St Fagans Castle and National Museum of History
Explore centuries of Welsh history and culture at St Fagans Castle and its vast open-air museum set in stunning Cardiff parkland.
St Fagans Castle, a 16th-century manor house with 13th-century foundations, stands within the expansive St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff. This living history museum features over 40 relocated historic buildings across 100 acres of parkland, showcasing Welsh life from Celtic times to the present. Visitors can explore the castle’s interiors, extensive gardens, and a vibrant open-air museum offering traditional crafts, native livestock, and cultural exhibitions. Entry is free, with a parking fee applicable.
A brief summary to St Fagans Castle
- Cardiff, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to fully explore the extensive grounds and historic buildings without rushing.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven paths and grassy areas.
- Parking costs £7 per day; consider public transport or cycling to save on parking fees.
- Check the museum’s website for special events like ghost tours or craft demonstrations.
- Dogs are welcome on short leads in outdoor areas but not inside buildings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take Cardiff Bus services 86 or 87 from Cardiff city centre to St Fagans. The journey typically takes 30 to 40 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for weekend or holiday variations. The bus stop is a short walk from the museum entrance.
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Car
Driving to St Fagans is convenient with parking available for £7 per day. The journey from Cardiff city centre usually takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Disabled badge holders and motorbikes park free. A 12-month season parking ticket is available for £45.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Cardiff to St Fagans takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This option offers direct access without parking concerns but is more costly than public transport, typically costing £10-£15 one way.
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Cycling
Cycling to St Fagans is a scenic and eco-friendly option. The route from Cardiff city centre covers around 6 km and takes about 25 to 35 minutes. Bike racks are available near the entrance. Be prepared for some gentle hills and variable weather.
St Fagans Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Fagans Castle
A Historic Welsh Manor with Deep Roots
St Fagans Castle is a striking 16th-century manor house built upon foundations dating back to the 13th century. Gifted to the people of Wales in 1948 by the 3rd Earl of Plymouth, the castle is a centerpiece of Welsh heritage. Its well-preserved interiors reveal the lifestyle of historic Welsh gentry, including grand chambers, kitchens, and service areas. The castle’s architecture and gardens provide a serene glimpse into the aristocratic past set amid lush surroundings.A Living History Museum Across 100 Acres
Surrounding the castle is the St Fagans National Museum of History, one of Europe’s leading open-air museums. Spanning 100 acres of beautiful parkland, it hosts over 40 historic buildings carefully relocated from across Wales. Visitors wander through farmhouses, a Victorian school, a chapel, a blacksmith’s forge, and a Workmen’s Institute, each illustrating different eras and aspects of Welsh life. The museum’s outdoor setting encourages exploration and discovery, with woodland trails, cottage gardens, and picnic areas enhancing the experience.Welsh Culture Brought to Life
The museum is not just a collection of buildings but a vibrant cultural hub. Craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills, native livestock graze the fields, and exhibitions delve into Wales’s social history. Seasonal events and ghost tours at the castle add layers of intrigue and storytelling. The museum’s commitment to education and preservation makes it a dynamic place where history is actively shared and celebrated.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors can enjoy cafes and a museum shop on site, with picnic areas available for those who bring their own food. The grounds are dog-friendly on short leads, and accessibility is supported with paved paths and facilities for visitors with mobility needs. Safety is emphasized due to natural hazards like ponds and uneven terrain. While admission to the museum and castle is free, parking requires a daily fee, with concessions available.Seasonal Hours and Special Events
St Fagans operates year-round, typically opening from 10am to 5pm in summer and 10am to 4pm during winter months, with closures on major holidays. Special ticketed events, such as ghost tours, offer unique after-hours access to the castle’s ground floor and gardens. These tours explore the castle’s mysterious phenomena, enriching the visitor’s connection to its history.Welsh Heritage in a Natural Setting
The combination of historic architecture, expansive gardens, and natural parkland creates a tranquil yet engaging atmosphere. Whether exploring the castle’s stately rooms or the open-air museum’s diverse buildings, visitors immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage set in a scenic, family-friendly environment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
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Historical Wales
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Cardiff Town Wall
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South African War Memorial
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City Hall
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Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)
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8 St Mary St
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Nereid Statue
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The Cardiff Market
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Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Cardiff Market, a must-visit destination for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Parc Mackenzie
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Parc Mackenzie, a lush park in Cardiff perfect for relaxation, strolls, and enjoying nature's charm.
