Cardiff and South East Wales

FONMON CASTLE

Fonmon, Barry, South Glamorgan, CF62 3ZN
Web: www.castlewales.com

Medieval castle in lovely walled gardens. Still lived in as a home but open to the public from April 1 to September 30 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2pm to 5pm. Last tour 4pm).

Barry Castle

Barry Town, Glamorgan
Web: www.castlewales.com

Bits of a gate and wall are all that remain of this 13th century fortified manor, seat of the de Barry family. The site originally boasted earthwork defences, later augmented by the addition of stone buildings, a great hall, and gatehouse defended by a drawbridge and portcullis.

Cardiff Castle

Castle Street, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 3RB
Tel: 029 2087 8100
E-mail: cardiffcastle@cardiff.gov.uk
Web: www.cardiffcastle.com

Built by the wealthy third Marquess of Bute on medieval foundations within a Norman wall. He enlisted William Burges as his architect and built the castle with every conceivable decoration possible in its interior. The castle is located in the city centre within the site used by both the Romans and the Normans for defensive purposes. The 12-sided Norman keep still sits on top of a small hill today, providing views over Cardiff. Cardiff Castle's extravagant rooms are themed. Astrological and Biblical themes are everywhere. The 15th century Great Hall is the oldest room in the castle and relates to the son of William the Conqueror. The Winter Smoking Room, located in the Clock Tower, is themed to time with its decor representing the seasons of the year and the days of the week. The Arab room is decorated with gold and sandalwood and parrots, one of the architect Burges' favourite animals. Understandably, the nursery decorations represent fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The bedroom with its mirrored ceiling has a religious theme. Marble fireplaces adorn many of the rooms.

Caerau Castle Ringwork

off the A48 near Cardiff
Web: www.castlewales.com

A Norman ringwork castle within an older Iron Age hillfort (as at Caer Penrhos). Much of the site has been overgrown with vegetation.

Castell Coch

Near Cardiff off the A470 at Tongwynlais. Cadw.
Tel: 029 2081 0101
Web: www.castlewales.com

A Victorian fantasy castle of Marquess of Bute and William Burges-owner and architect of Cardiff Castle. Outstanding architecture and design with rich decorations are a feast for the eye.

Penmark Castle

Off A4226 at Penmark, South Glamorgan behind parish church.
Web: www.castlewales.com

The castle once belonging to the Umfravilles family. One part of a 13th century stone curtain wall survives along with a semi-circular tower.

St. Donat's Castle

West of Llantwit Major (B4265), Glamorgan
Web: www.castlewales.com

Now used as a college. Sited on a cliff top with an inner and outer ward and dry moat, the small original tower, square gatehouse, 15th century hall, 16th century north and west ranges, and other building remains span a number of centuries. A modern stately home is erected within the remains with a tower and dining hall. St. Quintin's Castle. At Llanblethian, one mile southwest of Cowbridge (A48). Cadw. Open site. Little survives of this 14th century castle except parts of the wall to the gatehouse, tower, and square keep and an Edwardian gatehouse.

St. Lythans

St. Nicholas, Cardiff, South Glamorgan
Web: www.stonepages.com

A striking chambered tomb of unusual height. The capstone measures 14 feet long x 10 feet wide. The tomb is located close to Tinkinswood.

Tinkinswood

St. Nicholas, Barry, South Glamorgan
Web: www.jharding.demon.co.uk

One of the best-preserved chambered cairns in Britain, topped by the largest capstone (15 x 24 feet and 40 tons in weight). The cairn is wedge-shaped, though the actual chamber is rectangular. The tomb is fronted by a forecourt of drystone walls. Within the chamber were found bones from at least 40 people buried during the Neolithic period. It seems likely that the cairn was used for ceremonial purposes right through the Bronze Age.

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CARDIFF (1st) NATIONAL SPIRITUALIST CHURCH

Park Grove, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 3BN
Tel: 029 2037 7630
E-mail: pkgrove@netmatters.co.uk

Please contact the Church for further information.

Capital Church Cardiff

145 Springwood, Cardiff, CF23 6UF
Tel: 02920 732235
E-mail: admin@capitalchurch.org.uk
Web: www.capitalchurch.org.uk

Sunday Morning 10:15 - 12:00 @ Springwood School, Llanedeyrn (all welcome) -
Under 18's Jim. Co & Jim. plus - 10:15 - 11:00 - Café Open from 10:15 - 11:00 -
Service 11:00 - 12:00

Week night Groups: Monday evening - Alpha Course 7:00 - 9:30 -
Wednesday evening - House Groups 7:45 - 9:30 - Every Other Friday -

Youth Group, 7:30 - 9:30(ish).

Church of St. John

Cardiff, Wales
Web: www.stjohncf.btinternet.co.uk

In Cardiff city centre, off the M4. This church has a 130-ft Perpendicular tower and a Jacobean monument in the Lady Chapel.

Ewenny Priory

Bridgend
E-mail: vicar@ewenny.org.uk
Web: www.mkomor.plus.com

The Parish of Ewenny lies just off the southern edge of the town of Bridgend, about 20 miles west of Cardiff. Although Bridgend is an industrial town, with large plants belonging to Sony and Ford, the parish is firmly in the rural (and beautiful) Vale of Glamorgan. Some of the most stunning coastline in Britain is in walking distance. The main life of the parish is focused on the weekly celebration of the Eucharist, at the 9.30am Sunday morning service. In addition we enjoy an active social life together, with many events being organised during the year such as Harvest Suppers, Quiz Nights, numerous concerts and special services, and so on.

St. David's Cathedral

Charles Street, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF11 9HD
Tel: 029 2023 1407

Please telephone for further details regarding the cathedral,

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ST. FAGAN'S CASTLE

Cardiff, CF5 6XB
Tel: 029 2057 3500
Web: www.museumwales.ac.uk

At the Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagan's is located four miles west of Cardiff, Glamorgan, off the A4232. Formal gardens, borders, a knot-garden, terraces, lakes, and roses.

Roath Park

2 miles north of Cardiff city centre
Tel: 029 20 684000
E-mail: parks@cardiff.gov.uk
Web: www.cardiff.gov.uk

Open all year. Late 19th century park with memorial to Scott of the Antarctic. Large rose garden, large boating lake. Conservatory with tropical plants.