A fine medieval hall house in Gwynedd

This house at Penarth Fawr, near Chwilog is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of Cadw. It is believed to have been built by Hywel ap Madog around the 1450s on the foundations of an earlier structure.  Hywel ap Madog is said to have died from wounds sustained at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross in 1461 during the Wars of the Roses.

Extensive restoration work carried out in 1937 has ensured that many of the house’s original features have been preserved for posterity. Most notable among these is the magnificent great hall with its ‘speretruss’, an elaborate timber framework mounted on carved uprights that supports the roof. The impressive fireplace was added in the 16th century. When first constructed, the great hall would have featured a central, open hearth.

Links

Cadw

• Parking
• Buggy Access
• Good Walks Nearby
• Family Walk
• Wheelchair Access

Opening Times

Daily 10.00am - 5.00 pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Entry Fees

Free Entry

Directions

By Road

Turn north off A497 just west of Hafan y Môr holiday park

By Rail

Penychain - 1 mile

By Bus

Buses from Pwhelli to Criccieth. Stop at Penychain

Practical Details

Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 426381 OS Landranger map sheet: 123

Traveline Cymru

Sustrans

Contact

Telephone

01443 336000

Address

Penarth Fawr, Chwilog