Boats on the Lake - Outdoor Cardiff

Pleasure boating on the lake has been a fixture of Roath Park since it opened in June 1894. A landing stage was built in May 1894, and during that winter the boatman’s shelter was also constructed. Pleasure boats could be hired on the lake at a cost of 6d per 30 mins for 2 people, or 3d for more than 2 people. Boating was not allowed on Sundays.

Boating proved popular, and the number of boats on the lake increased in subsequent years. By 1911, the landing stage was deemed dangerous as the wood had deteriorated. It was re-built in 1912 with masonry walls and a stone floor. A flat roof and balcony were later added, to create a boathouse with a promenade above. This officially opened in May 1913.

historic photo showing the promenade in Roath park with crowds of people watching boats on the lake — Britannia 1 on the lake c. 1940 (Temple Series, cardiffparks.org.uk)

Despite opposition from anglers, a motor launch, Britannia I, was placed on the lake in April 1915. Boat trips became a major draw for visitors, who enjoyed the opportunity to tour the lake.

In 1920 the Council took over the operation of boats on the lake, which had previously been run privately. Popularity of boating was booming and this proved lucrative for the Council. As well as charging for boat hire, a charge was later added for admission to the boatstage and balcony for those not using the boats.

From 1927, winter rowing was no longer possible due to the low water level in the lake between October and March.

By 1939, a second motor launch, Britannia II was purchased, as trips up and down the lake continued to be popular. The diesel-powered Britannia III was added to the fleet in 1954 and this required the building of a small dock on the landing stage.

The purchase of an electric launch to replace Britannia III was approved in 1986. The new boat, Roath’s Pride, was built by Bossoms of Oxford and cost around £20,000.

After an inspection found the boat house and balcony needed extensive repairs, it was decided that it should be demolished and replaced with a brand new building. The replacement would be sympathetic to the style of the Victorian park, and include a waterproof, non-slip roof deck with a new ramped bridge to improve accessibility.

The work was completed in 1987 and received a Prince of Wales award and an award from the Civic Trust.

Following completion of this project, the Leisure and Amenities Committee decided that the old buildings adjacent to the new boat house should also be demolished and replaced. This included a mess-room for parks staff, a toilet building and a boat repair workshop. In 1991, a new building was opened that housed a ticket office, staff mess room, public toilets, workshop and offices.

The enclosure for Roath’s Pride was also built at this time, adapted from the original dock because the launch couldn’t reverse. The new enclosure ran parallel to the landing stage with gates at both ends.

Unfortunately, Roath’s Pride was taken out of service in 2013 following an inspection by marine surveyors.

Roath's pride on the lake with passengers — Roath's Pride on the lake, 1991 (Cardiff Parks)

Timeline

1894 – First wooden landing stage is constructed, with 50 pleasure boats for hire.

1913 – New masonry landing stage constructed with boathouse and balcony.

1920 – The council takes ownership of boat hire; with 65 boats, 11 punts and 1 motor boat.

1939 – 2 motor boats provide trips on the lake; Britannia I and Britannia II.

1954 – A new motor launch, Britannia III, is purchased, and a small dry dock is built.

1986 – Bossoms of Oxford are commissioned to build Roath’s Pride, a new electric motor boat.

1990 – The boat stage is renovated for Roath’s Pride. Passengers enjoy trips on the lake until the boat is taken out of service in 2013.

Today – Pedalos are used throughout the season.

Boat building

In the 1960s-70s, rowing boats and oars for use on the lake were built and repaired on site by Sid Griffiths. All of Sid’s work was of exceptional craftsmanship and it is estimated there were around 60 of his hand-made mahogany boats on the lake. After Sid died, new boats were made from fibreglass, based on a mould of Sid’s original wooden boat.

historic postcard showing boats on Roath Lake and the landing stage — Landing stage, Roath Park lake, 1930 (The Bush Photographic Company, Cardiff)