Nantgarw China Works & Museum
ENTRY
from £5
WHERE
Cardiff
What it’s like
A guided tour round a real 19th century porcelain works, with a craft corner for younger kids while older ones do the trail.
This is an old porcelain works turned museum, and the guided tour is the main event. You'll hear about the china that was made on site, walk through the historic rooms, and get a proper sense of a working factory rather than a glass case of pretty plates. The site itself reckons the tours suit ages 7 and up best, with worksheets and trails to keep them interested, which sounds about right for a tour that runs long.
Younger kids aren't left out entirely. There's a small activity corner with a tea-time play-set, jigsaws and a craft activity, so a bored six-year-old has somewhere to go while the rest of the group finishes the tour. It won't fill an afternoon on its own, but it takes the edge off.
It's £5 for an adult and free for anyone 16 and under when they're with a paying grown-up, which makes it an easy one to justify for a wet Saturday. National Art Pass holders and Museums Association members get in free too. Worth knowing the building is genuinely old: the first floor gallery is stairs only and the cellar's reached by a gravelled slope, so it's not one you can wheel round in full. The ground floor and garden patio are ramped, and they say they'll offer a bespoke tour approach if the standard route won't work for you.
There's a tea room open the same days as the museum, and a free car park opposite with a few Blue Badge spaces. It opens Wednesday to Saturday, 10 till 4, with last entry at 3.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 7 and up on the tour; younger ones have the craft corner
- Last entry
- 3:00pm
- Booking
- Walk-ins welcome but booking encouraged
- Parking
- Free car park opposite the museum
- Food
- Tea room open Wednesday to Saturday
- Wheelchairs
- Ground floor and garden patio accessible by ramp
- Getting there by bus or train
- Nearest station is Taffs Well. No. 132 bus from there
- Last entry is 3pm, an hour before closing
- The first floor gallery is stairs only, and the cellar's reached by a gravelled slope
- Group visits need people able to manage steps and uneven ground
- Booking's encouraged even though walk-ins are welcome
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£5 for an adult. Kids 16 and under go free when they're with a paying adult, and National Art Pass or Museums Association members also get in free.
Do we need to book?
You can walk in, but they'd rather you booked ahead.
Is it any good for younger children?
The tours are long and suit kids 7 and up best, especially with the worksheets and trails. There's a small activity corner with a tea-time play-set and crafts for younger ones who need a break.
What are the opening hours?
Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Is there parking?
Yes, a free car park opposite the museum with limited Blue Badge spaces.
Can you get round with a wheelchair or buggy?
The ground floor and garden patio are ramped, but the first floor gallery is stairs only and the cellar has a gravelled slope. They offer a bespoke tour approach if the usual route doesn't suit.
Is there anywhere to eat?
There's a tea room open the same days as the museum, Wednesday to Saturday.
How do we get there without a car?
The nearest station is Taffs Well, and the 132 bus runs from there. It's also near the Taff Trail with footbridge access.
Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists
See all Galleries & Exhibitions in Cardiff · Things to do in Cardiff
MAKE A DAY OF IT
