waunfawr-park | Your Green Spaces

From the last remaining bandstand in the borough to a gold medal winning garden your visit to Waunfawr Park will be full of unexpected surprises. Dating from the early Edwardian era the park sits in a dramatic setting of the lower Ebbw Valley at Crosskeys overlooked by the surrounding hills.

Waunfawr Park is a major sporting venue for the Crosskeys and Pontywaun areas and much of the park's 9 hectares are used for cricket, football and rugby. The sporting opportunities are also extended with a bowling green, outdoor gym equipment and a multi-use games area. For our younger visitors there's a 10 station play area with a range of slides, swings and climbing frames.

If you run out of things to do at Waunfawr Park, then the Celtic Trail (Route 47) of the National Cycle Network runs through the park giving plenty of opportunities to cycle on towards Sirhowy Valley Country Park and even Parc Penallta.

Waunfawr Park is a proud holder of a Green Flag Award in recognition of a well-managed green space.

What to see and do

The Show Garden

The show garden was originally designed for and displayed at the Royal Horticultural Society's 2007 Cardiff Show. Not only did it win a prestigious gold medal it was also judged "best in show". Built around the theme of water conservation the garden was designed to use drought tolerant plants. Three septic tanks were adapted to catch rainwater so that they could be used as water butts. To disguise their origins the tanks were made to look like chimeneas to reflect the Native American design. At the end of the Cardiff Show the garden was recreated in Waunfawr Park and is now available for everyone to enjoy.

Community Garden and Forest School area

The community garden and Forest School area is regularly used by several local groups including Waunfawr Primary school, Crosskeys Brownies, Crosskeys Voluntary gardening group, Brooklands Day centre and the local community. The area has a large greenhouse, allotment plots, a wildlife pond, various raised flower planters and BBQ facilities. The area is a hive of activ ity on most days and provides an active learning environment for its many users. It's a peaceful setting for those who just want to sit and watch the world go by.

Bandstand

Of local historical importance is the original early 20th century bandstand. Once, the centre piece of almost every large park, this evocative part of our heritage is now the only example still surviving within the county borough.

Planning your visit

Where it is Waunfawr Park is in Crosskeys, sandwiched between the River Ebbw and Waunfawr Park Road. NP11 7PH

How to get there By car - Gladstone Street and Waunfawr Park Road, Crosskeys. By bus - Services X15 Brynmawr to Newport, 56 Tredegar to Newport, 82 Pontypool to Crosskeys, 96 Tredegar to Crosskeys, 151 Blackwood to Newport. By bike - NCN R47 runs through the park. Nearest railway station - Crosskeys (10 minute walk).

Park hours Waunfawr Park is open daylight hours all year round. It is also free to access.

Car parks The main car park is signposted off Gladstone Street, Crosskeys. The signposted car park at Blackvein Road is particularly suited for those using the sports pitches. A small car park is available off Waunfawr Park Road.

Other access points Access can be gained on foot or by bike where NCN R47 enters at either end of the park. There are several pedestrian entrances along Waunfawr Park Road.

Toilets Toilets are available in the central area. Summer opening hours (April - September) are approximately 7:30 - 19:00. Winter opening hours (October - March) are approximately 7:30 - dusk. Closing times may vary depending on staff availability and weather.

Picnic tables Picnic tables are located in the central area.

Accessibility Waunfawr Park is flat and level with tarmac paths. There are no restrictive access points at any of the entrances but there are short access ramps at some of the entrances off Waunfawr Park Road. Disabled car park spaces are available at the main car park and the small car park off Waunfawr Park Road. The toilets include separate disabled facilities which utilise a RADAR key. There are plenty of benches for resting throughout the park.