Flight Time / September 2016

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20 SEPTEMBER
INSPIRATION TIME
“Bute Park provides a slice of the countryside right in the heart of the city. It’s an expansive green
space where you feel as though you’re in the countryside, just a short walk from the high street…”
CONCIERGE
What’s your connection to Cardiff? How
long have you lived there?
I came here for my university degree, so I’ve been
here since 1999. Like many other graduates, I
decided to stay on afterwards, because the city is
a great place to live.
What inspires you about Cardiff?
Its setting – it’s so close to stunning coastline and
the wild hills and mountains. Also, you get all the
benefits of being in a European capital city, within
a friendly, affordable and compact city.
You’re the Park Manager at Bute Park.
What makes Bute Park so special?
One thing that makes it very special is the trees.
We have a nationally-significant tree collection,
which is free to get into – often you have to pay
to get into arboreta. We have the most champion
trees in any UK public park – a champion tree is
the tallest or broadest of its type in the British
Isles. Also, it provides a slice of the countryside
right in the heart of the city. It’s an expansive
green space where you feel as though you’re in
Julia Sas
Bute Park Manager
CARDIFF
the countryside, yet you’re just a short walk from
the high street.
How long have you been in your role
and what do you enjoy about it?
I’ve been working at the park for coming up to
seven years, having been involved in the Lottery-
funded development project before this. What I
enjoy about it is that our visitors are so diverse,
and the job itself is, too – there is so much
different stuff that goes into maintaining and
developing the park. It’s not just a recreational
space for residents, but also a top-five city
tourist attraction and a major event space.
What three things should a visitor see
or do on a trip to Cardiff?
Firstly, take a water taxi across Cardiff Bay – there
are several companies you can do this with and
it’s definitely worth visiting.
Secondly, hire bikes from a company called Pedal
Power and cycle north up the Taff Trail – it’s one of
the national cycle routes and it takes you along River
Taff, into the countryside, passing weirs and leading
to Castell Coch, a 19th-century folly.
Finally, just escape it all and come to enjoy nature
in Bute Park!
Can you recommend somewhere good
to eat or drink in Cardiff?
Explore the restaurants around Guildford Crescent
– there are a few options here, including great
Thai and Portuguese restaurants and a steak
house, as well as a nice bar. There’s enough there
to cater for different tastes, and it’s also a bit off
the beaten track.
What’s your best-kept secret for Cardiff?
You can get fabulous service and a delicious
afternoon tea at Pettigrew Tea Rooms – a small,
traditional tea house with a beautiful Victorian tiled
floor. It’s located at the main entrance to Bute Park
– simply follow the animals at the top of the wall to
the left of Cardiff Castle, and you’ll be sure to find it!