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Details
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. During the English Civil War Fonmon was sold to Colonel Philip Jones, a direct ancestor of Sir Brooke Boothby, the present owner.
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 accompanied by stunning Georgian interiors.
The castle has many splendid areas open to visitors including the gardens, the hall, the drawing room, the library and the kitchen. On your tour you will hear of the different ways of life and see the different styles of living which have emerged and overlapped as the centuries have passed. Before or after your tour enjoy a stroll around the gardens to see beautiful mature trees from the 19th century, the walled gardens and watch tower.
For groups of 20 or more, bookings are made in advance, both during and outside of normal public opening hours. For such groups, Fonmon Castle can offer a variety of hospitality options; from morning coffee to an evening meal with or without a tour. The most popular option is to combine a tour with a delicious home cooked Afternoon Tea served in the impressive Georgian Library
Public tours can be conducted in Welsh. All other visits (e.g. larger groups) can also be in Welsh, provided we are notified in advance. Fonmon Castle welcome research tours and educational groups at almost any time but these need to be arranged prior to the visit.
Fonmon Castle is a popular licensed venue for civil ceremony weddings and receptions. It is also available for exclusive use hire throughout the year for a wide variety of events and celebrations, both outside in the extensive grounds and gardens and inside with its wealth of history. The Castle can host private parties and dinners, corporate away days or training sessions, company celebrations and due to the fact that it is a still a private home, guests are always assured of a warm and personal welcome with flexible solutions to serve any occasion
To book a group tour or for any further information please contact the castle office.
Opening details
From April to September inclusive, anyone can visit without booking on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. The gardens and grounds are open free of charge from 12:00 to 17:00 (last entrance at 16:00)
There are guided tours of the castle itself on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 14:00, 15:00 & 16:00 for which there is a charge of £6 per head for all over the age of 14.
All other visits are by appointment only
Prices
Access to Grounds and Gardens are free of charge.
Guided Tours: £6.00 per person over 14.
Also at this Venue
Address
Fonmon,
Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan,
CF62 3ZN
Directions
Map reference: ST 047680 Lat: 51.40299 Long: -3.37140
Warning – Using SatNav to approach Fonmon can cause problems. We have a unique postcode which does not ‘link’ to a public highway. Hence you may be told ‘you have arrived’ when you are anywhere up to ½ mile away…..
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.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THE CASTLE VIA FONMON VILLAGE
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 2 miles from Rhoose station
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Disabled toilets
Facilities for groups
Public toilets
Welcome Host
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Disabled access
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Smoking not allowed
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Is flat (i.e. without steps)
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
Baby changing facilities
General
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Wheelchairs provided
Free
Audible alarm system
Entrance
Entrance is well lit
Food
High chairs for children