Llancaiach Fawr Manor

A simply marvelous site! The presenters on tour not only speak as would those of such a household in 1645, three years into the great Civil War, but present each room with fantastic insight into details of the household — and with wit and humor abounding in the talks. Fascinating look at a wonderful small gentry house of the Tudor, Jacobean, and Charles the First era, historical and interpretive, well-​preserved — overall a fun, never overdone, never boring time! Well worth the visit!

A great day out for all of the family — loved it. Been 4 times in total — and I live in London!

This old manor house is a must if you’re visiting the area, and it is somewhere we always take friends and long, lost relatives if they come to stay. It is a really interesting way to hear about a snapshot in history that manages to be both informative and entertaining. Entertaining enough to maintain the attention of kids for a couple of hours, even.
As well as travelling back in time and speaking to people from the 17^th century about everything from political unrest to domestic inventions they offer crafts and hands on learning for children. The servants that guide you around the property will never once slip out of character, but will try and engage you in conversation at various points throughout the tour. My uncle from South Africa who explained that he arrived in the country by flying was accused of witchcraft.
It’s a great setting to do something different for a day only a short car trip out of the centre of Cardiff.

At this ‘living history’ attraction,. visitors get to step back in time to 1645 when a Civil War was taking place between the King and Parliament, and you meet servants who tell the tales of ordinary people living through turbulent times.
The manor house was named one of the Top Ten most haunted buildings in Britain in a recent poll, and Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ recently spent three days there excavating and looking for clues about life in those times around the manor house and its gardens.
This building and ground are both beautiful, and the whole history experience is completely engrossing — with staff remaining completely in character throughout their tours of the house.
Llancaiach Fawr also has special events happening throughout the year, ranging from summer holiday craft activities aimed at kids to a summer family dog show, a Ghost Tour season, and a Christmas-​themed events programme.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor is a living history museum in South Wales, taking visitors back to the year 1645. You travel back to a world of dairy maids, needlewomen, candle making and creaking floorboards.
Last time I visited this wonderful place, I remember very clearly that on the trip there storm clouds burst overhead and lightening threatened the trees. Then when we arrived, the sun came out as we parked, and my resounding memory of the manor is it bathed in sunlight with black clouds behind. This is a lovely building with pretty grounds.
The staff here are fantastic. Never for one moment do they slip out of characters as they take groups of people on a fun and informative tour of the house. As a child, I was actually convinced I was back in time and kept poking the poor dairy maid to see if she was real.
There are also loads of events going on here, such as Oscar Wilde plays, craft events and Napoleonic re-​enactments. So check out their website to see if anything’s coming up before you plan your trip.

One of the best examples Ive ever seen of a living Museum, Llancaiach Fawr really makes you feel like youve been transported back to ancient times.
This is the perfect place to take kids, or to arrange a school trip. The staff really make this a fantastic day on your visit as they act so well that they make you forget they are actors. You get a real chance to experience the olden days, the fears of the plague among people, and the reaction to Civil War. The staff are genuine stars, always able to react to even the cheekiest question from a young schoolboy.
The manor also runs some ghost tours during the darker nights, with claims made that the house is genuinely haunted. The creekiness of the old building (built in the 1600s) will undoubtably creep you out, as the staff regale you with tall tales of ghostly happenings in the house.

A 350 years old Manor House in South Wales only 15 miles North of Cardiff and easliy accessible from the Head of the Valley. Go expecting to learn a lot and have a laugh. This is a living museum and is staffed by actors who will ensure you ave a good time.
These actors play the servants of Colonel Prichard, the owner, will give you a warm welcome. You will hear about Llancaiach Fawr (pronounced Llan-​ky-​ach-​vowr) and tales of ‘The Master’ and his family; stories about visitors to the house and the traditional customs of the day. You will see all the rooms as they were back in the 17^th century.
A major topic will be the turmoil of the Civil War raging between King Charles and Parliament. During the early part of the year there is staunch support for the Royalist cause, but following the visit of the King in August, the master and his household will change their allegiance to Parliament. The local actors relish playing these anti-​establishment roles. Well this is Wales after all.
Allow a good couple of hours for this visit. If the day is good — it was pouring when we visited — there are lovely formal gardens for you to wander round. There are light refreshments in the restaurant which are fine — usual museum food!
But above all, your kids will engage with this museum because the the people who staff it and act the parts love kids and are fab with them. A special place.