Parc Cefn Onn

About Parc Cefn Onn

This grade 2 listed historic park, situated on the northern fringes of Cardiff, is also designated as a Country Park providing access to the footpath network of Caerphilly Mountain. It contains a truly magnificent collection of native and exotic trees set within an intimate valley. Visitors enjoy the stunning scenery and the calm, relaxing atmosphere.

The upper park was originally laid out around 100 years ago by former owner Ernest Prosser, Director of the adjacent Rhymney Valley Railway. Its tumbling streams and winding paths take advantage of the gentle valley containing the Nant Fawr stream.

The streams, ponds, woodlands and other planting make this a rich haven for wildlife. Visitors regularly return to enjoy the park in different seasons.

Visitor information

The park is open from 7am until 30 minutes before sunset.

Parking available on site.

Features

Grade 2 listed historic park: Listed on the Cadw Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
Woodland garden: laid out after 1944 in the southern part of the site
The Dingle: the historic northern garden laid out by Ernest Prosser. This area contains a collection of rare and exotic plants (closed to the public from 4 February 2019 for 4 months)
Summerhouse and former swimming pool: The pond and summerhouse are early features of the Dingle, constructed to alleviate the symptoms of the tuberculosis suffered by Prosser’s son, Cecil.
Coed Transh yr Hebog: a semi natural Oak and Beech woodland lying north of the more formal parkland near the top of Caerphilly mountain
Mural artwork: located in the subway at the entrance to the park, telling the story of the park
Spring displays: the park is a glorious sight throughout the spring with its floral carpets of spring bulbs and exotic Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Autumn colours: the tree and shrub collection provides a rich and colourful seasonal display in autumn.

Facilities

Wildlife Explorer Trail for children (download a leaflet)
12 Activities for Children in Parc Cefn Onn (download a leaflet)
Waymarked routes: signposted throughout the park and linking to footpaths in the surrounding countryside
Footpath links: to Caerphilly Ridgeway walk
Volunteering opportunities: The Parks Community Ranger Service organises work days and other activities in the park in association with The Friends of Parc Cefn Onn

Tramper hire at Parc Cefn Onn

With support from The Lottery Heritage Fund, we have teamed up with Countryside Mobility, to provide two all-terrain mobility scooters for hire. These are available one day a week on specified dates.

They are safe and easy to use, even if you have never needed to use a scooter before.

You can check availability and make a reservation via the Eventbrite website.

Walk ups may be possible, subject to availability on the specified hire dates.

With 2 routes through the park, you can do a full loop within 1 hour. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, we recommend taking at least 2 hours.

To hire a Tramper, you will need to become a Countryside Mobility member. Memberships can be used at all other Countryside Mobility locations.

Membership options:

12 months – £15 (ideal for repeat visits to the park and other Countryside Mobility locations).
2 weeks – £5
Single use – £3

There is an additional £2.50 per hour hire fee – this helps cover the running costs of the service. Card Payments will be taken on arrival.

Trampers can be hired between 10am and 2:30pm on these upcoming dates:

2024

Thursday 19 September
Saturday 28 September
Wednesday 2 October
Wednesday 9 October
Saturday 19 October
Wednesday 23 October
Wednesday 30 October

More dates to be confirmed

Person travelling through a forest using a tramper vehicle

Person going up steep hill in a tramper vehicle

Example showing what the tramper looks like

How to find us

How to find us
Access point	GPS (latitude / longitude)
Main entrance	51.5460242 / -3.1883328

What3words: united.lend.tuck