St. Nicholas And Bonvilston
St. Nicholas And Bonvilston
Top 9 Castles around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston
Best castles around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston, located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, offer a rich historical landscape. The area features various historical sites, from medieval fortifications to 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. These landmarks provide insights into different periods of Welsh history. Visitors can explore a range of castle types, including earthwork remains and restored architectural structures.
Best castles around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston
- The most popular castles is Castell Coch, a historical site that is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle overlooking Tongwynlais. It was transformed from medieval ruins into a Gothic masterpiece during the Victorian era.
- Another must-see spot is Cardiff Castle, a historical site situated within picturesque parklands in the heart of the Welsh capital. The site has a 2,000-year history, evolving from a Roman fort to a Norman keep and eventually a stone-built castle.
- Visitors also love Llanblethian Village and St Quentin's Castle, a 14th-century castle perched upon a hill above the River Thaw. Its notable remnants include a twin-towered gatehouse and a significant stretch of curtain wall.
- St. Nicholas And Bonvilston is known for medieval motte and ditch sites, probable timber castles, and 14th-century ruins. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, showcasing different historical periods and defensive structures.
- The castles around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston are appreciated by the komoot community, with 45 upvotes and 22 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Castell Coch
Highlight • Historical Site
Entry to the castle costs £7.70 for adults, £4.60 for children, £6.10 for seniors, and £21.60 for families. For more information, visit: cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-coch.
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The Animal Wall
Highlight • Monument
The carving of the animals began in the late 1880s. Architect William Frame brought the wall to life, based on sketches byarchitect William Burges who was employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute.
The original wall was built in the 1890s directly outside the castle. Original animals included: a pair of lions holding shields, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, a pair of apes and a hyena. You can tell these apart from their later cousins because they have glass eyes.
The wall was moved and relocated west of the Castle in 1923 due to the widening of Duke Street, and six extra animals were added. The six additional animals were the vulture, beaver, leopard, a pair of raccoons, a pelican and an anteater.
bute-park.com/attraction/the-animal-wall
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St Fagans National Museum of History
Highlight • Historical Site
The brainchild of Iorwerth Peate, the museum was modelled on Skansen, the outdoor museum of vernacular Swedish architecture in Stockholm. Most structures re-erected in Skansen were built of wood and are thus easily taken apart and reassembled, but a comparable museum in Wales was going to be more ambitious, as much of the vernacular architecture of Wales is made of masonry.[3][6]
2017 refurbishment
A redeveloped main reception building was opened in July 2017.[8] The six-year, £30-million redevelopment of the site, which was funded by a number of sources, notably the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, was completed in October 2018.[9][10]
The £30-million redevelopment project provided many benefits, including three new galleries showcasing Wales’ history, improvements to buildings such as the Iron Age farmstead, Bryn Eryr, and Medieval Prince’s court and Llys Llywelyn, as well as a refurbished main entrance building and a new restaurant, play area and learning spaces.[11] One of the new buildings, the Gweithdy ('workshop'), features stone age tools and stick chairs.[12]
In June 2019, St Fagans was named UK’s Museum of the Year 2019 by the Art Fund, which commended the facility's "exceptional imagination, innovation and achievement".[13] The Art Fund is a charity which helps to support museums and galleries.[14]
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Cardiff Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Entry costs £14.50 for adults, £10 for children, £12 for concessions, and £42 for families. For more information, visit: cardiffcastle.com.
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St Fagans Castle
Highlight • Castle
Sir Edward Lewis of The Van, Caerphilly, bought the house in 1616 and the interior dates partly from then and partly from after 1850, when it became the summer residence of the Windsor-Clive family. The property was part of the estate of the Earls of Plymouth and, in 1833, was inherited by Lady Harriet Clive who proceeded to restore the building. The sequence of terraces in the gardens was created for the Windsor-Clives in 1865–6 and extended in the early 20th century. The house became a convalescent hospital for soldiers during World War I, with the banqueting hall containing a ward of 40 beds.
In 1947 the Windsor-Clives gave the house and grounds to the Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and the grounds subsequently became the site of the Welsh Folk Museum, now St Fagans National Museum of History.
St Fagans Castle became a Grade I listed building in 1977. The lead water cistern in the courtyard of the castle is Grade II* listed, while a number of features in the gardens are listed as Grade II.
