Best lakes around Lisvane are centered around the significant Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, a natural and recreational hub in north Cardiff. These Victorian-era reservoirs, completed in the late 19th century, were redeveloped and fully reopened in July 2023. The site spans 110 acres, offering green and blue spaces for various activities. It holds historical importance as part of the Taff Fawr scheme for Cardiff's water supply.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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The Barrage connects Penarth to the Cardiff peninsula. It offers stunning views across the sea to one side, and the freshwater bay on the other. One of the highlights of the Cardiff Bay tour
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Every day, this narrow crossing offers a new perspective on life. It's a unique place where you feel enveloped in blue. Love it!
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Cardiff Bay Barrage is a significant engineering project located in Cardiff, Wales. Completed in 1999, the barrage was built to create a freshwater lake in Cardiff Bay by damming the River Taff and the River Ely. This project transformed the bay area, which was previously a tidal estuary, into a more controlled water environment. Key Features and Purpose: Tidal Control: The barrage helps manage tidal flows, preventing flooding and allowing for the creation of a stable freshwater environment. Recreation and Tourism: The area around the barrage has been developed for recreational use, including walking and cycling paths, boating, and various leisure activities. It has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Environmental Impact: The construction of the barrage altered the local ecosystem. While it created new habitats in the freshwater lake, it also raised concerns about the impact on marine life in the estuary. Hydropower Generation: The barrage includes a small power station that harnesses tidal energy, contributing to renewable energy production. Economic Development: The project played a crucial role in the regeneration of Cardiff Bay, leading to significant investment and development in the area, including residential, commercial, and cultural projects. The Cardiff Bay Barrage is often noted for its engineering complexity and its role in transforming the landscape and economy of Cardiff.
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Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs forms a vital part of the green and blue infrastructure of Cardiff. The mix of grassland, woodland, scrub and waterside habitats offers opportunities for all kinds of wildlife and nature. There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and much of the grassland and woodland outside of the SSSIs is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Dogs are permitted on the café balcony, car park and Grab & Go seating area only and are not permitted anywhere else on the site, including the paths. Natural Resources Wales has advised that the risk from dogs to the fungi is too great. Waxcaps are very sensitive to changes in habitat such as fluctuations in soil moisture, temperature and nitrate levels which can reduce the production of fruiting bodies. In particular, sudden changes to nitrate levels on the site – from dog urine specifically – can have a detrimental effect on the fungi. There is a fully accessible Visitor Centre with cafe, toilets, free wi-fi, room hire, equipment hire, changing rooms and other facilities include the boathouse, bird hide, education centre, nature trails and paths, bike parking/shelters and car parking.
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Enjoy a pretty stroll through the woodland surrounding Llanishen Reservoir. Well-maintained dirt paths will lead you around the forest where there is a rope swing and stream to discover, a little something for the kids to enjoy too.
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Roath Park is one of Cardiff's most loved parks, it was recently awarded the prestigious Green Flag award to recognise its high quality and its importance to Cardiff. In the centre of the park sits the wonderful Roath Lake, a peaceful place to walk around with sights of ducks, birds, and an impressive lighthouse stood in the water. There is a lovely little café and plenty of places to picnic, so take a seat and enjoy the view.
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Cardiff Bay Barrage was completed in 1999, following a huge construction project. Stretching from Cardiff Docks to Penarth, the barrage impounds freshwater from the rivers Ely and Taff to create a large freshwater lake, providing permanent high water.
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Good place for a stroll or poodle on the bike. Decent section of the Bay cycle path for younger riders.
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Visitors to Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs can enjoy a wide range of activities. Llanishen Reservoir is designated for watersports like open-water swimming, cold-water dipping, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, with equipment hire and instructors available. The site also offers 5km of circular walking paths, a woodland Story trail, and a bird hide for nature observation.
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Roath Park Lake offers a peaceful place to walk, observe wildlife, and has an on-site café. The Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs site includes a woodland learning zone with an outdoor classroom and ranger-led activities, alongside accessible paths and a visitor centre. Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir also features well-maintained dirt paths with a rope swing and stream for children to discover.
The Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are Victorian-era structures, originally built as part of the Taff Fawr scheme to supply water to Cardiff. Lisvane Reservoir was completed in 1865, and Llanishen Reservoir in 1886. After a period of closure, they were fully reopened to the public in July 2023 following major redevelopment.
Yes, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs offer 5km of circular paths, including a woodland Story trail. You can also enjoy a pretty stroll through the woodland surrounding Llanishen Reservoir via Rhydypenau Woods. For longer hikes, consider routes like the 'Llanishen Reservoir – Llanishen Reservoir loop from Lisvane' which is an easy 7.4km hike, detailed in the Hiking around Lisvane guide.
Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are a haven for wildlife, encompassing two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Lisvane Reservoir is an SSSI for overwintering birds, and the embankments are SSSIs for diverse grassland fungi, including up to 25 species of rare waxcaps. The site is home to protected species like grass snakes, otters, bats, toads, and frogs. Bird islands provide breeding sites for waterbirds, and bird hides allow for quiet observation.
Yes, the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs site is designed with accessibility in mind. The brand-new, two-storey visitor centre is fully accessible with disabled parking and a lift. The site also features accessible paths, making it easier for all visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Dogs are generally restricted at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs. They are permitted only on the café balcony, in the car park, and in the Grab & Go seating area. Dogs are not allowed on the paths or other areas of the site due to the presence of rare fungi, which are sensitive to changes in habitat, including those caused by dog urine. Assistance dogs are an exception.
The visitor centre at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs offers spectacular views across the water and includes a café with breakfast and lunch menus, and a 'restaurant by night' experience on select evenings. It also provides toilets, free Wi-Fi, room hire, equipment hire, and changing rooms. Other facilities on site include a boathouse, bird hide, and an education centre.
There are several road cycling routes near the lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Ty Coch Campsite loop from Llanishen' (an easy 37.2km ride) or the 'Fourteen Locks Pond loop from Llanishen' (a moderate 58.9km ride). More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Lisvane guide.
Yes, you can find running trails such as the 'Llanishen Reservoir loop from Llanishen,' a moderate 5km route, or the 'Llanishen Reservoir loop from Lisvane,' a moderate 7.2km route. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Lisvane guide.
The Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs site provides car parking facilities, including disabled parking, at its visitor centre. For other lakes like Roath Park Lake, parking is typically available within the park's vicinity.
Cardiff Bay Barrage is a significant man-made structure completed in 1999. It impounds freshwater from the rivers Ely and Taff, creating a large freshwater lake and transforming the bay area into a controlled water environment. It's a popular recreational destination with walking and cycling paths, offering a unique perspective on engineering and urban regeneration.


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