The park was created as a municipal recreation ground by Cardiff City Council through a city charter between 1897 and 1898 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, marking her record sixty years on the throne.

[3] The park covers nearly twenty acres (8 ha) and still contains the original model boating and paddling pool which remains a very popular attraction in summer, plus a playpark for younger children.

At the very north of the park there are tennis courts and a synthetic turf field for 5-a-side football.

Public music events, markets and fairs take place throughout the summer months.

[6][7] Victoria Park is recognised as one of the best maintained in the Cardiff area and has received a Green Flag Award;[citation needed] it has been used for location filming for Doctor Who episodes, namely Forest of the Dead and The Lodger, as well as Mark of the Berserker for the related Sarah-Jane Adventures.