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Thompson's Park

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Thompson's Park — Photo: john bristow, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original Geograph photograph · Report the wrong picture

Explorer Tom

Thompson's Park in Cardiff has a fountain with a statue called Joyance, a bold claim until you see the gardens. Paths climb from the lower entrance on Romilly Road towards open grass above, giving the park both peace and room to roam. It is a fine place to let your afternoon get pleasantly distracted. Cardiff's outdoor parks service says Charles Thompson opened what had been a private garden to the public in 1891. Designer Sir William Goldring enlarged and landscaped it around 1895, and Thompson gave the park to Cardiff Corporation in 1911. Its gardens and Joyance fountain by Sir William Goscombe John carry that history. The statue leaves the singing to birds. The lower grounds have ornamental planting, seating and the dell, while the upper part offers a recreation field. The park's two named entrances are on Romilly Road and Pencisely Road, allowing a climb through the site. A western tarmac route offers a way around some of the steps, although the ground still rises between the entrances. Give the gardeners credit too. The park is open year-round and its gates are not locked, according to Cardiff Council. On-street parking is available in the surrounding area; check local restrictions rather than expecting a dedicated car park. This is a public green space, so share its paths and leave the planted beds intact. Come for a small dose of Cardiff's garden history and a look at Joyance, then see whether the statue has made a convincing case for its name.

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The lake in Thompson's Park — The lake in Thompson's Park · Photo: john bristow · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original Geograph photograph

Spring in Thompson's Park — Spring in Thompson's Park · Photo: john bristow · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original Geograph photograph

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Photo credits

john bristow, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Alan Hughes, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Adrian Platt, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Jaggery, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Bill Boaden, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Martyn Harries, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Dave Roberts, Wikimedia Commons
Colin Smith, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

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