Fonmon Castle

Barry

Discover dinosaurs, medieval adventures & centuries of history at Fonmon Castle in Barry

Step into a family day out where dinosaurs roam the woods, medieval history comes to life and centuries of Welsh stories are waiting to be discovered. Set in the Vale of Glamorgan near Barry, Fonmon Castle brings together history, nature and plenty of hands-on family fun.

  • Come face to face with life-sized dinosaurs as you explore Jurassic Wales
  • Step back in time at the Medieval Grange, complete with a Tavern, Armoury, Forge, Church and Medieval House
  • Follow the Welsh Story Trail and discover folklore, legends and curious characters along the way
  • Explore selected rooms inside the historic Fonmon Castle
  • Wander through gardens, woodland and outdoor spaces across the estate
  • Let little explorers burn off some energy in the outdoor play areas
  • Make a day of it with food, drink and plenty of places to stop for a picnic

Dinosaurs, Welsh legends, medieval history & outdoor adventures

There is much more to Fonmon Castle than the castle itself. The estate is packed with different areas to explore, taking you from prehistoric Wales to medieval life and into a world of Welsh folklore.

  • Jurassic Wales: Head into the woodland and discover life-sized dinosaurs hiding among the trees, plus the Jurassic Wales Science Centre, Raptor Pit, Draco's Hideout and plenty of prehistoric photo opportunities
  • Medieval Grange: Leave the modern world behind as you explore the Tavern, Armoury, Forge, Medieval Church and Medieval House and discover how people once lived
  • Iron Age Discovery Centre: Discover archaeological evidence of Iron Age life at Fonmon and put your agility to the test with the Boudicca Challenge
  • Welsh Story Trail: Follow the trail around the estate and step into Welsh stories and folklore, with plenty for curious families to discover along the way
  • Castle & Gardens: Explore selected rooms within the historic castle before heading outside to discover the Walled Garden, Sensory Garden and beautiful grounds
  • Play Areas: Stop off at outdoor play spaces including the Main Play Area, Dino Sand Pit, Tipee Sand Pit and Tractor Park
  • Disc & Foot Golf: Challenge your friends and family to disc golf or tackle the six-hole FootGolf course, available for an additional charge
  • Archery & Axe Throwing: Put your aim to the test with True Aim Activities at the Medieval Grange, available for an additional charge

Explore the historic Fonmon Castle & its beautiful grounds

At the heart of the estate stands Fonmon Castle, a historic Welsh castle surrounded by gardens, woodland and traces of centuries gone by.

Head inside to explore available castle rooms, including the impressive Grand Hall, and discover more of the building's story before venturing back outdoors.

There is plenty to uncover around the wider estate too. Wander through the Walled Garden and Sensory Garden, seek out the Folly Tower and Sunken Garden or follow woodland and riverside paths through the grounds.

With dinosaurs around one corner, medieval buildings around the next and historic gardens to explore in between, no two parts of your Fonmon Castle adventure feel quite the same.

Family adventures, food & plenty of space to explore

Fonmon Castle is made for exploring at your own pace. Younger adventurers can tackle the play areas and trails, while grown-ups can enjoy the history, gardens and countryside surrounding the castle.

When it's time for a break, stop by the Castle Tea Room or pick up something from the outdoor food vendor. You're also welcome to bring your own food and settle down at one of the picnic areas around the estate.

From prehistoric giants and medieval discoveries to Welsh legends, woodland walks and family play, Fonmon Castle packs plenty into one historic estate. Gather the family and get ready to see which century you end up in first!

Location

Fonmon Castle

Fonmon,
Vale of Glamorgan,
Barry,
South Wales,
CF62 3ZN
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Fonmon Castle is located near Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 3ZN.