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Popular around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston
Tips from the Community
This wall extends from the castle and has stone carvings of various animals which would have been very exotic when it was created. Much fun 🙂
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A wonderfully well preserved effigy of the rich history that is present across Cardiff and South Wales
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St Fagans is an affluent village situated to the west of Cardiff in South Wales. The village is home to St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales' most popular heritage attraction that beautifully showcases the history of Welsh life. Whilst in St Fagans, a visit to the museum is a must. There are endless fascinating places to discover inside the grounds, including an old sweet shop, a chapel, a Workmen's Institute, a set of traditional cottages laid out in their original style, and a late 16th-century manor house and gardens. It is free to enter the grounds, and you can check out the opening times here https://museum.wales/stfagans/visit/
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Totally cool wall - unfortunately a bit too close to the street
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The best view of the the Animal Wall is at the southern boundary of the park from Castle Street. The carving of the animals began in the late 1880s. Architect William Frame brought the wall to life, based on sketches byarchitect William Burges who was employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The original wall was built in the 1890s directly outside the castle. Original animals included: a pair of lions holding shields, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, a pair of apes and a hyena. You can tell these apart from their later cousins because they have glass eyes. The wall was moved and relocated west of the Castle in 1923 due to the widening of Duke Street, and six extra animals were added. The six additional animals were the vulture, beaver, leopard, a pair of raccoons, a pelican and an anteater. https://bute-park.com/attraction/the-animal-wall
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Castell Coch is a 19th-century castle overlooking the village of Tongwynlais. Whilst there has been a castle on the site since the Norman period, architect William Burges transformed the crumbling medieval ruins into a Gothic masterpiece during the Victorian era, under the request of the third Marquess of Bute. Entry to the castle costs £7.70 for adults, £4.60 for children, £6.10 for seniors, and £21.60 for families. For more information, visit: cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-coch.
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A FANTASTIC DAY OUT .Wear COMFORTABLE SHOES 👞. AS A LOT OF WALKING INVOLVED.
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If you are lucky you can buy honey or make jewelry yourself at the small craft market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around St. Nicholas and Bonvilston?
The area offers a diverse range of historical sites. You can find medieval earthwork remains like Cottrell Castle Mound and Soldiers Grave, a probable timber castle. There are also 14th-century ruins such as St Quentin's Castle, and the stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival Castell Coch. Additionally, the grand Cardiff Castle showcases a history spanning 2,000 years.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near St. Nicholas and Bonvilston?
Yes, several castles are great for families. Castell Coch, with its 'fairy-tale' appearance, is often a hit with children. Cardiff Castle offers a rich history and is set within picturesque parklands, providing space for exploration. Llanblethian Village and St Quentin's Castle also offers an engaging historical experience for all ages.
Which castles offer the best historical insights into the region?
For deep historical insights, Cardiff Castle is exceptional, with its 2,000-year history from Roman fort to Norman keep. St Quentin's Castle provides a glimpse into 14th-century Welsh fortifications. For earlier medieval history, the earthwork remains of Cottrell Castle Mound and Soldiers Grave offer archaeological significance into Norman defensive practices.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around St. Nicholas and Bonvilston?
The castles are generally accessible year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins and castle grounds. However, the richly decorated interiors of Castell Coch and the extensive exhibits at Cardiff Castle make them excellent choices even during cooler or wetter months.
Are there any walking trails or outdoor activities near the castles?
Yes, the region around St. Nicholas and Bonvilston is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various running, mountain biking, and hiking trails. For example, there are moderate running loops like the 'Hensol Forest – Pysgodlyn Mawr loop' and easy hiking routes such as the 'Hensol Forest loop from Pendoylan'. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston, MTB Trails around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston, and Hiking around St. Nicholas And Bonvilston guide pages.
Can I visit castles that showcase Victorian Gothic Revival architecture?
Absolutely. Castell Coch is a prime example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Originally a medieval ruin, it was transformed into a 'fairy-tale' castle by architect William Burges in the 19th century, at the request of the third Marquess of Bute. Its unique design and richly decorated interiors are a highlight.
Are there any castles that are free to visit or have lower entry fees?
While major attractions like Castell Coch and Cardiff Castle have entry fees, the earthwork remains of Cottrell Castle Mound and Soldiers Grave are open to explore freely. The ruins of St Quentin's Castle are also generally accessible without a fee, though caution is advised due to uneven grounds.
What are some unique features or viewpoints associated with the castles?
Castell Coch offers stunning views overlooking the village of Tongwynlais. Cardiff Castle provides great views from within its historic walls and is situated in picturesque parklands. St Quentin's Castle, perched on a hill above the River Thaw, features an impressive twin-towered gatehouse and a significant stretch of curtain wall.
Are there any castles near St. Nicholas and Bonvilston that are dog-friendly?
Many outdoor castle grounds and ruins, such as Cottrell Castle Mound, Soldiers Grave, and the exterior areas of St Quentin's Castle, are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a lead. For specific policies regarding interior access or formal gardens at sites like Castell Coch or Cardiff Castle, it's best to check their official websites directly before your visit.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles in the area?
For a comprehensive visit to a major site like Cardiff Castle or Castell Coch, allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the interiors and grounds. Smaller sites like the ruins of St Quentin's Castle or the earthworks of Cottrell Castle Mound can be explored in 30 minutes to an hour, often combined with a walk in the surrounding area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around St. Nicholas and Bonvilston?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and diverse architecture. The 'fairy-tale' charm of Castell Coch and the extensive historical journey offered by Cardiff Castle are highly praised. The komoot community has shared 22 photos and given 45 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and engaging experiences these sites provide.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles in the vicinity?
While not as grand as the more famous sites, the medieval earthworks of Cottrell Castle Mound and Soldiers Grave are significant historical relics directly within St. Nicholas and Bonvilston. These scheduled monuments offer a quieter, more reflective experience of the region's early defensive history, away from the main tourist trails.
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