Pirates step into the breach at Fonmon Castle
A Napoleonic extravaganza planned at Fonmon Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan this weekend has been cancelled due to worries that firing cannon and musket blanks in the current drought could be a fire risk. But all is not lost: the castle is hosting a pirate weekend instead.
Activities running from August 20-21, will challenge children to see if they are brave enough to become pirates. The challenges include beating the Walk the Plank maze; navigating an obstacle course, competing in a tug of war contest, and much more.
People who complete the challenges will be given a secret password which will give them the chance to forge their own pirate coin in the Chandler Shop within the castle’s Medieval farm.
The castle’s regular attractions will also be open, so visitors can explore the medieval living history village, picturesque gardens, story trail, woodland valley sculpture trail, wild walks, dinosaur park and more.
The weekend follows a highly successful Viking weekend at the castle on August 13 and 14 (pictures attached).
Living history expert Ross O’Hennessy, who runs the attractions at Fonmon Castle, said:
“Hundreds of people came along to our Viking weekend, which was hugely enjoyable. It’s a shame the weather has forced us to postpone our Naopleonic weekend until next year – but we’re confident visitors will have just as much fun with our themed pirate activities.”
About Fonmon Castle
- There is no extra charge for the Pirate Adventure – simply purchase a normal General Admission Ticket at £11pp. Under 3s go free. www.fonmoncastle.com
- Fonmon Castle, which dates from Norman times, is a beautiful country home set in 100 acres of grounds in the Vale of Glamorgan, close to Cardiff Airport. It was opened in 2020 as a visitor attraction after centuries as the ancestral home of the Boothby family. It is now owned by businessman Nigel Ford.
- Fonmon Castle’s website is: https://fonmoncastle.com/
