St Donats Castle is in Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan. Not many people know about it because it is a real-life Hogwarts. Most of the year, it is a school and a wedding venue at the weekend and during the summer. However, you can visit to tour the castle or attend one of the many events.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Grade I listed castle, St Donats, is a true rarity. The medieval castle is large, well preserved and has been continuously occupied since the 12th Century. What is in St Donats? Alongside the castle are an arts centre, outdoor swimming pool and dormitory accommodation. The Tudor gardens is made of five terraces, descending 40 metres from the castle to the sea, which looks across the Bristol Channel. The castle is surrounded by 122 acres of woodland and farmland.
The castle has had several royal visitors, including Lord Mountbatten, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands, Queen Noor of Jordan and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan.
St Donats Castle Tours
One of the most asked questions is can you visit St Donats Castle? Is St Donats Castle open to the public? Yes, it is, but not all of the time. On selected dates, the castle opens its doors so all visitors can see the antique ceilings, fireplaces, battlements and dungeons.
It is also a filming location. So you may recognise it from A Discovery of Witches, Wolf Hall, Doctor Who, Da Vinci’s Demons or The Hollow Crown.
Our tour took over two hours and was packed with interesting information on the history and building.
St Donats Castle Opening Times
The guided tours generally take place between July and the end of August.
St Donats Castle Events
A range of events, theatre performances and entertainment are hosted throughout the year, including live music, summer and Christmas fayres, community activities, and an outdoor cinema. They are held at the St Donats Arts Centre, a medieval tithe barn from the 16th Century.
St Donats Castle Weddings
The castle is a luxurious wedding venue. The Bradenstoke Hall, Inner Courtyard, Great Hall and Dining Hall make a spectacular backdrop to wedding photos and videos. Alongside the original Tudor terraced gardens and perfectly manicured lawns, plus a stunning view of St Donats Beach. The stone walls and neutral palette compliments any wedding décor. It really is the perfect wedding venue.
St Donats Castle wedding prices
St Donats Castle History
The site has been occupied since the Iron Age and was the home of the Celtic chieftain Caradog. The de Haweys family initially held St Donats. The heiress married Sir Peter de Stratelynge (Stradling). The Stradling family occupied the house from 1289 until the late 1730s. In the late 14th Century, Edward Stradling was twice Sheriff of Glamorgan and his wife inherited nearby Coity Castle. Their grandson married a daughter of Henry VI’s great uncle Cardinal Beaufort and became Chamberlain of South Wales.
King James I made John Stradling a baronet in 1611, despite the family having remained faithful to the Roman church during the Reformation. They fought for King Charles I during the Civil War and were even a leader of the Royalist force at the battle of St Fagans.
The estate passed to a cousin named Bussey in 1738, ending the time of the Stradling’s. Upon his death, the estate was divided, and the heirs neglected the castle until 1862. It was bought by Dr Nicholl-Carne, a descendent of the Stradling’s. He began its restoration.
More recently
In 1901 it was sold to Morgan Stuart Williams, a coal mine owner, who did further work on the castle. In 1922, Richard Pennoyer bought the castle but sold it to a fellow American in 1925, the millionaire William Randolph Hearst. Extensive and not always sensitive changes were made between 1925 and 1937. During this time, Hollywood stars would holiday here. Such as blonde bombshell Marion Davies, Charlie Chaplin, Constance Talmadge and a young John F Kennedy.
The caste was put up for sale and remained unsold until 1960. However, it was used for training army officers during the second world war. It became the site of Atlantic College in 1962. Who owns St Donats Castle? The castle is owned by Antonin Besse II, who donated it to the founding council of Atlantic College. The idea for an international school arose from his meeting with Kurt Hahn.
St Donat’s Castle School
Atlantic College St Donats Castle has 350 students from more than 90 countries living in houses on the grounds. Their studies are for two years. Known as the UWC Atlantic Experience, the college aims to educate and unite people, nations and cultures.
Students stay in four-person dorms with people from different backgrounds, helping them be more culturally aware and to become respectful of values and beliefs. They have modern bathrooms, study areas, day rooms and kitchens. When I visited, more dormitory buildings were being erected.
Alongside their studies are exciting social groups like Cine Club, Choir and dance. Hot To Go is a student-run professional restaurant with a head chef, sous chefs and waiters. Each Saturday, the Moondance Café transforms into a restaurant with table bookings so that you can meet your friends. All profits are reinvested into kitchen equipment.
Hotels near St Donats Castle
You can plan your trip to Llantwit Major with LastMinute.com. The Great House Guest House, The White Hart Inn and Newcourt B&B are all two miles away. As well as Acorn Camping and Caravan Park.
Sykes Cottages
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Llantwit Major are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Get 50% off food with a Tastecard
With a Tastecard, you get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. The nearest places to eat by St Donats are the Barley Mow pub, Exotic Shaad in nearby Bridgend and Double Zero in Porthcawl.
However, there are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Plus, with a Tastecard Plus membership, there’s also 30% off cinema tickets and 50% off days out, such as Alton Towers, Sea Life and Drayton Manor. Get a 60-day free trial with instant access; it is £5.99 per month or £34.99 per year. Get a 2-month free trial here:
So, do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed my St Donats Castle article, you can stay updated with my other staycation and travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram Facebook Twitter
