravan park with bunkhouses and a cafe to enjoy and short or long stay amongst nature.
There are also plans for a 'Wellbeing Workspace', for busy bees to attend to their work duties whilst marveling at the parcs stunning surroundings. Over the summer, there are activities for all the family being held here also, such as climbing, caveing, canoeing and kayaking.
For more information, see here
Where: Merthyr Road, Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, NP22 3AY
Treharris Park
Treharris Park opened its gates 110 years ago in 1912 as a recreational pleasure ground on what was previously farmland known as Penygraig. Now, it boasts a lovely children's playground and paddling pool, a gorgeous old bandstand - with seating - bowling green, pavilion, football pitch and much more. The park also houses an abundance of greenery - such as conifer and maple trees.
For more information, see here
Where: 7 High St, Trelewis, Treharris CF46 6BT
Pembrey Country Park
This park seems to have the best of what Wales has to offer: gorgeous woodland, miles of golden sands on Cefn Sidan Beach and trails and walks in the countryside - alongside a variety of activities to keep the whole family occupied. Need to entertain the kids - or the adults? You're in luck as there is an adventure playground, ski and activity centre in the grounds as well as golf, tobogganing and cycle hire. It even has Pembrey Country Park Family Caravan & Camping Park to cater for an ideal break away.
For more information, see here
Where: Pembrey, Burry Port SA16 0EJ
Six Bells Park
With a gorgeous backdrop of the Welsh mountains, this park offers sporting and recreational facilities as well as a children's play area. According to Fields in Trust, it's likely your thirst won't go unquenched during your visit, as it states: "An active Friends group run a refreshment kiosk with seating". It is also home to Six Bells Bowls and Tennis Clubs.
For more information, see here
Where: Windsor Road, Abertillery, NP13 2QE
Creigiau Recreation Field
Managed by Creigiau Recreation Charity, the recreation grounds consist of a sports field, small pavilion, changing room and Petanque court. It is also home to the local cricket, tennis, Cambrian archery, football, and Petanque clubs. On its website, however, they have revealed a number of exciting proposals that include a games area, playground and outdoor exercise area, perimeter path for walking and an extension of the pavilion.
For more information, see here
Where: Station Road, Creigiau, Cardiff CF15 9NT
Pontypool Park
Formerly part of Pontypool House's estate - which was laid out in 1703 - this open space, locally known as the 'People's Park', spans 64 hectares and has some amazing features steeped in history - including the Italian Gardens, Tramway Tunnel, Ice Houses and Shell Grotto (pictured).
One visitor to the park left a glowing review on TripAdvisor, mentioning: "The gated park was embroiled in history and there were several historical points of interest, including the 19th century twin ice houses near the museum, the Gorsedd Round Circle and the Shell Grotto decorated with bones and shells."
Other features include a children's play area, rugby pitch, tennis courts, pitch and putt, bowls and a dry ski slope.
For more information, see here
Where: Pontypool NP4 8AY
Plascrug Park
Taking a stroll in this gorgeous park will transport you to that of St James' in London with its treelined avenues and grass spaces on either side. Take a picnic with you to make use of the glorious summer weather during the summer months.
Where: Plascrug Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23
Llanfallteg Memorial Playing Field
This Carmarthenshire park is a “Queen Elizabeth II Field in Trust” protected green space that can be accessed via the public footpath. Established as part of the community since 1926, the park has hosted a variety of memorable occasions. "From five a-side football tournaments, to fun runs and community fun days, there's a rich history not to be forgotten," says the website.
It has also recently installed outdoor exercise equipment for those wanting to keep their fitness levels up on their visit.
For more information, see here
Where: Llanfallteg, Whitland SA34 0UN
Heath Park
With woodland, wildlife ponds, sensory gardens, and a model railway, this park has nature in abundance and entertainment for all the family. Located on the outskirts of Heath Hospital, the park also boasts a lovely King George V Memorial Playing Field where you can enjoy a picnic and bask in the sunshine. With a play area for kids and a wetland reserve, it’s a stunning place to enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Where: 149 King George V Drive East, Cardiff CF14 4EN
Roath Park
A botanical garden, a ginormous lake that houses a beautiful old memorial known as the lighthouse, a play park, a woodland, a wild garden, a conservatory - with unique plants and fish - and acres of vast open green grass make up this stunning city centre park. It also includes a beautiful man-made lake. A stone's throw away from Wellfield and Albany Road, you can picnic, play football, rugby and frolic in the sun to your heart’s content at this stunning staple in Cardiff which has been loved by the locals since 1894.
