| Stately Homes Wales UK |
|
|
Featured Article
|
|
Living History! from The National Trust
|
|
13. Llanerchaeron
(18th-century Welsh gentry estate)
|
|
Ciliau Aeron, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA48 8DG
Llanerchaeron is a rare survivor of a Welsh gentry estate. Set in the beautiful Dyffryn Aeron, the estate survived virtually unaltered into the 20th century and was bequeathed to the National Trust by J P Ponsonby Lewes in 1989. The house was designed by John Nash in 1794-96 and is the most complete example of his early work. Llanerchaeron was a self-sufficient estate - evident in the dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house of the service courtyard, as well as the Home Farm buildings, from the stables to the threshing barns. The stable-yard flooring made of pitched stone for easy draining, was covered in grass and moss and recently restored. Today it is a working organic farm and the two restored walled gardens also produce home-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs. There are extensive walks around the estate and parkland. |
What's new in 2005:
Opportunity to see the continuing restoration of farm buildings and lake. 'Abermydyr' - a recently restored estate cottage available for weekly lets, an ideal base for exploring the Aeron valley.
Facilities:
Free parking, 50yds. Guided tours of the garden and Home Farm start 1.30 every Thur, June to end of Sept. Additional £1, inc. NT members. Small shop area in the visitor building selling local produce and Llanerchaeron farm produce and plants as available. Send s.a.e. for
|
|
|
|
details. Five walks leaflets (50p each). Tea-room (NT-approved concession) in visitor building. Light lunches and teas - using produce. Picnic areas. Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Hip-carrying infant seats for loan. Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Children's quiz/trail. Adult study days. Dogs on leads and only in parkland fields.
Opening times:
House:
18 Mar-30 Oct 11:30-4:30 We Th Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday/Tuesday).
Farm & Garden:
18 Mar-30 Oct 11-5 We Th Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday/Tuesday).
Notes: Open BH Mons. Car park closes at 5:30
|
|
Admission prices:
£5.20, child £2.60, family £12.60. Groups £4.20, child £2.10. Home Farm & garden only: £4.20, child £2.10. Reduced rate when arriving by public transport, cycle or on foot (on 'all sites' ticket).
Disabled access:
Parking in main car park, 50yds. Drop-off point. Building: Ramped entrance. Alternative accessible entrance, via service courtyard. 1 wheelchair, booking essential. Ground floor accessible. Stairs to other floors. Information panels and album. Limited seating available for emergency use. WCs: Adapted WC at visitor building, exit of service courtyard and near garden. Grounds: Fully accessible. Shop: Level entrance. Refreshments: Level entrance. Accessible tables and picnic tables. Braille guide.
|
|
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. 21/2ml east of Aberaeron off A482 [146: SN480 602] Foot/Cycle: 21/2ml foot/cycle track from Aberaeron to property along old railway track (discounted entry to people arriving by bike or on foot). Bus: Arriva Cymru 540 Aberystwyth-Lampeter.
Telephone: 01545 570200; 01558 825147 (Infoline) Website
(Photo: Chris King; A tip cart in the Stable Yard at the farm on the Llanerchaeron Estate. Ref: 037230)
|
|
|
14. Cilgerran Castle
(Striking 13th-century ruined castle)
|
|
Castle House, Cilgerran, Cardigan, Ceredigion SA43 2SF
Picturesque remains of the castle include a pair of highly defensible round towers dating to the third decade of the 13th century, perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge and inspiring many artists, including Turner. Earlier Norman origins. Cilgerran Castle is in the guardianship of Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments.
Facilities:
To be advised.
Opening times:
1 Apr-26 Oct 9:30-6:30 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
27 Oct-31 Mar 9:30-4 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Notes: Phone after 31 March to confirm opening dates & prices.
Admission prices:
£2.50, child £2, family £7, students £1.50. (Prices may increase from April '05).
Disabled access:
To be advised.
