Margam Park and Orangery Gardens in its 850 acres of historic parklands near Port Talbot, is a tranquil picturesque garden of serenity and highly recommended for a visit. This is probably one of South Wales best kept secrets and yet it has so much to offer. The entrance fee is just £2 for parking. Margam Park is definately a good place for families.

Children will love the Magical Fairytale village with its animated characters and small scale but very realistic houses. A small castle and tudor house are just two examples of the buildings the kids will love to visit. Monty the train provides rides around the lake and grounds of Margam Park.

Margam Park is now owned by the Council which is probably why it has such a lot to offer at such a small price. Within the grounds you will find an impressive Gothic Castle, Monastic ruins and the 18th century organgery. The mountain views, gardens and woodland walks will lead you to lakes, deer parks and an enchanting peaceful landscape.

This area has been inhabited by man for over 3000 years when bronze age setters farmed Margam Mountain. The original Abbey of Margam was founded in 1147 by Robert Consul, Earl of Gloucester, and the remains of the Abbey can be seen in the grounds of the park today. The ruins are in particularly good order. In 1793 Thomas Mansel Talbot provided the magnificent eithteenth century Margam Orangery. The existing mansion in Tudor Gothic style was commissioned in 1830 and adds to the splendour and grandeur of the park. The mansion has had a chequered history during the 20th century. In 1942 the estate was sold to Sir David Evans-Bevan, proprietor of a local brewery and gradually fell into a derelict condition. Acquired by Glamorgan County Council in 1973 it benefitted from restoration in 1975 only to be damaged and left as a burnt out shell as a result of a fire on August 4th 1977.

The fuchsia collection is housed in the Citrus House that was built in 1801 and the deer herd at Margam Park contains the largest herd of fallow deer in South Wales. Amazingly these deer are belived to be the descendants of a small herd that was established at the park in the fifteenth century. For more detailed information and an informative guide to Margam Park can be found at:

www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/margampark/