  • By car: Follow the brown tourist signs towards Fonmon village from the B4265. The attraction advises that entering CF62 3ZN into a sat nav can cause problems, so use the downloadable directions or What3Words location enough.songbird.look. Free visitor parking is available.
  • By train: Rhoose Cardiff International Airport is the closest main railway station. Complete the journey by taxi and check local availability before travelling.
  • By bus: The 304 bus serves the Fonmon area. Check the latest route, stop and timetable information before travelling, as the attraction is in a rural location.
  • By foot: Fonmon Castle is outside Barry and is not recommended as a walk from the town centre. Follow local signs carefully if approaching from Fonmon village.
Facilities
  • Free visitor parking
  • 12 designated accessible parking spaces near the entrance and gift shop
  • Two accessible toilets
  • Standard toilets
  • Baby-changing facilities
  • Castle Tea Room
  • Outdoor hot food vendor
  • Picnic areas
  • Gift shop and visitor reception
  • Hand-washing stations
  • Outdoor play areas
  • Sensory Garden
  • First-aid point
  • Lost-child point
  • Dog-waste bins
  • Downloadable visitor map
  • Accessible routes through many of the main visitor areas
More Info
Is Fonmon Castle wheelchair accessible?

Much of Fonmon Castle is wheelchair accessible, including most of the gardens, Jurassic Wales, the Medieval Grange, Lady Anne’s Tearoom and the Grand Hall. Staff can provide ramp access to the Grand Library, Lady Anne’s Room and Sir Hugo’s Room on request. Pen’s Garden, the Ravine, the Lost Victorian Garden and woodland walks may be unsuitable because of slopes, uneven terrain and surface conditions. The Tiny Museum is not wheelchair accessible.

What age is Fonmon Castle suitable for?

Fonmon Castle is a family attraction suitable for visitors of all ages. The dinosaur walk, story trails, medieval areas and play spaces are particularly suited to families with children. Children should remain under appropriate adult supervision throughout the visit.

Does Fonmon Castle offer carer tickets? If so, how do I book a carer ticket?

Yes. Add a disabled ticket to the online basket and a box will appear allowing you to add one free carer space. On arrival, you must show a valid Blue Badge, DLA letter or PIP letter. No other forms of evidence are accepted.

Is there food and drink at Fonmon Castle?

Yes. Food and drink are available from the Castle Tea Room and an outdoor food vendor. Visitors may also bring their own food and use the picnic areas, but barbecues are not permitted.

Is there parking at Fonmon Castle?

Yes. Free parking is available for visitors, including 12 designated accessible spaces near the entrance and gift shop. The car park includes tarmac and grass overflow areas.

Can visitors bring dogs to Fonmon Castle?

Dogs are generally welcome from January to September when kept under control on a short lead or harness. Dogs are not permitted inside the castle or Lady Anne’s Tearoom, and some seasonal events do not allow dogs. Always check the relevant ticket description before visiting.

What footwear should visitors wear at Fonmon Castle?

Wear comfortable, practical footwear because Fonmon Castle is a large, multi-terrain outdoor site. Wellies or waterproof walking shoes are recommended during wet weather.

What do Fonmon Castle tickets include?

Standard admission includes access to the main visitor areas of the Fonmon Estate, including Jurassic Wales, the Medieval Grange, the Welsh Story Trail, the Fairy Village, selected castle rooms and children’s play areas. Special activities and seasonal events may have different inclusions.

Are these the cheapest tickets for Fonmon Castle?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

Choose your adventure

Christmas Daytime at Fonmon Castle

Meet festive characters, catch Elf Shows, find The Grinch and follow Christmas trails at Fonmon Castle's family daytime adventure!

See more
From
£13.00 £12.00
Book now

Silver Christmas Experience at Fonmon Castle

See Fonmon Castle sparkle with festive lights, live shows, Santa, Mrs Claus, The Grinch, festive dinosaurs and Christmas trails!

See more
From
£16.00 £15.00
Book now

You might also like

Things to do

Family Days Out Food and Drink History, Art and Museums Seasonal Events & Activities Sport Tickets Theatre and Live Events Theme Parks & Thrills Things To Do Indoors Things To Do Outdoors Trips and Tours Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife