Margam Country Park, Port Talbot (Wales)

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Information provided Learning facilities Gardens Children's play area Woodland walks Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Food and Drinks Tea Room

Introduction

With 850 acres of Parkland which include 12th century monastry ruins, 12th century church, 18th century orangery, 19th century country house, there is lots to see and do at Margam Country Park. It also has the largest collection of deer in Wales and 30 acres of beautiful gardens.

History to the present day

Margam Park owes its location and beginnings to the monastery, which was acquired by Sir Rice Mansel in 1540 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537. A Tudor mansion was later built on the site of the former monastic ranges by Sir Rice Mansel as a county residence. In 1661, the first mention of a garden are referenced, including walled areas and by 1727 the estate's gardener drew up a catalogue of the plants at the gardens. 1793 saw the completion of the Orangery and by the late 18th century the gardens are fenced off from the park to keep out the deer, and a main gate is erected. An 1814 estate map shows that a working park had been realised, with a 'Great', 'Little' and 'Upper' Parks, and by 1830 the construction of a new manor house, to become Margam Castle, had begun. Before the end of the decade, plans show the inclusion of several new buildings and features, including the Temple of the Four Seasons, the stone facade and the gardener's cottage.

Food and Drinks

 The park has a cafe available serving light snacks and refreshments.

Grounds and gardens

Margam Country Park has beautiful ornamental gardens, including historic gardens around the Castle, Monastic Gardens, Orangery Terrace and a unique Fuschia Collection.  The park has a narrow guage railway which runs from the car park to the Castle.

For children, Margam has an adventure playground, farm trail and pets corner. Other activites include crazy golf, fishing and a boating lake.

Other facilities

Margam has a visitor and information centre in the castle courtyard, along with a gift shop and cafe.

More photos of Margam Country Park, Port Talbot

Margam Abbey