Insole Court is still a mystery to those who live in Cardiff. Some are surprised it is there, and even those who regularly visit are unaware of all that is on offer. The stately home is more than a beautiful garden to walk in and a cracking cup of coffee in the café. So, here are nine things you didn’t know you could do at Insole Court events.
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What is Insole Court and Gardens?
Firstly, the Insole Court mansion is found in Llandaff. I grew up nearby. On evenings and weekends, my friends and I would ride our bikes here, mess around, and return home. It was in Cardiff Council’s care for a long time, and the local community came together to save and restore it. Through tireless fundraising and receiving a Big Lottery Charity Fund. The restoration project has brought the house back to its former glory. Now the house has become so much more and offers a diverse range of Insole Court events and activities.
What can you do at Insole Court?
Here are nine things you didn’t know you could do at Insole Court:
1. Take a Tour – History Insole Court
Entry to the house is free. However, if you’d like to know more, be wowed by the Insole Court History. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Insole Court Tours are led by volunteers, who will explain the more interesting points of the house, the story of the Insole’s, and so much more. It’s also only £3 per person.
If you’d prefer to explore on your own, check out This House Is a Stage. The exhibition on the house’s first floor shows the Insole family’s rise and fall, spanning an entire century. The audio tour, in English or Welsh, is available daily between 10.30am and 3.30pm. It takes about 40 minutes and is £5 per person. Under 16s are £2.50. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome to join you.
Also, the Insole Court Collection has many objects and documents related to the history of the building and the lives it has been intertwined with. The collection is managed by a small team of researchers and volunteers, who catalogue and preserve the items. If you’d like to visit the archive, you must make an appointment.
2. Walk your dog in the Gardens – Insole Court Dogs
Insole Court is dog-friendly. The gardens are ideal for walking your dog or for children to play in. You’ll often spot people picnicking too. Dogs can be let off lead in wider and quieter areas. The gardens are beautifully maintained and bloom and pop with colour throughout the year.
You can also take your dog into the Gift Shop and Potting Shed Cafe; however, they must be on a lead. Once you have ordered, you can only dine with them outside in the walled courtyard garden or Stable Yard. Dog bowls can be found around the grounds, and dog treats can be purchased too.
There are plenty of dog-friendly events too. Such as the Insole Court Dog Show. My dog, Ivan, came second in the Best Rescue category.
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Dog-Friendly Cardiff
There’s nothing better than going for a pint with your dog. There are over 60 dog friendly pubs in Cardiff, plus dog friendly restaurants in Cardiff, and even dog friendly shops in Cardiff. You never have to leave them at home again!
Did you know dogs are allowed on trains?
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. Transport for Wales allows a maximum of two dogs per passenger on the train, free of charge. Just bear in mind they be kept on the lead at all times or in a basket. I love Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And who doesn’t want to save money?
With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. There’s no excuse not to take your dog with you.
3. Read a Book – Insole Court Bookshop
Butler’s Bookshop is the ideal place to find a brand-new or well-cared-for second-hand book. Choose from children’s books, novels, thrillers and even cookbooks. From as little as £2 per book. Or bundles for £5 or less.
If you want to bring your own book or borrow one from Insole Court, the Reading Room is the ideal place to curl up and watch the world go by. There is always free entry; during the winter, it is a great space to warm up in. You’ll often see other visitors with laptops on their knees or students finishing their homework.
Books on the history of Insole Court are available in the Gift Shop. Alongside a wide range of local crafts, handmade locally, homeware items, bags, coffee cups and even honey made on-site at Insole Court.
4. Take Up a New Activity – Insole Court Classes
As a space for the community, you can get involved in many of the Insole Court Activities. From art classes to weekly yoga, Tai Chi to baby massage or even join the community choir. With lots going on for all ages.
Of course, there are also Insole Court Events. The last Sunday of the month, and other one-off dates on the lead-up to Christmas, is the Insole Court Farmers’ Market. Where you can buy locally sourced produce. Throughout the year, there are concerts, film showings, seminars, craft markets, things for children to do in half term and live comedy – to name a few. Don’t forget to get your tickets, as they often sell out fast.
