A Unique Location in the City
The restoration and renewal of Insole Court is the culmination of 30 years of community campaigning. After decades of uncertainty, the once derelict mansion and outbuildings have reopened to the public and have quickly become an important addition to Cardiff’s cultural landscape.
Since the site reopened in 2016, Insole Court has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the city and beyond. Public events such as concerts, film screenings, market days and heritage tours have made the mansion and gardens a new destination for both tourists and Cardiff residents.
The exceptional room-hire facilities offer both corporate and community customers 21st century facilities in a unique, Victorian setting.
In 2018, a new permanent exhibition for visitors opened on the first floor. ‘This House is a Stage’, is an immersive audio walk-through drama, where the stories of the abandoned rooms come to life through a mix of technology and drama to tell the story of the Insole family, their triumphs and their tragedies.
Whether visiting the impressive mansion, wandering the ornate gardens or popping in to its charming café, Insole Court has become a must-see attraction, a valuable community asset and a shining example of heritage-led regeneration.
Information
Opening Times
Potting Shed Cafe: 9am-5pm
Mansion House: 10am-4pm
Gift Shop: 10am-4pm
Gardens: Sunrise – Sunset
Sat Nav Address
Insole Court
Fairwater Road,
Llandaff, Cardiff
CF5 2LN
Contact Details
Telephone: 029 21 167920
Email: [email protected]
The background of Insole Court
The restoration and renewal of Insole Court is the culmination of 30 years of community campaigning. After decades of uncertainty, the once derelict mansion and outbuildings have reopened to the public and have quickly become an important addition to Cardiff’s cultural landscape.
Become a Member
By joining as a member you will help us conserve Insole Court and ensure its future as a place for all the people of Cardiff. So please support us today.
Find Out More
FAQs
If your question isn’t answered below, please email [email protected]
Cycling
Cycling
Bike racks are available at both the Potting Shed southern entrance and at the Mansion in front of the Swiss Wing
Public Transport
Public Transport
By Bus
The nearest buses that operate between Cardiff city centre and Insole Court are:
66 (Cardiff Bus)
Alight on Fairwater Road at Rookwood Close, walk back 150m to the North gate.
25, 62 or 63 (Cardiff Bus) & 122 or 124 (Stagecoach)
This stop is 550m from the North Gate on Fairwater Rd. Alight at Llandaff Black Lion, walk up the hill to the traffic lights, turn left into Fairwater Road, and follow the brown signs.
Insole Court is approximately a 25 minute bus ride from Cardiff city centre.
You can plan your bus or train journey using the Traveline Cymru website or by calling their helpline on 0300 200 22 33.
By Train
The nearest station is Fairwater. Insole Court is 500m from the Fairwater Road exit. Services are operated by Transport For Wales on the City Line that runs from Coryton to Radyr through the city centre (and in reverse).
Eating
Eating
The Potting Shed Cafe is open 9-5 daily and serves a selection of locally sourced, seasonal dishes as well as coffee, cakes and bakes. There are picnic benches in the grounds for you to enjoy takeaway orders during busy times.
Dog Walkers
Dog Walkers
Dog walkers are welcome around the site. A water bowl is available by the Gift Shop and we sell dog treats in both the Gift Shop and the Mansion, We kindly ask that dogs are kept on leads on the northern drive and in the car park for safety.
Parking
Parking
We have a dedicated Car Park on site with spaces taken on a first come first serve basis. Parking is free but we ask for a suggested donation of £3 for those who can afford it. This can be paid in the Gift Shop or the Foyer of the Mansion. When the Car Park is full we ask people not to park in undesignated places but to instead park off site on the surrounding streets. Please respect local residents when finding a space.
Accessibility
Accessibility
Both the Stable Yard and Mansion have disabled access toilets. Please download a map from our ‘Visit’ page to view accessible pathways in the gardens. Assistance dogs are allowed in all buildings. Disabled parking is available north of the Gift Shop in our car park.
Baby Changing
Baby Changing
Baby Changing facilities are available in both the Mansion and in 2 locations in the Stableyard.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
1 day wi-fi codes are available from the Potting Shed Cafe and Gift Shop. Join the network ‘Insole Court Free Wi-Fi’ and enter your code.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, diversity and accessibility are fundamental values of the Insole Court Trust.
We understand that significant barriers can exist in accessing heritage and culture and we are taking action to ensure they don’t exist here at Insole Court. We will reflect this in our business planning, communications, outreach and engagement, and our activities.
Insole Court Trust and our subsidiary, Insole Court Trading are equal opportunities employers and we will endeavour to attract diverse candidates at all levels of the organisation including staff, volunteers and trustees.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.
Our work is informed by The Equality Act 2010 which provides the legislative framework to achieve our goals of promoting equality of opportunity and to engage with our visitors.