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. On rock above left bank of the Teifi at Cilgerran, 3m S of Cardigan, off A478 [145: SN195431]. Bus: Midway 430 from Cardigan; otherwise First 460/1 Carmarthen-Cardigan, alight Llechryd, 13/4ml by footpath.
Telephone: 01239 615007 Website
|
|
|
15. Dolaucothi Gold Mines
(Gold mines in use from Roman times to the 20th century)
|
|
Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire SA19 8RR
These unique gold mines, last worked in 1938, are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. The Romans who exploited the site almost 2000 years ago left behind a complex of pits, channels, adits and tanks. Mining resumed in the 19th century and continued through the 20th century, reaching a peak in 1938. There's a ghost, 'Ned', a mine worker killed in an accident. Guided tours take visitors through the Roman and the more recent underground workings. The main mine yard contains a collection of 1930s mining machinery, an exhibition about the history of gold and gold mining, video and interpretation. Gold-panning gives visitors the opportunity to experience the frustrations of the search for gold. Other attractions include waymarked walks, cycle hire and an Information Centre in Pumsaint. There is fishing and accommodation on the estate, including a 35-pitch touring caravan site.
|
|
|
What's new in 2005:
Working trains on mine floor. New level tour of mine yard suitable for less mobile. Stout footwear essential for underground tours.
Facilities:
Welsh gold for sale (including by mail order). Tea-room. Picnic areas. Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Pushchairs admitted. Children's parties (booking essential). Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Children's quiz/trail. Dogs on leads only, and not on tours. Pumsaint Information Centre and estate walks
|
|
|
open all year. Underground tours last about 1hr and involve hillside walking, so stout footwear is essential; helmets with lights are provided. These tours are unsuitable for visitors with poor mobility. Smaller children will be allowed on the tours only at the discretion of the property staff. Please phone for advice. Other Attractions: include waymarked walks and cycle hire, the ruins of a Roman settlement and Red Kite Information Centre in Pumsaint. Fishing and accommodation on the Estate, including a 45-pitch touring caravan site.
Opening times:
Mines:
18 Mar-30 Oct 10-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Shop:
18 Mar-30 Oct 10-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
10 Nov-18 Dec 11-4 We Th Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday/Tuesday).
Tea-room:
18 Mar-30 Oct 10-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Notes: Groups can be booked at other times.
Admission prices:
Site: £3.20, child £1.60, family £8. Groups £2.60, child £1.30. Underground tour (additional charge): £3.80, child £1.90, family £9.50. Groups £3, child £1.50. Underground tour (NT members): £3.60, child £1.80, family £9.
|
|
Disabled access:
Drop-off point. Building: Ramped entrance. Audio visual/video. Access to part of mine is possible, must be booked in advance. Access to Roman and Victorian Mines via 70 steps. Shop: Ramped entrance. Refreshments: Ramped entrance. Braille guide.
About our location:
Click here for map. Between Lampeter and Llanwrda on A482 [146: SN6640] Bus: Castle Garage 289 from Lampeter.
Station: Llanwrda (U), 8ml.
|
Telephone: 01558 650359; 01558 650707 (Estate office); 01558 825146 (Infoline); 01558 650359 (Shop) Website
(Photo: Andrew Butler; The corrugated iron buildings at the Gold Mine, with several trucks running on rail tracks to carry away spoil. Ref: 073667)
|
|
|
16. St David's Visitor Centre & Shop
(Visitor centre on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast)
|
|
Captain's House, High Street, St David's, Haverfordwest, Pembrokesire SA62 6SD
The National Trust owns and protects much of the picturesque St David's Head and surrounding coastline. The visitor centre is conveniently situated in the centre of St David's, Wales' smallest historic city, opposite The Cross (owned by NT). Using interactive technology the centre offers a complete guide to the National Trust in Pembrokeshire, its properties, beaches and walks.
|
Facilities:
No parking on site. Shop. Local walks leaflets available.
