Visiting Old Beaupre Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan

*Update when we visited this Cadw site a few weeks ago, it was open to the public although as it's a free and unmanned site they have decided to close it due to Covid 19 - this situation is constantly changing so please do check the Cadw website before heading out. There are not many castles and medieval ruins locally to us that we haven't visited although recently I was going through all the Cadw heritage sites online and realised we hadn't visited Old Beaupre Castle - a lesser know about ruined medieval fortified manor house near Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan. After I came across it online I did some research and came across a few sparse online reviews and discovered it was a bit off the beaten track and quite hard to find and awkward to get too, but we always love a challenge, and despite the Cadw directions being somewhat unclear we did manage to find it. Once we arrived as close to the Satnav postcode as possible we could see an old farm track which clea......

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Fire and Ice at Dewsall Court

There is nothing more I love doing than spending a day in beautiful surrounds in the Welsh countryside with all the chaos of the city left far behind me while gathering around a perfectly laid table with wine, good company and excellent food and that was exactly what my day exploring Dewsall Court in Hereford was like.  As soon as you turn up the driveway towards Dewsall and you get a glimpse of the Manor House you know your in for a treat. Firstly the setting is breathtaking with the property being set among formal and informal gardens, converted out buildings and barns as well as a 12th century church set at the bottom of the garden which is perfect if your looking for somewhere special to tie the knot.  Heading up towards the front door with it's wreath decorated with pheasant feathers you step straight into a rustic open plan kitchen space with flagstones and an Aga and you straight away you get that homely feel which runs throughout the property. I then ......

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Savouring Autumn at Insole Court & The Potting Shed, Llandaff

Insole Court is really one of those hidden gems that has such an exciting future ahead of itself as over the past year or so the National Lottery has funded this once dilapidated Manor house and outbuildings and have brought it back to life and provide a welcoming community hub in the heart of Llandaff City. Surrounding the Manor house is what I can only describe as a small secret garden, partly walled with lots of nooks and grannies to explore, perfect for families, dog walkers and those looking for a peaceful spot away from the maddening crowds of the city. There are also allotments on the site which while are private it's really nice to see keen green fingers folk going back and forth. While parts of the main Manor house is still under construction and with it being a listed building these things do take time, many of the out-buildings are already up and running with daily Yoga, language and creative classes taking place throughout the week. One part of the stab......

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Exploring somewhere new - Insole Court, Cardiff

We have driven past many times but have never gone down the long drive that leads you to this once iconic Manor house just a short walk from Llandaff in Cardiff that is Insole Court. The house itself is not open and is being restored by the National Lottery but what is open is the beautiful grounds and walled gardens that belong to this stunning period property.  We really didn't know what to expect the first time we walked down though the gates but it was like stepping into the secret garden with tumbling ivy covered walls, fountains, an array of wild flowers and a little stream running through with plenty of space for picnics in total peace and quiet. A real haven within the city centre.  To my understanding the main building once sympathetically renovated as it's a listed property will house a variety of different things including a community space and cafe and I cannot wait to see what is install for this fantastic place. It's a shame in one wa......

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