Railway Gardens
Local people are creating a space to learn, connect, grow, and play in the heart of Splott.
Railway Gardens is a place for everyone to come together, share skills, and build a stronger, greener and more connected community.
Railway Gardens is a community resilience hub in Splott, Cardiff. Built on the derelict site of a former playground, Railway Gardens opened its gates in June 2022 after almost eight years of community visioning, planning, and fundraising. Our aim is to offer a welcoming green space for community action that serves Splott, Adamsdown and Tremorfa as well as the wider Cardiff area.
There’s so much to do at Railway Gardens, and so many ways to get involved, from growing veg, learning new skills, holding your own event or simply popping in for a cup of tea with friends and neighbours – everyone is welcome. Read on to find out what’s on, how to volunteer, and how to support the project.
What will I find at Railway Gardens?
- Community growing space, a seed library and a ‘crop swap’ for sharing plants, produce, and pots
- A beautiful community room and kitchen, and a cosy outdoor learning space
- Space for nature: a pond, mini meadows, log piles and other homes for wildlife.
- Independent businesses and organisations including a cafe, bike workshop, ceramicist, jeweller, counsellor and a non-profit.
- A Library of Things where you can borrow stuff you need instead of buying, and a mini Green Library for borrowing books about growing, mending, climate action and more.
- A cargo bike for hire.
- A programme of regular meet-ups, groups and special events
- Accessible pathing and an accessible toilet with baby changing.
- A great view of the trains!
How can I get involved?
Find out what's on
Explore upcoming events and our regular programme of activities – plus find out how to use Railway Gardens to run your own
Volunteer with us
Whatever your skills, Railway Gardens needs you! Find out about our range of volunteering opportunities and get in touch.
Hire the space
Book a unique indoor or outdoor space for your event, party, workshop. Free, donation, and community hire available!
Support us
Become a Friend of Railway Gardens with a regular donation or find out how to support us through corporate giving and fundraising.
The Boneyard
Discover The Boneyard @ Railway Gardens: independent businesses and non-profits based in colourful shipping containers.
The Community Noticeboard
Find out what’s on in the Splott, Adamsdown and Tremorfa area and explore support services in the community.
Visits for schools and youth group
Book an engaging curriculum-linked visit for your class or youth group and bring nature, sustainability and community topics to life.
Travel and accessibility
Find full accessibility information including video guides to finding us and what to expect on site
Borrowing and sharing
Find the things you need or share what you can; Discover the Library of Things, Community Seed Library and more.
Meet the Railway Gardens team!
Meet Green Squirrel, the team behind the Gardens, and find out how you can get involved in climate action whether you live near Splott or not!
When is Railway Gardens open?
Our regular opening hours for anyone to pop in and enjoy the gardens are currently 10am – 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You are very welcome to pop in and take a walk around, bring your children in to explore and play, or find a seat on a bench and read a book, watch the trains or simply relax. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Please do check our What’s On page before visiting as we do sometimes have to close due to volunteer shortages or for site maintenance. We have lots of regular groups and special events too – check out our What’s On page to see them all.
And many of the independent businesses on site have their own opening hours or appointments by arrangement – click here to find out how to contact each business.
Our first year at Railway Gardens
This journey began back in 2014, when the Edible Adamsdown group asked us to help find some extra space for them to grow…
In June 2022 the groundworks were completed and we finally opened our gates! We’re proud of what we’re achieved in our first year. Check out our celebration video and get involved if you want to be part of the story in 2023… and beyond!
Older videos from the project
Where is Railway Gardens?
You’ll find us at the junction of Adeline Street and Railway Street in Splott, just off Splott Road. Our post code is CF24 2BH and our WhatThreeWords is Send.Along.Birds.
Please note! While we try and keep regular opening hours please do check our What’s On page or contact us before visiting to check we’re open.
Railway Gardens is supported by
And by the generous donations of community members and local businesses including Davids Homes and Ripple Living.