Opening times:
3 Jan-19 Mar 10-4 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa (Closed Sunday).
21 Mar-30 Oct 10-5:30 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa (Open all week).
21 Mar-30 Oct 10-4:30 Su (Closed Monday-Saturday).
31 Oct-31 Dec 10-4:30 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa (Closed Sunday).
31 Oct-31 Dec 10-3 Su (Closed Monday-Saturday).
Notes: Closed 25-26 Dec.
|
|
Admission prices:
Admission free.
Disabled access:
Building: 5 steps to entrance with handrail. Grounds: fully accessible.
About our location:
Click here for map. [115: SM753253] Foot: Pembrokeshire Coast Path within 1ml. Bus: Richards 411 from Haverfordwest; coastal shuttle buses operate in summer.
Telephone: 01437 720385 Website
|
|
|
17. Aberdeunant
(Traditional Carmarthenshire farmhouse)
|
|
Taliaris, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6DL
A traditional Carmarthenshire farmhouse in an unspoilt setting and providing a rare insight into an aspect of agricultural life that has all but disappeared. Note: As the property is extremely small, visitor access is limited to no more than 6 people at a time. The property is administered and maintained on the Trust's behalf by a resident tenant. The gegin fawr (farm kitchen) and one bedroom are shown to visitors.
|
What's new in 2005:
Facilities:
Public footpaths give access to the surrounding land, but entry to the farmhouse is by guided tour only, which must be booked in advance on 01558 823902.
Opening times:
Tours take place April to Sept: first Sat & Sun of each month 12-5. Phone to book.
Admission prices:
£2, child £1. Not suitable for groups. Public footpaths give free access to the surrounding land.
|
|
Disabled access:
Small farm car park. Farmhouse: 4 steps to entrance. Small rooms and narrow corridors. Grounds: Yard at side of property is accessible.
Building: 5 steps to entrance with handrail. Grounds: fully accessible.
About our location:
Click here for map. [146: SN672308] Bus: First 280, Morris 281 Carmarthen-Llandovery, alight Felindre turning, then 2ml. Station: Llangadog 3ml. Free parking. Not suitable for coaches. Limited parking in farmyard.
Telephone: 01558 823902 Website
|
|
|
18. Dinefwr Park
(18th-century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park)
|
|
Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6RT
An 18th-century landscape park which includes Newton House at the heart of the site, built in 1660 but now with a Victorian Gothic façade and a fountain garden with tea-room. The tea-room overlooks a medieval deer park, with restricted public access, home to more than 100 Fallow deer and the famous Dinefwr White Park Cattle. There is an ice house and wooded boardwalk, particularly suitable for families and wheelchair users and an exhibition in the basement of the house explains the importance of Dinefwr in Welsh history. A number of scenic walks include access to Dinefwr Castle, the substantial remains of a native Welsh castle, with fine views across the Towy Valley. held by The castle was the principal stronghold of the princes of Deheubarth held by Lord Rhys in the 12th century, later taken by King Edward I and  retained as a royal stronghold. It is now owned by the Wildlife Trust West Wales and access is available at all reasonable times. This will normally be between 10:00 and 16:00 daily.
What's new in 2005:
Exhibition in Old Slaughterhouse about the Dinefwr Estate, its flora and fauna. New park tours by tractor and trailer. Some rooms in the house may be closed after 1 Sept, due to renovation work. Phone for details.
Facilities:
Parking, 50yds. Narrow access. Tea-room (not NT). Children's menu. Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Pushchairs admitted. Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Children's quiz/trail and active events programme. Dogs on leads and only in outer park.
|
Opening times:
18 Mar-30 Oct 11-5 Mo Th Fr Sa Su (Closed Tuesday/Wednesday).
Notes: Last admission 45mins before closing. Park open every day during school hols. On Tues & Wed the house is available for pre-arranged conferences.
Admission prices:
£3.80, child £1.90, family £9. Groups £3. Park only: £2.60, child £1.30, family £6.30. Groups £2.10.
Disabled access:
Drop-off point. Building: Ramped entrance. 2 wheelchairs, booking essential. Steep steps to basement. Virtual tour. WCs: Adapted WC in house and at visitor reception. Grounds: Partly accessible. Long level boardwalk to mill pond. Refreshments: Ramped entrance. Large-print menu. Braille guide.
