Vale of Glamorgan the "Garden of Cardiff"

 

fc76383fae8c16d946c24461826806f6ac5a09ea.jpg

Fonmon Castle

Fonmon is one of the few medieval castles which is still lived in as a home. It was built by the St. John family in the early 13th century and has changed hands only once. Although most of the present castle dates from the post-medieval period, the rectangular keep was built c.1200 and is still the core of the castle. In later centuries the castle was enlarged by adding wings to the medieval keep.

The St John's eventually moved to Bletsoe in Bedfordshire while a cadet branch of the family moved to Highlight in Glamorgan. In 1656, during the English Civil War Fonmon was sold to Colonel Philip Jones, a direct ancestor of Sir Brook Boothby, the present owner.

This romantic castle can be yours to hire exclusively for the day and makes an ideal setting for the perfect wedding. The Castle is fully licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies and can also be used for receptions after a church or other service.

With a convenient location near to Cardiff and the M4 corridor, Fonmon is also ideally suited to a wide range of events from large scale to smaller meetings, conferences, dinners or receptions. We offer privacy and fine service in a beautiful historic setting

The Castle is also open to the Public from April to September, no need to book. Public opening times for individuals, families and groups of less than twelve are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between midday and 5pm. For groups of 12 or more we are happy to accept bookings in advance, a popular option is to combine a tour with our delicious teas

Group info

Public Opening: For groups of 12 or more we are happy to accept bookings in advance, both during and outside of normal public opening hours. For such groups we can offer anything from morning coffee to an evening meal with or without a tour. The most popular option is to combine a tour with our delicious teas.

Accessibility

There is access for the disabled to the ground and first floor of the Castle and almost all the garden, our more detailed Access Statement can be supplied on request.

Directions

How to find us

 IMPORTANT - PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THE CASTLE VIA FONMON VILLAGE

From Junction 33 of the M4 follow A4232 towards Cardiff.  At the first major intersection take A4050 following signs to Cardiff Airport.  (The A4050 becomes A4226 north of Barry.)  Bypass the airport to the north following A4226/B4265 towards Llantwit Major.  Do NOT take 1st left, which is signposted Fonmon (the village), but continue under bridge for another two thirds of a mile.  Follow brown tourism signs, firstly left towards Rhoose and East Aberthaw.  Then, 100 yards beyond the top of the small hill, turn left again into Castle Road. Go over traffic lights and our lodges are at the end of Castle Road, with the gates on the left.

Parking

There is ample parking.

Access should NOT be via Fonmon village but via Castle Road - detailed directions can be down loaded via the website.

  • Telephone

    01446 710 206

  • Address

    Fonmon Castle, Fonmon, Barry South Wales CF62 3ZN

  • Visit the website

  • Google map

    location

  • Opening times

    In order to view the castle for weddings, venue hire etc please contact the office for an appointment
    The Castle is open to the Public from April to September. There is no need to book.
    • Public opening times for individuals, families and groups of less than twelve are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between midday and 5pm.
    • Public guided tours are at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
    • Access to the garden and grounds is free
    • Last entrance to the garden is at 4pm.
    • Assistance dogs only allowed