Cosmeston Medieval Village
Reconstructed 14th-century village in Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, built on excavated foundations and presented as it might have looked in 1350.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The medieval village of Cosmeston came to light when the former quarry and cement works here were turned into a country park in the 1970s. Archaeologists excavated the remains of a small settlement of stone houses, and the village was then rebuilt on its original foundations.
The settlement grew up around a manor held by Norman settlers. Around 1316 the manor passed to the de Caversham family, and most of the excavated buildings date from the 14th century. The village stayed small and was later abandoned; by the early 19th century only a few isolated farm buildings remained.
Today the reconstructed village shows small thatched stone houses and is presented as it might have looked in the year 1350. Information panels around the site explain its history, and a site map is available. The village is looked after by Vale of Glamorgan Council as part of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and is used for school and group tours, events, re-enactments and filming.
Highlights
- Reconstructed 14th-century village on the original excavated foundations
- Thatched stone houses presented as the village looked in 1350
- Information panels telling the story of the settlement
- Free entry, set in Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
- Operated by
- Vale of Glamorgan Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free to enter. Parking in the country park is charged; season tickets (£45 for six months, £65 for twelve months) are valid at Cosmeston and Porthkerry.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The council describes the site as wheelchair friendly. Dogs are welcome in the country park but must be kept on leads in the car park and around the east lake.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
The café has toilets and nappy changing facilities.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Charged parking in Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. Day rates are not listed on the council page; season tickets cost £45 for six months or £65 for twelve months (call 01446 700111 to apply).
Navigation address: Lavernock Road, Penarth CF64 5UY. Bicycles are allowed in the park but not on the boardwalks.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café in the country park, with toilets and nappy changing facilities. Picnics are allowed; barbecues and fires are not.
Events & venue rental
As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.
The village is closed for private hire until further notice.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours, events and filming take place at the village throughout the year. Swimming, drones and radio-controlled aircraft are not allowed in the country park. |