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. On W outskirts of Llandeilo A40(T); from Swansea take M4 to Pont Abraham, thence A48(T) to Cross Hands and A476 to Llandeilo; entrance by police station [159: SN625225] Bus: From surrounding areas to Llandeilo, then 1ml. Station: Llandeilo 11?2ml.
Telephone: 01558 823902 Website
(Photo: Andrew Butler; Newton House and the surrounding lands of Dinefwr Park viewed from the north west. Ref: 055432)
|
|
|
19. Stackpole Estate
(Beautiful and varied stretch of the Pembrokeshire coast)
|
|
 |
Old Home Farm Yard, Stackpole, Near Pembroke, Pembrokeshire SA71 5DQ
This extensive estate is a coastal property of great contrast, including eight miles of cliff, headlands, beaches and sand dunes, elongated freshwater lakes bordered by trees, sheltered bays and mature woodlands. Bosherton Lakes and Stackpole Warren are part of Stackpole National Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust in partnership with the Countryside Council for
|
Wales. Lake wildlife includes otters, herons, wintering wildfowl and over twenty species of dragonfly. Limestone cliffs, falling 30metres to the sea with numerous caves and arches, are an important site for breeding seabirds and the resident chough. There are two sheltered bays with open and wooded sand dunes, plus an older dune formation, Stackpole Warren, perched on the coastal plateau. Eight species of bat live in the outbuildings of the former mansion of Stackpole Court, which was demolished in 1963 - an exhibition about which is displayed in the old game larder. There is an excellent bathing beach at Broadhaven South. At Barafundle Bay golden sands are backed by dunes and ringed by trees. The secluded beauty of the bay means that it can only be accessed from Stackpole Quay by means of a walk along the cliff path, followed by a steep descent down to the beach.
Facilities:
3 car parks - 1 free (Bosherton Lily Ponds), 2 paying, £2 per car (NT members display card) at Stackpole Quay and Broadhaven South (Apr-Sept). Access via narrow roads with passing places. Boathouse licensed tea-room (NT-approved concession) at Stackpole Quay. Guided walks (see Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Coast to Coast newspaper). Country Walks: 18 1?2 mls of footpaths. Map leaflets available. Contact property for information leaflet. 3 miles of lakeside and woodland paths. Listening post in boathouse hide. Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Residential Centre - Stackpole for Outdoor Learning.
Opening times:
Tea-room:
All year Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Admission prices:
Admission free. Donations welcome.
Disabled access:
Parking in main car park. Stackpole Quay area and tea-room accessible. Broadhaven South - parking on headland available. Lakeside and woodland paths suitable for wheelchairs. Access to Broadhaven South beach for wheelchair users via lakeside footpath from Stackpole Centre. Building: Ramped entrance. 2 wheelchairs. Stairs to other floors. Photograph album. Interpretation room accessible. WCs: Adapted WC. 3 (at Stackpole Quay, Broadhaven South and Bosherton Lily Ponds). Also at Stackpole Centre and, for woodlands, in Mencap Walled Garden (open 10-4), Grid ref SR974961. Grounds: Partly accessible. Map of accessible route. Refreshments: 4 steps to entrance with handrail, ramp available. Accessible tables, and low-level counter.
|
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. B4319 from Pembroke to Stackpole and Bosherton (various entry points onto estate) [158: SR992958] Foot: Via Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Bus: Silcox 387 Summer Coastal Cruiser from Pembroke (May-Sep only). Station: Pembroke 5ml.
Telephone: 01646 661359 (Estate Office); 01646 672058 (Tea-room); 01646 661464 (Education) Website
(Photo: CCW National Nature Reserves)
|
|
|
20. Tudor Merchant's House
(Late 15th-century town house)
|
|
 |
Quay Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7BX
Located near the harbour in this historic walled town, the house is characteristic of the area at the time when Tenby was a thriving trading port. The ground-floor 'Flemish' round chimney at the rear of the house is a fine vernacular example, and the original scarfed roof-trusses survive. The remains of early frescos can be seen on three interior walls and the house is furnished to recreate family life from the Tudor period onwards. There is access to the small herb garden, weather permitting.
