Margam Country Park ,South Wales
Free Day Out for All the Family - Farm, Castle , Gardens and More
Jul 28, 2007
Margam Country Park is set in over 1000 acres of parkland, just east of Port Talbot. Visitors can enjoy everything in the grounds free of charge, except the train ride.
The park is based round the Tudor Gothic Style Mansion House built by former Glamorgan MP Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1827. Talbot was responsible for much of the industrial development of South Wales in the early 19th century and was widely believed to be the wealthiest commoner in the land.
A day at Margam Park has something for all the family including:
Visitors Centre
The Castle Courtyard contains the visitor centre, café and gift shop and is the starting point for walks round the park. The café is open between 10am and 5pm and light lunches are available between 12 and 2pm. The gift shop is closed in winter.
Monastic Ruins
Part of the wealthiest, and largest, Cistercian Abbey in Wales the monastic ruins dating back to 1147 is located near the orangery and stunning gardens.
18th Century Orangery and Gardens
The longest Orangery in Britain stretches for 275 feet is the central feature of the internationally famous gardens. Three ornate fountains designed with entwined dolphins and scallop shells dominate the terrace to the front of the building.
Mansion House
This 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion , designed for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, is often referred to as “The Castle”
Talbot had the grade I listed building built in the 1830’s at a cost of £50000 and much of it has been restored following a fire in 1977. Public access is now restricted to the outbuildings housing the Visitor Centre and the Great Hallway, which is open during the summer months.
Narrow Gauge Railway
“Monty the Margam Train” links the Car Park to the Castle, the winding route includes stunning views of the castle and surrounding area. The route takes you through the wonderful Margam Park historic landscape. The diesel hauled 24" gauge railway has two covered carriages, each holding 24 people, with facilities for disabled passengers. A single ticket costs £2.25 for Adults and £1.25 for Children/OAP. Two adults and two children can buy a family ticket for £6.25. The train only runs during the summer months, with a limited service during school term time.
Fairytale Land
Young children will love Fairytale Land, which is only open during the summer months, with Sleeping Beauty, Pinochio, The Baker Man, Jack and the Beanstalk and Tom Thumb.
Children’s Adventure Playground
Up to 100 children can explore a Castle, a sky run and an elevated walkway while mum and dad have a coffee.
The castle themed playground has four towers, a central keep and mock moat as well as slides, an aerial runway and a rope bridge. The top of the castle can be reached by stepping logs and climbing ladders and there are specially designed pieces of equipment for disabled children including a double width drawbridge, bumpy walkway, slide and ramp.
The adventure playground is suitable for 6 to 12 year olds and adults are only admitted if accompanied by a child.
Deer Herd
A deer herd, dating back to Norman times, roams over 500 acres of parkland. Since 1990, Red Deer and Pierre David Deer have been added to the traditional Fallow Deer and there are now over 300 animals in the herd.
Crazy Golf
In 2007, a new crazy golf course was opened near to Fairytale Land.
Farm Trail
Wander the Farm Trail and meet Glamorgan cattle, Shetland ponies, Highland cows, lambs and sheep, donkeys, ducks and geese. Halfway round is Pet’s Corner with rabbits, goats, chickens and ducks.
Walking
Explore the park’s 800 acres or take one of the four colour coded self guided trails that start from Visitor Centre. These vary in difficulty and distance, with the shortest being 1.5 miles and the longest 3.5 miles. For the very energetic, the park is the starting point for two long distance walks. The Ogwr Ridgeway Walk is a 13 mile walk to Mynydd y Gaer and The Coed Morgannwg Way is a 36 mile, 16 hour, to Aberdare and The Afan Forest Park Country Park near Merthyr.
Picnickers are welcome and barbeque equipment is available to hire by prior arrangement with the park office.
There is a steep climb from the orangery to the mansion, the public car parks (which charge £3) are at the bottom of the hill near the orangery but disabled badge holders can park at the top of the hill behind the mansion. The parking charge applies to disabled visitors.
Getting there
By Road
The Park is half a mile from Junction 38 on the M4 and is clearly signposted.
By Bus
The First Cymru X1 service from Swansea to Bridgend via Port Talbot stops at the park gates. On weekdays and Saturdays buses run every 30 minutes between Bridgend and Port Talbot with one bus an hour to and from Swansea. On Sundays there are just four journeys a day between Swansea and Bridgend.
By Rail
The X1 bus services stops outside Port Talbot Parkway railway station which has regular services to and from London, Cardiff and Swansea.
Special Events
Occasionally the park is closed to the public due to special event, for more details visit the Margam Park website or contact the Park Office on 01639 881635
Opening Hours
2nd April – 30th September 2007 - Open daily 10am – 5pm
1st October 2007 - 1st April 2008
Monday & Tuesday 1pm – 4.30pm
Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 4.30pm
During the Winter Season some facilities at the Park are closed.
Other Things to do in South and West Wales
Things to do in South West Wales
Family Days Out in South Wales
Days Out on The Gower Peninsula
 |
 |