Fforest Fawr
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Experience the serene beauty of Fforest Fawr, a captivating woodland in Wales, perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching amidst stunning landscapes.
National Museum Cardiff
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Museum of Cardiff
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Gorsedd Gardens
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Explore Gorsedd Gardens, a captivating city park in Cardiff, rich in history and natural beauty, perfect for relaxation and cultural experiences.
Unmissable attractions to see
St. Fagans National Museum of History
0.3 km
Explore Wales’s rich history through authentic buildings, crafts, and landscapes at St. Fagans, one of Europe’s premier open-air museums.
Caerau Fort
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Victoria Park
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Historic Victorian park in Cardiff blending heritage charm with vibrant family-friendly recreation and green spaces.
Old Bishop's Palace
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Explore the tranquil medieval ruins and gardens of the Old Bishop's Palace, a historic ecclesiastical site nestled beside Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.
Llandaff Cathedral
3.7 km
Explore centuries of Welsh history and artistry in the serene and architecturally rich Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff’s spiritual heart.
Forest Farm Country Park
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A serene country park in Cardiff blending rich wildlife habitats with historic canal remnants and scenic trails for all nature lovers.
Gôl Centres Ltd
4.0 km
Cardiff’s vibrant sports hub offering top-quality 5-a-side football, leagues, soccer schools, and dynamic group activities for all ages.
Thompson's Park
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Historic and tranquil green space in Cardiff’s Canton, featuring woodland, a duck pond, and iconic fountain sculpture.
Vale of Glamorgan
4.7 km
Discover the Vale of Glamorgan’s stunning coastline, historic towns, and tranquil countryside just west of Cardiff.
Tinkinswood Burial Chamber
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Explore Tinkinswood, Wales’ awe-inspiring 6,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber crowned by Europe’s largest capstone.
Cardiff City Stadium
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Step onto the pitch and behind the scenes at the home of Cardiff City FC and the Wales national team in this modern 33,000‑seat stadium in Cardiff.
National Trust - Dyffryn Gardens
5.1 km
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The Garden Cafe
5.2 km
A peaceful garden retreat in Wenvoe offering cozy indoor and scenic outdoor dining nestled in nature’s embrace.
St Lythans Burial Chamber
5.2 km
Step back 6,000 years at St Lythans Burial Chamber, a mysterious Neolithic tomb nestled in the tranquil Welsh countryside near Cardiff.
Sophia Gardens
5.5 km
A scenic riverside park and premier cricket stadium in Cardiff, blending natural beauty with vibrant sports and cultural events.
Essential places to dine
The Heathcock
3.4 km
A modern gastropub in Llandaff with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, serving seasonal British dishes and craft beer in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Nook
3.5 km
Cozy Cardiff eatery specializing in seasonal small plates and natural wines, perfect for intimate dining and wine lovers alike.
Porro Llandaff
3.5 km
A stylish, modern Italian-inspired restaurant in Llandaff village, serving hearty breakfasts, pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Beefeater Walston Castle
3.7 km
A modern, family-friendly steakhouse in Wenvoe offering hearty British classics with warm service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Heaneys Restaurant
4.7 km
Discover Cardiff’s celebrated fine dining gem, Heaneys Restaurant, where innovative British tasting menus meet stylish comfort in Pontcanna.
Milkwood
4.8 km
Innovative Welsh brunch and vibrant evening pizzette bar in Cardiff’s lively Pontcanna neighborhood.
Thomas by Tom Simmons
4.8 km
Refined Welsh cuisine meets elegant design in Cardiff’s stylish Pontcanna district at Thomas by Tom Simmons.