What's new in 2005:
Display of pottery shards found after excavation of 500-year-old latrine tower.
|
Facilities:
Parking (not NT). Limited parking on town streets. Town is pedestrianised throughout July & Aug when parking is in pay & display car parks only or via park & ride. No WC. Hip-carrying infant seats for loan. Suitable for school groups. Hands-on activities. Children's quiz/trail.
Opening times:
18 Mar-30 Oct 10-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Su (Closed Saturday).
Admission prices:
£2.20, child £1.10, family £5.50. Groups £1.80, child 90p.
Disabled access:
Building: 3 steps to entrance. Stairs to other floors. Photograph album. Braille guide.
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. From St Mary's Church in the centre of Tenby, walk to Tudor Square. 30m on the left hand side, adjacent to the Lifeboat Tavern, turn left past the Caldey Shop and down a flight of steps. On your left you will find the Tudor Merchant's House [158: SN135004]. Foot: Pembrokeshire Coast Path within 2/3ml. Bus: From surrounding areas. Station: Tenby 700yds.
Telephone: 01834 842279 Website
(Photo: Erik Pelham; Tudor Merchants House at Tenby, view towards front showing window and staircases. Ref: 043692)
|
|
|
21. Colby Woodland Garden
(Beautiful woodland garden with year-round interest)
|
|
 |
Amroth, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8PP
Attractive 8-acre (3.25ha) woodland garden with a fine collection of magnolias, azaleas and camellias, underplanted with bluebells. Later highlights are the summer hydrangeas and autumn foliage. Open and wooded pathways through the valley offer lovely walks. There are beautiful walks through secluded valleys along open and wooded pathways. Note: The early 19th-century house is not open; Mr & Mrs A Scourfield Lewis kindly allow access to the walled garden during opening hours.
|
What's new in 2005:
Replanting near monkey puzzle tree in West Wood; water feature.
Facilities:
Free parking, 100yds. Contact property for route map for coaches and cars. Gallery displaying work of Pembrokeshire artists and craftspeople. Programme of events, inc. guided walks and lunch with Gardener-in-charge in the season, evening entertainment, family fun days. Tea-room (not NT). Children's menu. Picknicking in car park. Baby-changing facilities. Pushchairs admitted. Suitable for school groups. Children's quiz/trail. Family activity packs. Dogs on leads, but not in walled garden. Coaches welcome. Open evenings by arrangement.
Opening times:
Woodland Garden, Shop & Gallery:
18 Mar-30 Oct 10-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Walled Garden:
18 Mar-30 Oct 11-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Tea-room:
As Woodland Garden 10-4:30
Admission prices:
£3.60, child £1.80, family £9. Groups £3, child £1.50.
|
|
Disabled access:
Drop-off point. Close parking on request. WCs: Adapted WC adjacent to tea-room. Grounds: Partly accessible. Some visitors may require assistance from their companion. Shop: Level entrance. Steep access path from car park. Refreshments: Ramped entrance. Wheelchair and walking stick. Braille guide.
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. 11/2ml inland from Amroth beside Carmarthen Bay. Follow brown signs from A477 Tenby-Carmarthen road or off coast road at Amroth Castle [158: SN155080] Foot: from beach via public footpath in Amroth (beside Amroth Arms). Bus: Silcox/First 350/1 from Tenby (passing Kilgetty). Station: Kilgetty (U) 21?2ml.
Telephone: 01834 811885; 01834 814163 (Tea-room); 01834 814200 (Art gallery) Website
|
|
|
(Photo: Andrew Butler; Steps in a woodland glade, with trees in spring foliage and a red rhododendron in full bloom in the foreground. Ref: 052078)
|
|
22. Rhossili Visitor Centre
(Visitor centre in area of spectacular countryside and coast with lovely beaches)
|
|
Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea County SA3 1PR
The Trust owns and protects much land on the beautiful Gower Peninsula. The visitor centre is situated near to the Warren, the Down, Worm's Head, Rhossili beach and coastal cliffs, and provides information about the area. There is also an exhibition and shop.
