Millions Invested to Restore Castle for Future Generations

St Fagans Castle will be closed for three months to begin essential roof repairs and conservation work, as part of a major investment by the Welsh Government into Amgueddfa Cymru’s historic buildings.

The Grade I listed castle, one of the most significant historic buildings at St Fagans National Museum of History, will undergo roof refurbishment over the next two years, protecting the building’s long-term future.

Castle Restoration

Refurbishment work, delivered by main contractor Knox and Wells, includes removing and replacing the castle’s traditional Welsh slate roof, including lining and batten, as well as lead replacement works and conservation and remedial works to copings. There is also the potential for structural repairs to the roofing timbers once the current condition has been ascertained.

Work is expected to be complete by early 2027.

Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: “St Fagans Castle is a treasured part of our national story, and this investment will ensure it can be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come. Once the work is complete, the hope is that the public will be able to explore some of the upstairs again.

“St Fagans is Wales’ most popular heritage attraction and ranks among the UK’s top ten free attractions as voted by TripAdvisor users. The rest of the museum site, including its historic buildings, galleries and grounds, will remain open throughout the castle works.”

Significant Investment

The castle closure forms part of the £1.8 million the Welsh Government is providing this financial year for improvement works across the St Fagans site. This includes restoration work on the museum’s historic glasshouses, the only two remaining in the grounds from the late nineteenth century. This restoration is also supported by a significant grant from Colwinston Charitable Trust, along with a number of other contributors.

The Welsh Government says it is also working with Amgueddfa Cymru to carry out building condition surveys across the St Fagans site to inform future investment priorities.

Chief Executive of Amgueddfa Cymru, Jane Richardson, added: “The works which are starting at St Fagans Castle this month will help to safeguard the building for the future and we are extremely grateful to the Welsh Government for their investment. I’m delighted that along with Colwinston Charitable Trust, Welsh Government are also supporting the restoration of our historic glasshouses at St Fagans.

“It’s exciting to see so much work taking place to protect, conserve and develop our museums right across Wales, which will ultimately help us to widen access to the national collection for everyone.”

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