Where: Lake Road West, Cardiff CF23 5PA
Victoria Park
Situated in the heart of Canton, this gorgeous Grade II listed park was named after the Queen at the time of its opening in 1897 and was created to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee marking sixty years on the throne. What’s so charming about the park is that it still contains the original model boating and paddling pool - which, every summer, are always a hit. It also houses a stunning bandstand, complete with intricate detailing, replicating the original one built in 1898 that sadly fell into disrepair and was demolished.
Perhaps Vicky Park’s most thrilling feature is the Splashpad for kids to entertain themselves - features include sprays, jets, a tipping water bucket and a tunnel.
Where: Victoria Park Road East, Cardiff CF5 1EH
Maindy Park
This old park underwent some beautiful changes recently - following a consultation with residents - and reopened in May with some new and improved additions. It saw the park install a brand new play area, a natural play area, walkways, table tennis, picnic tables - some complete with board games - new seating areas and more. The works were all part of Cardiff's plan to make the Welsh capital a Child Friendly City. Luscious trees, shrubs and meadow grass areas were also installed.
Where: 25 Gelligaer Street, Cardiff CF24 4LD
Bute Park
This historic and utterly gorgeous park in the centre of the city has so much to offer. From quiet spots in amongst the magnificent arboretum to the Secret Garden Cafe and musical instruments installed amongst the foliage, this vast landscape - which travels across 130 acres - was once the pleasure ground of Cardiff Castle and continues to please the people of Cardiff and beyond come rain or shine. It’s no wonder it’s been named one of Britain's most valuable green spaces.
Where: North Road, Cardiff CF10 3ER
Roath Mill Gardens
These gardens, much like Roath Park, were landscaped by famous Cardiff gardener William Pettigrew and opened in 1912, six years after the land was given to Cardiff Corporation by Lord Tredegar. At the time, the gardens featured just under a hundred varieties of trees and shrubbery plus a paddling pool and rockery. The paddling pool and rockery have since gone but the park remains decorated with trees - some of which are of the 'champion' variety.
Where: Roath, Cardiff CF23 5DF
Hailey Park
If you're a keen tennis player, this park just north of Llandaff is one you need to visit. To play the game, there is no charge for using the courts and no booking needed. Around these courts, visitors can meander along the Taff Trail beside the river. You can also cycle through the park along the river and across to Danescourt and Radyr. Alongside tennis courts, stunning walkways and a managed wildlife meadow, the park boasts a children's playground.
Where: 88 Ty-Mawr Road, Llandaff North, Cardiff CF14 2FQ
Loggerheads Country Park
This country park lies within the Clwydian Range and is rich in heritage and wildlife. Marvel at its purple heather moorland or tackle the circular Cliff Top Trail along the River Alyn which takes you through rich woodland and onto the limestone cliffs that boasts amazing views across to Moel Famau.
For more information, see here
Where: Ruthin Road, Mold CH7 5LH
Belle Vue Park (Newport)
A holder of Green flag status, Belle Vue Park in Newport has everything you'd hope for in a Victorian public park - conservatories, pavilion, bandstand, fountains and cascading rockeries. It opened in 1892 and was designed by Thomas H. Mawson of Windermere. It held the National Eisteddfod in 1897, which led to the placement of the ceremonial Gorsedd stones around which the council planted gorgeous oak trees - some of which are still standing today.
The park also holds a grade II listed teahouse.
Where: 33 Waterloo Road, Newport NP20 4FP
Bellevue Park (Wrexham)
Historically known as 'The Parciau', Bellevue Park was built in the Edwardian era in 1906. During the 1970s the park fell into disrepair, which spurred on a refurbishment. It reopened in 2000 with a children's play area, bowling green, tennis and basketball courts and a jogging route. A stunning feature of this park, however, has to be its original Edwardian bandstand set in an amphitheater, which is still used for concerts throughout the summer.
For more information, see here
Where: Bellevue Road, Wrexham LL13 7LY
Haywards Field
This gorgeous park in North Wales was, for a while it seems, in the line of fire for developers wanting to build housing atop the green space. However, the field seems yet to go under and is enjoyed by locals in the area.
Where: Nant Y Gaer Road, Llay, Wrexham, LL12 0SG
Penrhos Coastal Park
Located on the island of Anglesey, this park has been open to the public for over 30 years and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It forms part of the Anglesey Coastal Path Network and houses two of the National Cycle Track Routes. It has plenty of stunning features for all to enjoy including vast woodland, flower meadows, bird watching and the beach - to name a few.
For more information, see here
Where: 42 Stanley Avenue, Valley, Holyhead LL65 2JE
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