We headed to Fonmon Citadel this Easter, together with the youngsters’ grandparents for a multi-generational time out within the outdoor. Learn on for our evaluation of this incredible native attraction, which has a lot to do for households.
As soon as finest referred to as a lovely wedding ceremony venue, Fonmon Citadel got here into new possession in 2019 and has actually established itself on the native household days out circuit, well-known for its dinosaur path and sell-out Halloween scare nights and Christmas lights path.
Try a video Reel from our go to on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram channel.
We paid for our entry to Fonmon Citadel outselves and the venue didn’t know we might be penning this evaluation.
Considered one of our fundamental causes for visiting this weekend particularly was for Fonmon Joust, which noticed the attraction overtaken by native re-enactment societies, in a three-day celebration of all issues medieval.
We have been entertained with a full programme of occasions working all through the day, which noticed knights jousting on horseback, a canon being fired, a fight show that includes swords and different weapons, plus costumed reenactors eager to inform us extra about life in medieval occasions.
Fairly becoming for a fort that dates again to the 12th century.
And in between all of that, we hung out exploring the 100 acre grounds of the location, the place the main target is on historical past, conservation and sustainability.
The storytelling path noticed us following the story of Fon and Mon, and an indignant crimson dragon. We noticed knights, fairies, witches and naturally the dragon, as we journeyed by means of the woodlands, studying the storyboards (bilingual in Welsh and English) alongside the path.
We noticed Alice, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and the Queen of Hearts on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Celebration in an Alice in Wonderland-themed mannequin backyard.
We had a cuppa within the quaint tearoom inside the home and explored the gorgeous walled gardens.
My youngsters performed within the playground, no photographs sorry because it was too full of youngsters, however there’s a zipper wire, sliding rope swing, seesaw and much extra. Plus proper subsequent to it you’ll discover an previous aeroplane which you’ll discover inside and even picnic in (an important contact contemplating the venue is correct beneath the flight path for close by Cardiff Wales airport), in addition to a jeep and trailer vehicles which, once more, you’ll be able to sit inside.
We additionally visited the medieval village and backyard. It is a everlasting fixture however was delivered to life this weekend with the medieval actors. The medieval church is especially hanging, its inside that includes brilliant biblical footage, a reproduction of how church buildings would have regarded in medieval occasions.
The dinosaur present (11am, 1pm and 3pm every day) was humorous, informative and featured a number of animatronic prehistoric creatures. That is new for 2023 and though the web site says an extra cost is often relevant, it was included in our admission on the weekend.
And naturally, we noticed the dinosaurs! The Jurassic Wales dinosaur path is nice, that includes 20 or so lifesize dinosaurs within the woodlands. All of them are paleontologically appropriate, consistent with the most recent dinosaur analysis and scientific theories. Every dino is accompanied by a board with a couple of information and data.
Indicators across the path remind folks to not climb on the fashions, however close to the tip there’s a fierce-toothed dinosaur jaw that smaller youngsters can climb into, excellent for picture alternatives. The beginning of the path additionally options small excavation websites the place youngsters can faux to be paleontologists and uncover their very own dino bones.
It’s undoubtedly a kind of locations the place you could costume for the climate – wellies and waterproofs advisable if it’s been raining within the run as much as your go to or on the day, and comfy footwear for strolling is a should.
Many of the web site is buggy pleasant, though some surfaces and terrain can be harder with a buggy or pram. The Misplaced Victorian Backyard is unsuitable, as it’s in a ravine. A lot of the location is accessible to wheelchairs plus there’s a Tramper Electrical buggy for rent which is multi-terrain. Attributable to slope, surfaces and obstacles some components of the location are tougher or unsuitable for wheelchairs.
There are bathrooms on web site, a restaurant, meals stalls serving cold and hot refreshments, plus a dino-themed reward store in the beginning of the Jurassic Wales path.
With all of the Joust occasions, and despite the fact that we have been there for 5 hours, we didn’t get time to discover the whole lot Fonmon has to supply. There’s undoubtedly sufficient to maintain you busy for a great few hours, even with out the particular occasions. We ran out of time to go to the pirate journey, Pooh stick bridge, sculpture trails, wild wigwams and bug looking areas, however they regarded like nice enjoyable from what we might see.
I suppose it’s a great excuse for us to go to once more and discover out for ourselves.
Fonmon Citadel, BarryVale of GlamorganCF62 3ZN. Open 10am-5pm. Ebook on-line for least expensive costs, adults £11-£13, youngsters £10-£11, beneath 3s free. Go to the Fonmon Citadel web site right here.
Forthcoming particular occasions embrace Mad Hatter’s Tea Celebration, Alice in Wonderland character themed days from Saturday 29 April 2023 -Financial institution Vacation 1 Might 2023 and Magic and Mayhem Weekend from Saturday 27-Financial institution Vacation Monday 29 Might 2023. Gold and and Silver Christmas packages are additionally presently on sale.
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