St Fagans National Museum of History
St. Fagans National Museum Of History
View on Google MapsPhoto: Simon Cooper
About St Fagans National Museum of History
Step back in time at this captivating open-air museum near Cardiff, where historic buildings, traditional crafts and farm animals bring Welsh heritage to life across stunning castle grounds.
What's nearby
- St Fagans Museum Visitor Centre next door
- Oakdale Workmen's Institute 450m away
- Saint Teilo's Church 550m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
This is, apparently, the most visited attraction in Wales. The size of the car park would support this. And it is free if you arrive by bus, bike or on foot. Parking a car will cost you £7. The new building houses the reception, café, shop and toilets and an extensive exhibition area on two floors. The other buildings are in the grounds of St. Fagans Castle and are all threatened historic buildings removed from their original location and re-erected here. The chapel, for example, was from North Wales where it was affected by flooding and stood derelict. A lot of care and skill has gone into the reconstruction and, maybe, a lot of conjecture in the wall murals. The overall effect it has to be said is good. Other buildings include a farmhouse, terraced cottages, a shop, a sawmill, a clog maker's workshop, a school, toll house, prefab, and even a working men's institute. 40 buildings in all. Then there is the castle itself, currently undergoing restoration, but partly accessible. The gardens have lakes, terraces, pool and summerhouse and are very pretty. I spent 5 hours here and didn't get bored at all. How representative of life in Wales these are though is debatable. They are all different ages. There are even some Iron Age huts. But they are a snapshot of life. And historic buildings under threat have been saved which can only be good.
· via Google
St Fagans is one of my favourite places in Wales and somewhere I keep coming back to. It's much more than a museum. it's a beautiful place to spend the day, with historic buildings, lovely walking paths, and so much to explore. It's also a fantastic place for families. We always enjoy exploring the old houses and open spaces, and it's an easy place to spend several hours without getting bored.
· via Google
A wonderful museum with so much to see and do. Entry is completely free, which is amazing considering how large and well maintained the site is. There are many different areas to explore and a very spacious outdoor territory. The playground is fantastic for children, and there are plenty of benches outside, making it very comfortable to relax and take breaks. There is also a café with a wide selection of food, and you are allowed to bring your own food as well, which is very convenient. Another highlight is the animal area, where both children and adults can feed and gently interact with the animals, including being able to pet the sheep. This was a lovely and memorable experience. This is definitely a place where you can easily spend the whole day. It is great both for families with children and for adults — there is something interesting for everyone. Parking was £7 for the whole day, which is very reasonable. The only cost is parking, as entry to the museum itself is free. Highly recommended!
· via Google
Didn't know what to expect but this attraction is well worth a visit. Free to get in, £7 to park up (plenty of parking), lots toilets, couple of cafes, coffee shop, fish and chips shop, old spit and sawdust pub serving drinks. Lots to see and do. The staff are very knowledgeable and love to engage with visitors. Buildings under threat of ruin / demolition were transported to st faagans where they were rebuilt and restored for posterity. There's a street of cottages that are set out as they would have been the first around 1800's each house being set out about 50 years on until mid 1900's. Really interesting. We will be going back as probably only saw 1/4 of what's there. I can see why it's one of Wales main attractions, it's great... well done. There's a church with a face / monk in the wall see photo.
· via Google
Visitors say this open-air museum offers a fascinating journey through Welsh history with numerous reconstructed historic buildings, including a working bakery and pub. They also highlight the beautiful, well-maintained grounds and gardens, which are perfect for walking and picnics. Guests mention the free entry, with only a reasonable parking fee, making it excellent value for a full day out for all ages.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Cardiff, CF5 6XB Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (12,883 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Suggested visit
- 2-3 hours
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Cardiff