A visit to St. Fagans, South Wales

When scouting for interesting destinations for my tour guests, I often seek out lesser-known gems that offer unique insights into local history and culture in addition to great gardens. I was struggling for a way to enrich our visit to South Wales that would offer our guests a greater appreciation for the nations past, their language, customs and lifestyle. In my view, to only visit pretty gardens in any given country is to miss the opportunity to learn and foster greater understanding between cultures.

Thankfully this translation is easy – not always the case with the Welsh language!

It's thanks to a recommendation from my friend Denise, who is from Tredegar, South Wales that I took a chance on St. Fagans National Museum of History – and I'm so glad I did. This open-air museum was a fascinating blend of  a late 16C manor house (St. Fagans Castle) with  its delightful gardens, over 50 historic buildings which have been moved and rebuilt from other areas of Wales, and three top-notch galleries with excellent exhibits. In other words there is something for everyone (including a great tea shop).

St. Fagans Castle

The Elizabethan manor house fronted by a charming garden filled with lavender, grasses and hardy geraniums. The human scale made it feel like a family garden and something I could easily replicate

Possibly the most non-castle-like castle you'll ever see, but don't let that put you off! No turrets or crenelations, but rather an imposing Elizabethan manor house, gifted to the people of Wales in 1948. A few rooms are open to the public.

Entrance to the castle and gardens meant crossing a series of lakes – the reflections were striking. At the far side is our first glimpse of the restored Italian garden and rose arbors

This provides a bold backdrop for the gardens which includes a restored Italian garden and a thyme garden.

Historic Buildings

It was fun to enter many of the old shops surrounding the village green

These offer an opportunity to  explore a remarkable collection of buildings ranging from a farmhouse to a chapel. Many are open with displays and seasonal demonstrations enabling visitors to learn more about everything from cider making to school life.

The Galleries

I always find these glimpses into the past fascinating. I have a flat iron at home just like the one on that shelf!

By this time I was excited and knew our guests would enjoy a visit here, but as I stepped into The Galleries I also realized we had to allow plenty of time. History leaps to life in these collections as you have the opportunity to explore everything from Neanderthal times to the Welsh Devolution in 1997, and from Welsh rugby to wool farming -it's all here.

Visit with me!

We will be visiting St. Fagan's in May as part of my tour Spring Celebration: Chelsea, Cotswolds and South Wales. I have just two spots left, so if you'd like to join us don't delay getting in touch as we closing registration very soon.

An old thatched barn at St. Fagans

Why my tours are that little bit different:

1. I treat you as family – not a tourist
2. With my English heritage and personal connections you can be assured of an immersive and personalized experience
3. Head off the beaten track to private gardens rarely open to the public
4. Up to 70% of our guests return!
5. Receive a 1 year RHS membership – and visit the iconic Chelsea Flower Show on members day
6. Combine great gardens with historical and cultural opportunities  such as St. Fagans to foster greater understanding
7. A vibrant mix of professionals, home gardeners, couples, friends and independent travelers means you'll feel right at home in my small group tours

Here's a link to the itinerary, but don't delay!