St Fagans National History Museum
St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth.
A walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day. St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction.
Open to the public since 1 November 1948, the museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth.
Traditional crafts and activities bring St Fagans alive, in workshops where craftsmen still demonstrate their traditional skills. Their produce is usually on sale. Traditional crafts and activities bring St Fagans alive. Craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills in their workshops and their produce is usually on sale.
Native breeds of livestock can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and demonstrations of farming tasks take place daily. Visitors gain an insight into the rich heritage and culture of Wales, and the Welsh language can be heard in daily use amongst craftsmen and interpreters.
There are also galleries with exhibitions of costume, daily life and farming implements. Special exhibitions are also held regularly. The galleries now include the exciting and innovative Oriel 1 space, with changing exhibitions exploring life and identity in today’s Wales.
Throughout the year, St Fagans comes to life — literally — as traditional festivals, music and dance events are celebrated. St Fagans explores all aspects of how people in Wales have lived, worked and spent their leisure time. Like generations of visitors, you will be inspired by its celebration of Welsh traditions and lifestyles.
Castle and Gardens
The interior illustrates the history of the house throughout four centuries. As well as original furniture, some of the finest pieces from the Museum’s collections from other houses are also displayed.
Originally built in 1580, much of the interior was re-modelled during the 19th century.
Mature woodlands
The rooms are furnished to reflect the lives of the family in residence at the end of the century, that of Lord Robert-Windsor, later the Earl of Plymouth, who donated the Castle along with 18 acres of land to National Museum Wales in 1946.
Beautiful garden displays surround the Castle including an Italian Garden (laid out in 1902, restored in 2003) and thyme garden, while there are many features original to the site.
Fish ponds, fountains, a mulberry grove, vinery and an exquisite Rosery add depth and colour to the Museum’s grounds.
The gardens are perhaps the best-kept secret at St Fagans, from those of the gentry to the cottage gardens that provided food for working families. They give a real insight into the lives of Welsh people throughout history, and complement the historic buildings in their interpretation of the past.
VISITORS INFORMAION:
St Fagans: National History Museum is one of Europe's foremost open-air museums representing the life and culture of Wales and situated in 100 acres of parkland.
Opening hours
10am – 5pm daily (open Bank Holiday Mondays)
Free entry!
Groups
ALL Groups MUST pre-book their visit.
Location
St Fagans: National History Museum is located 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232.
Visiting by Car/Motorbike
Sign posted from junction 33 of the M4 motorway (follow road signs for the Museum of Welsh Life), with direct access from the A4232
Car parking: £3 per car per day payable at Pay and Display points. A 12-month season ticket costing £15.00 is available from the Museum Reception. No charge is made for disabled badge holders or motorbikes.
There is also a cycle rack adjacent to the car park for anyone wishing to cycle to the museum.
Visiting by Coach
Sign posted from junction 33 of the M4 motorway (follow road signs for the Museum of Welsh Life), with direct access from the A4232.
Ample free parking is provided for coaches.
Public Transport
Buses operate between Cardiff Central Bus Station (immediately outside Cardiff Central rail station) and St Fagans throughout the year. Buses Nos. 32 and 320 from Stand D1B to St Fagans at least hourly during the Museum's visitng hours, sometimes more frequently subject to seasonal variations.
The grounds of St Fagans extend to over 100 acres in total, with many buildings in the open-air section. Although the amount of time spent on site varies from one visitor to another, we recommend that you allow at least 2 hours for your visit.
Facilities For Visitors
A self-service restaurant is to be found in the main building, with a snack-bar nearby. An award-winning tea-room is located above Gwalia Stores (open all year).
Cafe Bardi is situated in the Main Entrance Hall and serves a variety of home-made cakes, sandwiches, boxed salads and soup and also hot and cold drinks. There is a picnic area just inside the open-air section, and the Museum’s bakery also sells delicious bread and snacks. » Food & drink
There is an ATM available on-site.
Disabled access to much of the site is fairly easy, with signposted routes where required. However, St Fagans Castle and a few other attractions are some distance from the main entrance and their access is uphill.
The Museum has a number of wheelchairs that may be borrowed for the duration of your visit.
Address :
St Fagans National History Museum
Cardiff
CF5 6XB