Area Guide

Living in Canton

Overview

Canton is a thriving Cardiff suburb celebrated for its cultural diversity and strong community spirit. Blending the old with the new, it offers a variety of amenities such as well-loved restaurants, independent shops, and green spaces, and is also the proud home of Welsh football. With excellent transport connections to the city centre, it's a convenient choice for commuters. Known for its vibrant community events and deep local pride, Canton appeals to young professionals, first-time buyers, and families alike, all while preserving its rich historical character.

History & Background

Canton, known historically as "Canton Cross," has roots dating back to at least 1250. It was once the most significant market district in South Wales, serving as a hub for livestock and fresh produce trading. The name "Canton" likely derives from the nearby Canna brook in Pontcanna (named after St. Canna) and the word 'Ton', meaning farm or meadow, possibly referring to 'St. Canna's estate'.

Things to Do & Local Amenities

Canton offers a variety of attractions and amenities:

• Chapter Arts Centre: A multi-art form venue presenting international art, live performances, and films.
• Victoria Park: A Grade II listed parkland area with colourful flower borders and family-friendly activities.
• Cardiff City Stadium: Home to Cardiff City FC, with a capacity of 33,316.
• Capital Shopping Park: A retail park offering a range of shopping options.

Bars, Restaurants, Cafés & Pubs

Canton boasts a vibrant food and drink scene:

• The Lansdowne: A red-brick pub with wooden booth seating, vintage artwork, and a selection of lagers, ales, and British cuisine.
• Canton Cross Vaults: A well-rated pub offering a traditional atmosphere.
• Crafty Devil Brewing: A local brewery known for its craft beers.
• Outpost: Warehouse-inspired venue, open for brunch, lunch, and evening meals with a variety of cocktails and wine.

Community Events

Canton hosts various community events throughout the year:

• Scavenger Hunts: Engaging activities like "The 6000-Year-Old Capital" and "Bank Heist - Cardiff" offer fun ways to explore the area.
• Local Markets and Festivals: Regular events provide opportunities to experience local culture and community spirit.
  

Hidden Gems

Discover some of Canton's lesser-known attractions:

• The Bone Yard: A unique setup of shipping containers housing independent businesses, offering a creative space for locals and visitors.
• Corporation Yard: A vibrant venue featuring street food, live music, and events.
• Roma's Café: Known for its toasted jerk chicken wrap, a local favourite.
  

Average House Prices

As of the latest data:

• Overall Average: £328,176
• Terraced Properties: £325,804
• Semi-Detached Properties: £442,222
• Flats: £179,700

These prices represent a 3% increase over the previous year.

*Information gathered May 2025

Average Rental Prices

Rental prices in Canton vary:

• Flats: Monthly rents range from £600 to £1,200, depending on size and location.
• 1-Bedroom Flats: Approximately £850 per month.
• 2-Bedroom Flats: Around £1,100 per month.

*Information gathered May 2025

Commute to City Centre & M4

Canton offers convenient transport links:

• City Centre: Approximately 10 minutes by bus or a 30-minute walk.
• M4 Motorway: Accessible via the A470; exit at Junction 32 and head south towards the city centre.
• Public Transport: Cardiff Bus services, including routes 1 and 2, provide connections to various parts of the city.

Healthcare in Canton

Canton offers several healthcare facilities to cater to the needs of its residents:

• Meddygfa Canna Surgery: Located at 27 Wyndham Crescent, this GP practice provides a range of medical services, including seasonal flu vaccinations.
• St David’s Court Surgery: Situated at 68a Cowbridge Road East, this surgery offers general medical services with disabled access.
• Riverside Health Centre: Found on Wellington Street, this centre provides community nurse treatment clinics, dietetics, and speech therapy services.

For specialised or hospital care, residents can access:

• University Hospital of Wales: Located in Heath, Cardiff, it offers comprehensive medical services, including blood tests for outpatients.
• University Hospital Llandough: Situated in Llandough, it provides various healthcare services, including outpatient blood tests
• Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals: These private hospitals offer a range of medical services and are accessible to residents seeking private healthcare options.

Schools in Canton

Canton boasts a variety of educational institutions catering to different age groups and educational preferences:

Primary Schools:

• Ysgol Treganna: Located on Santorium Road The school is a caring and inclusive community that promotes pupils’ Welshness and personal, emotional and social development.
• St Mary's Catholic Primary School: A voluntary aided Roman Catholic primary school located in the heart of Canton, offering education to children from various backgrounds.
• Severn Primary School: Situated on Severn Road, this school provides a nurturing environment for primary education.
• Radnor Primary School: Located on Radnor Road, it offers comprehensive primary education to local children.
• Kitchener Primary School: Found on Kitchener Road, this school serves the community with a focus on inclusive education.
• Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch: A Welsh-medium primary school on Lawrenny Avenue, providing education to a diverse student body from Canton and surrounding areas.

Secondary Schools:

• Cantonian High School: An English-medium mixed comprehensive school with a sixth form, offering education to students aged 11-18.
• Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr: A Welsh-medium comprehensive secondary school serving a wide area of western Cardiff, including Canton.

*For more detailed information on school catchment areas and admissions, you can visit the Cardiff Council Schools page.

Summary

Canton is a sought-after suburb of Cardiff offering a vibrant lifestyle and strong investment potential. With a blend of character properties and modern developments, it's ideal for first-time buyers, young professionals, and families. The area boasts excellent transport links, local schools, green spaces, and a thriving food and arts scene—making it a well-connected, community-driven location with lasting appeal.