Pennarth Fawr

Rare stone-built dwelling with impressive timbered supports

We’re not short of medieval castles in Wales, but buildings like Pennarth 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, Pennarth 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. Pennarth 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 & prices

Opening times

1st April - 30th September	10am-5pm
1st October - 31st March	Closed
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Visitor information

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Care and attention must be paid when visiting this monument. The grounds outside are exposed to the natural elements and maybe slippery or muddy underfoot. Appropriate footwear for the season must be considered prior to your visit.

Built historic environments are sometimes uneven underfoot with steps that are narrow, steep with varying step height. Care must be paid when accessing upper levels and mezzanine / balcony spaces.

There are often high thresholds and low door frames when passing into and through indoor spaces. We kindly ask that any handrail provided is used appropriately and there is no climbing upon or within the monument.

Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas. Please do not climb over or through any fixed installation.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.