Socials and recreation

Local walks 

Bute Park

The conference venue is situated near the beautiful grounds of Bute Park and Arboretum that has a castle as its backdrop and is located within the city-centre. It is large in size (equivalent to 80 football pitches) and contains a nationally-significant tree collection, numerous natural play features, fitness equipment, an education/visitor centre, three cafes, and a wealth of horticultural and wildlife interest.

There are also built heritage features within the park including the iconic stone carved animals atop the “Animal Wall” which forms the boundary between the park and a major city centre high street, and the remains of a medieval friary. The River Taff and a canal both run through the park so there are some beautiful waterside walks. 

Local walks

Pontcanna Fields and Sophia Gardens

Pontcanna Fields, on the western bank of the River Taff, adjoins Llandaff Fields to the west and Sophia Gardens to the south. Like Sophia Gardens it was originally part of the Bute Estate, and open to the public although privately owned. 

The present day Pontcanna Fields is largely a flat open grassed area. Its characteristic feature is an avenue of lime trees running north-south the length of the park. These trees were planted in the winter of 1879-80 by Andrew Pettigrew, Head Gardener to the Marquis of Bute, and father of W.W. and A.A. Pettigrew. 

The high stone wall separating Pontcanna Fields from Llandaff Fields is another historic feature. This wall was built in the late nineteenth century and starts at the south as the western boundary of Sophia Gardens.

Evening social

Evening social dinner

Details of the meeting evening social dinner will follow soon.