Facilities:
Car park (not NT). Excellent viewpoint outside Visitor Centre.
Path to Worms Head. Suitable for school groups. Hands-on activities. Dogs must be under control and on leads at lambing time; not in visitor centre.
Opening times:
8 Jan-20 Mar 11-4 Sa Su (Closed Monday-Friday).
22 Mar-5 Nov 10:30-5:30 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
6 Nov-23 Dec 11-4 We Th Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday/Tuesday).
Admission prices:
Admission free.
Disabled access:
Drop-off point. Rough surface in car park (not NT). Shop & ground floor of Visitor Centre accessible. Excellent viewpoint outside Visitor Centre. Path to Worm's Head level and accessible. Building: Ramped entrance. Exhibition on first floor. Seating available. Photograph album, Book available in shop of main information/walk with warden from NT website. WCs: Adapted WC (not NT) Rhossili car park. RADAR key in shop. Grounds: Grounds have slopes and a variety of path surfaces. Shop: Ramped entrance. Braille guide and large-print guide. |
|
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. SW tip of Gower Peninsula, approached from Swansea via A4118 and then B4247 [159:SS418883] Bus: Pullman 114/8/9 from Swansea (passing close Swansea).
Telephone: 01792 390707 Website
(Photo: Joe Cornish; Looking north along Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsular from Worms Head Foreland, with Rhossili Down on the right, through a dip in the grass. Ref: 034936)
|
|
|
23. Aberdulais Falls
(Famous waterfalls and fascinating industrial site)
|
|
 |
Aberdulais, Neath, Neath Port Talbot SA10 8EU
For over 400 years the falls provided the energy to drive the wheels of industry, from the manufacture of copper in 1584 to the later tinplate works. It has also been visited by famous artists, such as Turner in 1796. The site today houses a unique hydroelectric scheme which has been developed to harness the waters of the River Dulais. The Turbine House provides access to an interactive computer, fish pass, observation window and display panels. Special lifts have been installed to allow disabled visitors access to the upper levels, which afford excellent views of the Falls. The waterwheel is the largest currently used in Europe to generate electricity, which makes Aberdulais Falls self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy. The operation of the fish pass, waterwheel and turbine is subject to water
|
levels and maintenance. Site may be closed for major alterations from 4 Sept. Phone for details.
What's new in 2005:
Replanting near monkey puzzle tree in West Wood; water feature.
Facilities:
Car park signposted to the rear of Dulais Rock Inn, 2min walk. Also, on-road parking on A4109 outside the property entrance. Baby-changing facilities. Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted.
|
|
|
Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Children's guide. Children's quiz/trail. Guided tours in July and August, groups at other times by arrangement. Audio tours available. Refreshments: The Friends of Aberdulais Falls serve light refreshments in the Old Works Library and Victorian schoolroom at summer weekends and public holidays; other times by arrangement. Christmas Shop.
Opening times:
Falls:
4 Mar-3 Apr 11-4 Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday-Thursday).
4 Apr-28 Oct 10-5 Mo Tu We Th Fr (Closed Saturday & Sunday).
9 Apr-30 Oct 11-6 Sa Su (Closed Monday-Friday).
4 Nov-18 Dec 11-4 Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday-Thursday).
19 Dec-21 Dec 11-4 Mo Tu We (Closed Thursday-Sunday).
Christmas Shop: 2 Dec-21 Dec As Falls.
Admission prices:
£3.20, child £1.60, family £8. Groups £2.40, child £1.20. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Disabled access:
Separate parking, 30yds. Designated bay outside property. Drop-off point. Building: Level entrance. 2 wheelchairs. Ground floor accessible. Stairs to other floors, lift available. Lifts provide access to interactive display and fish pass observation window. Seating available. Audio visual/video. WCs: Adapted WC with RADAR lock near entrance. Grounds: Fully accessible. Shop: 2 steps to entrance, ramp available. Low-level counter. Refreshments: Ramped entrance. Accessible tables, and low-level counter.