Elgano Italian Restaurant
5.2 km
Authentic Italian dining in a stylish, romantic setting on Cathedral Road – perfect for date nights, family meals, and special occasions in Cardiff.
Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails
5.6 km
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Sunnys Street Food - Mexican & Italian Restaurant Cardiff
5.9 km
Bold street food flavors, generous portions, unbeatable prices—where Cardiff gathers to eat well.
Calabrisella Cathays
6.1 km
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Bar 44 Cardiff
6.1 km
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Maison de Bœuf
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Casanova
6.1 km
A long-standing Cardiff trattoria serving authentic regional Italian food with warm service and an excellent all-Italian wine list.
The Potted Pig
6.2 km
A stylish underground eatery in Cardiff serving seasonal Welsh-inspired modern British cuisine in a unique former bank vault setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pearls Gift Shop
4.5 km
Handpicked Welsh treasures and locally crafted souvenirs in the heart of Cardiff.
The SHO Gallery and Shop
4.6 km
A vibrant Cardiff hub offering art supplies, handmade gifts, and local creativity in a welcoming gallery and shop environment.
Nest Cardiff
5.6 km
Discover unique gifts and charming children’s clothes in a welcoming boutique nestled in Cardiff’s leafy Rhiwbina suburb.
Ethical Boutique Charity Shop
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Vintage vibes meet ethical impact: shop sustainably, swap smartly, and support global good at Cardiff's coolest charity boutique.
Antoinette Antiques and Vintage Clothing
5.9 km
Discover Cardiff’s largest vintage hat collection and timeless antiques in a historic Pumping Station setting.
Castle Welsh Crafts Ltd
6.1 km
Discover authentic Welsh craftsmanship and personalized lovespoons opposite Cardiff Castle at Castle Welsh Crafts.
Great Welsh Gifts
6.2 km
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Hobos Vintage
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A vibrant Cardiff vintage shop packed with retro fashion, trainers, and accessories from the 1950s to today – perfect for throwback style and bargain finds.
Mojo King
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Knight Vintage
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Rokit Cardiff
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The Works
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Little Welsh Company
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Cathays High Store
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B&M Home Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bar
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The Grange Pub
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Bar 105
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The Bootlegger
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Revolution Cardiff
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The Flora
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Cozy Cathays pub pouring pints, roasts, and community spirit in a quirky, welcoming haven—Cardiff's go-to for hearty Sundays and everyday cheer.
Cathays Sports & Social Club
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Cardiff's unpretentious social hub: cheap pints, games galore, live tunes, and community vibes in student-favorite Cathays.
Tiny Rebel Cardiff
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The Woodville
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Cathays' go-to pub for burgers, brews, sports screens, and unbeatable student specials in a lively, welcoming spot.
The Libertine Cocktail Bar
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Rum & Fizz
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Penny
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Flight Club Cardiff
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Cathays Beer House
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Slug & Lettuce - The Friary Cardiff
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A lively, multi-level cocktail bar and casual-restaurant on The Friary — made for groups, brunch and evening drinks in central Cardiff.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fuel Rock Club
6.1 km
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Clwb Ifor Bach
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For Your Eyes Only
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Popworld - Cardiff
6.3 km
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Metros
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Cardiff's alternative nightclub haven: cheap drinks, eclectic DJs, and non-stop rock, ska, and indie beats fueling wild weekends till 4am.
Tiger Tiger Cardiff
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The CUBE
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Walkabout - Cardiff
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CIRCUIT Cardiff
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Retro
6.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cardiff at Retro, where nostalgia meets fun in a lively bar and nightclub atmosphere.
Pulse
6.7 km
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The Globe
7.2 km
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The Vaults
7.5 km
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Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
7.7 km
Dive into Cardiff Bay's sizzling hub of drag, burlesque, comedy, and live music at Cabaret – where inclusive performances sparkle with pop culture magic and high-energy fun.
Coco Cubanas
9.7 km
Experience the vibrant weekend nightlife and energetic dance scene at Coco Cubanas, Barry’s premier late-night club on Broad Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
