Fonmon Castle

Featured Property

Fonmon Castle Description

The castle was built in 1200 and has the distinction of being one of the few medieval castles still lived in as a home. Its sturdy castellated walls are a curious mix of different periods and as the need has arisen the owners of the time seemed to add on a wing, making the castle a convincing and attractive dwelling.

Nowadays the owner, Sir Brooke Boothby whose direct ancestor, Colonel Philip Jones, bought the castle in 1656 during the Civil War, directs a thoroughly up to date operation that attracts thousands of visitors every year to enjoy its features, both historic and current.

An increasing number have fond recollections of Fonmon Castle as they recall their Wedding Day when, probably for the only time in their lives they enjoyed the exclusive use of an ancient castle and were able to relax as the home team enabled them to do nothing else but make the most of this very special day and opportunity. Further details can be found on their own Website.

The Castle is fully licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, can be used for receptions after a church or other form of service, and for a party before or after the wedding day.

For Corporate events Fomon Castle enjoys an enviable location, near to Cardiff and the M4 corridor, though once inside the grounds you would hardly be aware of this. The Castle will hold from 8 to 80 in its various stately rooms, a marquee adds a further 200-plus for larger events The North and South Lawns provide opportunities for grace and space with direct access to the house. There is no multi-letting and only one client at a time is entertained.

Private diners and parties will find the gracious atmosphere of this beautiful home an ideal setting for their special occasions, when the main priority is to ensure that everything, down to the finest detail, comes up to expectation.

A 70 acre area of close cropped pasture known as “Lord’s Desmense” provides a level and attractive area in which other events can be held, such as and the wider grounds are ideal for Team Building and Activity days. The Castle is the proud host of the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show held annually in August and which regularly attracts crowds of 25,000 people. One of the many refreshing features of Fonmon Castle and those who own and run it is their attitude to problems, which in their view exist only to be overcome.

Amongst the many film and TV productions which have found a working home at Fonmon Castle are Dr Who, Coast, Great Welsh Houses, and Our Mutual Friend. Production Companies like understanding from their locations, and find it in abundance at Fonmon.

Amidst all this activity and interest there is still time to welcome the visiting public in groups or as individuals. The public are made welcome on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from April through to September, between midday and 5pm. Guided tours of the Castle start at 2, 3 and 4pm. Entry to the gardens and grounds is free.

Groups of 12 or more should ideally book in advance and are welcome at other times, both on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and other days. For groups they offer anything from morning coffee to an evening meal with or without a tour. Many groups combine a tour of the Castle with afternoon tea.

Welsh is spoken on advance request. Public tours can also be conducted in Welsh.

We review many historic and heritage properties every year, but it is seldom we come across one so accommodating and thoughtful on behalf of its visitors as Fonmon Castle.

Opening Times - 2012

• 1st April - 30th September: Tuesday & Wednesday, 12 - 5 pm (last tour at 4 pm)
• Other times by appointment

Admission Prices - 2012

• Adults - £5.50
• Child (under 12) - Free
• Groups (less than 12) - £5.50
• Groups (12+) - Please book in advance, contact for details

Weddings and Functions:

• Those hosting receptions and private or corporate functions have exclusive use of the Castle, which is licensed for Civil Ceremonies.