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. On A4109, 3ml NE of Neath. 4ml from M4 exit 43 at Llandarcy, take A465 signposted Vale of Neath [170: SS772995] Cycle: NCN47. Bus: First 158 Swansea-Banwen, 154/8, 161 from Neath; Stagecoach in South Wales X75 Swansea-Merthyr Tydfil. All pass close Neath. Station: Neath 3ml.
Telephone: 01639 636674 Website
|
|
|
24. Skenfrith Castle
(Remains of an early 13th-century fortress)
|
|
Skenfrith, Near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
The castle was constructed (1219-1232) by Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent beside the River Monnow to command one of the natural routes into Wales from England at a time when the two nations were involved in a long drawn-out conflict following the Norman Conquest. It is one of the Three Castles held in common ownership, with Grosmont and White Castle. A circular keep dominates a rectangular ward. The curtain wall with a round tower at each corner have survived. Skenfrith Castle is in the guardianship of Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments.
Facilities:
Free parking (not NT).
Opening times:
All year Dawn-dusk Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Admission prices:
Admission free.
Disabled access:
Building: 12 steps to entrance with handrail. Grounds: Fully accessible.
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. 6ml NW of Monmouth, 12ml NE of Abergavenny, on N side of the Ross road (B4521) [161: SO456203]
Telephone: 029 2082 6185 Website
(Photo: John Blake; The Round Tower at the C13th Norman Castle Skenfrith, Monmouthshire. Ref: 072816)
|
|
|
25. The Kymin
(Landmark hill topped by two interesting Georgian buildings)
|
|
 |
Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3SE
Once visited by Nelson and set in 4ha (9 acres) of woods and pleasure grounds, this property encompasses a small two-storey circular Georgian banqueting house (Round House) and naval temple, a monument dedicated to the glories of the British Navy. The hilltop grounds near Monmouth in the Wye valley afford spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Facilities:
A croquet set is available for hire. Children's quiz/trail. Picknicking in grounds only.
Opening times:
Round House:
25 Mar-27 Mar 11-4 Fr Sa Su (Closed Monday-Thursday).
28 Mar-24 Oct 11-4 Mo Sa Su (Closed Tuesday-Friday).
|
Temple & Grounds:
All year Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su (Open all week).
Notes: Round House: last entry 3.45
Admission prices:
Round House: £2, child £1, family £5. Groups £1.60. Grounds: Free.
Disabled access:
Separate parking, 5yds. Drop-off point. Building: Step to entrance with handrail, ramp available. Alternative accessible entrance, via ramps through kitchen. Many stairs with handrail to other floors.
|
|
|
Seating available. Interpretation panel on ground floor. Grounds: Pleasure grounds are mostly lawns.
|
|
|
About our location:
Click here for map. 1 mile east of Monmouth between A466 and A4136 [162: SO528125]. Steep narrow road with hairpin bends from junction with A4136. Not suitable for coaches. Foot: Offa's Dyke Path runs through the property. Bus: Glyn Williams/H&H 60 from Newport (passing close Newport), Stagecoach in S Wales/Welcome 69 from Chepstow (passing close Chepstow), Glyn Williams/Welcome 83 from Abergavenny (passing close Abergavenny), Duke's 416 from Hereford. On all, alight Monmouth, then 1 1?2ml (very steep).
Telephone: 01600 719241 Website
|
|
|
Associated Features
Eventful Times, Eventful Places
Llanerchaeron Emerges from its Slumbers
Playgrounds of Penrhyn
Erddig Tops the Polls
National Trust Membership Offer
|
|
| |
|
|
© Wales.info 2008.
Business Cluster Marketing Systems Limited.
Registered in Wales and England No. 6185399. VAT reg. no. (TBA) |