5. Catch up with friends in The Potting Shed Cafe
The Potting Shed Cafe is the perfect location to catch up with friends over a coffee or simple lunch. From sandwiches to freshly made soup or an indulgent cake, there are lots on offer to tantalise your tastebuds. Food intolerances can be catered for in many circumstances. Dogs on leads are more than welcome too.
The team prioritise being environmentally friendly, using recyclable packaging and composting daily. Bring your own coffee mug, and they will give you a discount on your drink purchases.
On top of this, there are plenty of places to eat in Llandaff. From cosy cafes to traditional pubs and high-end restaurants.
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6. Say I Do – Insole Court Weddings
How amazing will your wedding pictures be if you get married here? Intimate weddings are held in the Victorian Gothic Mansion. You can choose from the Library on the first floor, the Drawing Room, Reading Room, Billiards Room or Dining Room on the ground floor. With food and drink packages, you’ll have everything you need for your big day.
7. Book a Business Event
Insole Court could be your ideal venue if you book events in Cardiff or exhibitions in Cardiff. Alongside room hire, there are catering facilities and free WiFi. Many of the mansion house rooms or more modern spaces in the Stable Yard can be booked for your next meeting or conference. The experience will impress your clients and staff.
8. Celebrate at Insole Court
Insole Court is also available to book for all celebrations. Rooms in the Stable Yard are popular for children’s birthday parties. The Insole Court Dining Room has been used for anniversary dinners, funerals, wakes, and informal gatherings. More intimate hen parties with flower arranging or baby showers, accompanied by an Insole Court Afternoon Tea, are also popular.
9. Become a volunteer
Looking for more ways to be social, give something back to the community or want to learn a new skill? Could you help in the Gift Shop, welcome visitors to the Mansion House, help maintain the gardens, or lend a helping hand at one of the Insole Court events? There are lots of exciting opportunities for volunteers at Insole Court.
If that’s not for you, how about becoming a supporter? For £2.50 per month or a one-off payment of £30, the donation will go towards maintaining Insole Court. There are membership perks: 10% off in the Potting Shed Cafe, 10% off in the Gift Shop, and free entry to This House is a Stage.
Where is Insole Court Cardiff?
Insole Court Address – Fairwater Road Llandaff Cardiff CF5 2LN. It is signposted from Llandaff.
Have you seen Insole Court before? Insole Court Filming
Do you recognise Insole Court? It could be because it has been used as a backdrop on TV and big screens before. BBC’s The Trick took place inside Insole Court, whereas many of the interior and exterior have been used on Dr Who and Torchwood. It has recently been used on Sky One’s A Discovery of Witches.
Is there parking at Insole Court?
There is a small car park, which offers free parking. However, donations are appreciated. This can be cash or via a QR code. You can also park on the main road if it is full.
Insole Court Opening Hours
Insole Court opening times for the Mansion House Cardiff and Gift Shop are daily 10am-4pm. The Gardens are open daily, with the car park and pedestrian gates locked overnight.
Insole Court Cafe Opening Times
Is Insole Court Cafe open? The Potting Shed Café is open daily between 10am-4pm.
Is Insole Court Accessible?
All rooms in the Stable Yard are wheelchair accessible, and all rooms on the ground floor in the Mansion. There is a lift to the This House is a Stage exhibition. Alongside this, there are disabled parking bays and accessible toilets.
Free things to do in Cardiff
There are so many things to do in Cardiff for free. Sometimes we need some inspiration or reminders of what is on our doorstep. There are over 50 ideas on this list! If you’re looking for things to do in Cardiff today, things to do in Cardiff this weekend, or something to do in January – look no further.
Museums you can visit in Cardiff for free
We’re so lucky that the museums in Cardiff are some of the best in the United Kingdom. You’ll be spoilt for choice whether you are looking for exhibitions, galleries or events.
Things to do in Cardiff when it’s raining
The Welsh weather is not often on our side, but don’t let the wet weather dampen your day. Luckily, there are plenty of different things to do in Cardiff on a rainy day.
Stay in Cardiff
Want to see more of Cardiff or experience more Insole Court events? If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station. Significantly, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? So, the dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Specifically, it is ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. Presently, you can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
The surrounding areas
Also, don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. Furthermore, with all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
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I absolutely love Insole court. It’s a favourite for me and my kids. Hours spent playing hide and seek in the garden