Visiting - St Fagans: National History Museum
St Fagans: National History Museum is one of Europe's foremost open-air museums representing the life and culture of Wales and situated in 100 acres of parkland.
IMPORTANT!
Redevelopment Project
Our indoor galleries are currently closed as we build new exhibition spaces, the historic re-erected buildings in the open-air Museum are open as usual. The roundhouses in the Celtic Village are in the process of being dismantled as we prepare the site for a new eco-friendly exhibition space.
St Fagans: National History Museum has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Welsh Government to completely transform the visitor experience. Over the next five years, developments include a new entrance hall and visitor facilities, new gallery spaces and historic buildings including a medieval Welsh prince’s hall. » Find out more
Opening hours
10am – 5pm daily (open Bank Holiday Mondays)
Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
FREE ENTRY
Location
St Fagans: National History Museum is located 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232.
For satellite navigation purposes use the post code CF5 6XB.
Address
St Fagans National History Museum
Cardiff
CF5 6XB
Phone: (029) 2057 3500
Switchboard (standard rate): 0300 111 2 333
Fax: (029) 2057 3490
The grounds of St Fagans extend to over 100 acres in total, with many buildings in the open-air section. Although the amount of time spent on site varies from one visitor to another, we recommend that you allow 2 - 4 hours for your visit.
Planning your visit
By Bus
[image: Traveline]
Other buses operate between Cardiff Central Bus Station and St Fagans: National History Museum throughout the year (number 32A, 320 and 322). Most buses stop at the main entrance to the Museum and there is a sheltered waiting area for passengers. The Museum is a 20 minute bus ride from Cardiff city centre.
» Number 32 / 32A / 320 / 322 timetable (PDF)
You can plan your journey using the Traveline Cymru website or by calling their helpline on 0871 200 22 33 (calls charged at 10p per minute from a land line).
By Train
The nearest rail station is Waungron Park located 2 miles from St Fagans. Services are operated by Arriva Trains Wales. Waungron Park Station is located next to the main bus route to St Fagans. Visit Traveline Cymru to plan your journey.
- Check train timetables at www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone 0845 7 48 49 50.
- Arriva Trains Wales www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk Tel 0845 606 1660.
By Bicycle
The main cycle route to the Museum from Cardiff city centre is via the Ely Trail. The signposted section between Fairwater and the Museum is traffic-free and follows a pleasant riverside route.
- View Ely Trail Information Leaflet.
- Visit Keeping Cardiff Moving for information on cycling in Cardiff.
- Cardiff Cycle Map shows a network of recommended routes for cyclists, including both traffic free and lightly trafficked advisory routes.
- Use Transport Direct's Cycle Journey planner to plan your journey.
Why not consider cycling to the Museum from Waungron Park railway station along a 2-mile section of the Ely Trail?
You may lock your bike to one of our sheltered bike racks at the main entrance, in our patrolled car park. Lockers are available on request for people wishing to store equipment and are provided for a returnable deposit of £2.00. Please ask at the main entrance desk.
Walking
There are some very pleasant circular walks in the area around the Museum. Take in the scenery and explore the local area as part of your visit to the Museum.
- Ely Valley Cross Boundary Walk - St. Fagans - St. Georges Circular Walk.
- St Fagans - Circular Walk.
By Car or Coach
The Museum is signposted from junction 33 of the M4 motorway (follow road signs for the Museum of Welsh Life), with direct access from the A4232.
- Check BBC Traffic News.
- Plan your route with the RAC Routeplanner.
Have you considered car sharing for your visit? If you fancy some company, want to save money on fuel or reduce your carbon footprint, you could find someone to share your journey. Join a local car share scheme for free at www.sewtacarshare.com.
The charge for car parking is £3.50 per car per day payable at Pay and Display points. A 12-month season ticket costing £17.50 is available from the Museum Reception. No charge is made for disabled badge holders or motorbikes. Free parking is provided for coaches.
Groups
ALL Groups MUST pre-book their visit.
To book or obtain further details:
Tel: (029) 2057 3500
Email us
Pre-booked groups benefit from:
- Free entry
- 10% off in the museum café and restaurant on a minimum spend of £5 per person
- 10% off in the museum shop on a minimum spend of £5 per person
View our Group Visits brochure which covers the seven Museums of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales.
Please note that the catering and retail discounts do not apply to educational groups.It is policy that any child aged under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Facilities For Visitors
For where to eat see Food & Drink
There is an ATM available on-site.
Disabled access to much of the site is fairly easy, with signposted routes where required. However, St Fagans Castle and a few other attractions are some distance from the main entrance and their access is uphill.
The Museum has a number of wheelchairs that may be borrowed for the duration of your visit. A motorised vehicle is also available free of charge, call 029 20573500. Please see the Accessibility Guide for more information.
Information about the day's activities and forthcoming special events and exhibitions is displayed by the entrance, and leaflets are available at Reception. Information about the permanent attractions in the Museum, plus a map, is provided in a published guidebook and also by interpretative signs outside each building. Individual handbooks are also available for several buildings. Museum Assistants are also present in many buildings on site, and will be happy to help with any queries you may have.
Shops
The Museum shop is located at the main entrance, with a wide choice of craft souvenirs, toys, books, films and postcards. Postcards can be posted in the Royal Mail box near the front steps and also at the Post Office; there are daily collections.
Crafts
The work of many of the Museum's demonstrating craftspeople is on sale at the shops and at the individual workshops. Please remember that not all craftspeople may be working on the day of your visit and that they work in rotation at weekends.
Families
A small play area for young children is located near the main entrance. Children using the equipment must be supervised at all times.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs and prams in the historic houses.
Note:
- We ask visitors not to take radios or footballs into the Museum as they may be a nuisance to others.
- We reserve the right to close galleries and buildings for conservation or maintenance work; if you are travelling to see a specific building or object, please phone before making a special journey.
- No dogs are allowed in the historic buildings, except for assistance dogs.