Penarth Fawr Medieval House
Overview
Rare stone-built dwelling with impressive timbered supports
We’re not short of medieval castles in Wales, but buildings like Penarth Fawr are thin on the ground. This extremely well-preserved house gives a rare glimpse into how the Welsh gentry lived during the 15th century.
While most of the commonly wood-built houses of the era are long gone, Penarth Fawr’s sturdy stone construction has seen it survive almost unchanged for centuries.
The house’s heart is its large hall, originally heated by the central hearth, with smoke escaping from a vent in the roof. Penarth Fawr’s most striking feature is the elaborate internal truss system that supports it, an impressive network of carved timber beams rising from floor to ceiling that’s in excellent condition despite its advanced age.
Opening times
Daily 10am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission |
Free
|
Facilities
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
Directions
Penarth Fawr is located at postcode LL53 6PR.
Follow the garden path through the small iron gate in the surrounding stone wall to Penarth Fawr’s front door.
