Llancaiach Fawr Manor — Attraction in Gelligaer

Updated review. I just found out that the council is going to close this historic attraction, im not sure why as i think its ridiculous, this is such an important building for the local community, we dont have much around here as it is, and councils seem to sell off everything to private companies, like what they did to garwnant cwm cadlan they sold it to a holiday company without telling the public and destroyed the place for locals. Especially for Families that have been going there for generations like i did as a kids with my grandparents and now a fourth generation. We used to love going there but now its a scam with parking so be careful. I dont want the same happening to llanciach fawr. We need tourism and investment in the community not less. If they need to make more money just advertise better, they never let people know about events and im local, there's so many ways to advertise with social media that was never available in the past, you could reach far more people these days. Lets not forget about the jobs lost in the area there is hardly any jobs as it is and if this is gone theres nowhere in the area for them to go. Maybe if they got rid of the people who thought this would be a good idea. They should lose they're jobs and use the money saved to help llanciach fawr, that would be money better spent. Original review, I like going here they got nice food and a gift shop with welsh products and welsh cards. Sunday lunch is good which you need to book first. The only downside is there's no pavements to get there, its not llanciach fault hense the 5 stars. However its not nice getting there for locals especially for the disabled, if you have wheelchair or mobility scooter you cant get there and even if you can walk when its wet you get muddy. The road is busy and dangerous with big lorries going to local waste company so you cant use road. I really wish the council did something about it but its always been like this so i dought they ever will. They also have some public footpaths next to llanciach fawr which could attract ramblers but unfortunately the footpaths have been ruined by cows as the water and food is next to footpath and its not good for your ankles. There is one behind llanciach fawr which gets you to the bike trail that goes to climbing centre, sometimes its overgrown but that depends on time of year. Theres a big car park and cafe that you can use and then get a coffee and cake after going for walk. Coffee and cake you can get untill it closes but if you want cooked food...

TOP TIP: Take the tour!!! Although we were advised at the entrance that everyone would be in character from the civil war, we were not prepared for the welcome in the main house.

When you enter, we were overwhelmed by the chap speaking in old English. I couldn't understand what he was talking about, so when he said we could be escorted or wander freely (or something like that) I panicked a little, and just said we would go round by ourselves.

This was a mistake! We went into the kitchen and a nice young lady was telling a group about life in the kitchen. Brilliant stories, talking in old English, but very easy to listen to.

When she finished, the group left, and we went to the next room, where a gent was sitting by the only fire the master would let them light when the master was away. The master says that if you are not warm enough, you are not working hard enough. We moved on to the next room full of dried plants with no information. A lady came through to tell us what the plants would be used for, and how she has learnt everything from her mother.

We realised that to experience anything about the house, you had to be on a tour. We joined up with a group in the main hall, and followed the tour round, room to room, handed between different 'actors' as you go. They were very professional, telling you facts and stories about the rooms, and life in the time of the civil war in a fun way. They connect with you, and your children, suggesting that you may behave the same as if you were from the era (like children must not use furniture); or would be very special if you had things like an indoor lavatory as they did - two in fact!

We were blown away by the experience, and our only disappointment was that we were unprepared! Don't be put off by the old English and take the tour when offered. You won't be...

Went for Sunday lunch and was disappointed by the inflexibility and lack of hospitality. The fact we rang a couple hours in advance to book a table for Sunday lunch and they had "plenty of space" should have been a big clue.

Firstly, you must have all three courses - you cannot opt for anything other than the three. OK, fine, if needs must, but then if you're enforcing this you need to have plenty of options. There were just 2 options for starters - soup or sausages.

Secondly, I disliked the only soup they offered so went for the sausages. I thought eating sausages for a starter was bizarre so asked for them alongside my main (treating them as a substitute for 'pigs in blankets' felt less bizarre). But alas this was too much trouble for them to achieve, that was a no from them. My mum then asked for all roasted potatoes as she doesn't eat new potatoes, but apparently this too was too much trouble for them to attempt. Another no.

Thirdly, both my parents drink were wrong. And on being asked 'What lagers do you have?' the waitress couldn't say - guessing a couple which included an ale and a cider - not lagers. I went for the only lager she could correctly recall.

Finally, the service was slow. At least 20 minutes went by between us finishing our mains and them clearing the table and taking our (mandatory) dessert order. It also took around 10 minutes standing at the counter to pay due to 4 people in the queue in front of us also paying but mostly as a result of their strange bill-paying system.

I expected better and was very disappointed with their inflexibility and hospitality and shan't be returning any time soon. On a plus note the dinner was well done - good quality meat, yummy cauliflower cheese and a rich gravy. A shame the hospitality couldn't...