Lisvane offers two distinct perspectives for a stay: nature trails and historic buildings. Coed-y-Felin lies in the heart of the village; the Nant Fawr Trail runs through Lisvane, via Coed y Felin, to Parc Cefn Onn. There is also a waymarked nature trail in the woods, along with the history of the village church and Lisvane Baptist Chapel. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Lisvane, you can first decide whether the landscape or the village’s history should be the focus of your stay.
Woodland and Protected Areas
The Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs comprise two areas designated by law as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The abbreviation stands for “Site of Special Scientific Interest”. Coed-y-Felin covers about 16 acres of semi-ancient and mixed natural woodland in the heart of Lisvane. This means Lisvane offers two distinct connections with nature: the SSSIs within the reservoir area and the named woodland in the village. This distinction is useful when planning a trip, as protected areas and woodland represent different aspects of nature.
Nature Trails and Parkland
A waymarked nature trail leads through the woodland at Coed-y-Felin; an accompanying leaflet has been updated. The Nant Fawr Trail runs through Lisvane, via Coed y Felin, to Parc Cefn Onn. Coed y Felin therefore features in two contexts: as a woodland area with its own nature trail and as part of the trail route. Parc Cefn Onn was laid out in the early 20th century and has remarkable exotic specimen trees and shrubs. Children can follow the Wildlife Explorer Trail there. Compared with Coed-y-Felin, the emphasis at Parc Cefn Onn is on exotic specimen trees and shrubs, as well as the trail specifically named for children.
Churches and Village History
The listed Lisvane Baptist Chapel is a simple rural chapel dating from the mid-19th century, built on an older site; it is listed for its architectural interest. Its construction date, chapel type and older site are all part of the village’s cultural profile. Anyone interested in architecture can consider rural religious architecture as a distinct focus alongside the landscape.
The present-day village church in Lisvane dates from the 14th century. Together with the chapel, it offers a comparison between the medieval village church and a rural chapel from the mid-19th century, which stands on an older site. The two buildings thus represent different historical periods, giving the village’s history a specific timeframe alongside its natural attractions.
Planning Your Walk
The “More Capital Walks 11” route starts at a car park on Lisvane Road, shortly before Church Road. Unlike the Nant Fawr Trail, which is described as running as far as the park, this route has a specific starting point. Trail conditions and parking may change, so check the information before setting out.
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