Penrhiwarwydd Barn

Why you'll love staying here

Penrhiwarwydd Barn is a traditional stone barn conversion on a working farm in the rural village of Cwmfelinfach in Caerphilly County. Thoughtfully restored, it retains much of its rustic charm such as beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls while providing comfortable accommodation for a family or group of friends seeking a peaceful countryside break. Guests should note that the first floor is reached via an open tread staircase, and some bedrooms have sloping ceilings with restricted height.

Outside, a large lawned garden with a barbecue hut enjoys views over pastures with donkeys wandering over from the adjacent field for carrots or apples. The farm is also home to a variety of other animals, including sheep, alpacas, horses, cattle, farm dogs, and, in spring, newborn lambs which you are more than welcome to meet.

The town of Caerphilly is a 20 minute drive away and has a good choice of pubs, eateries, and independent shops. Its skyline is dominated by Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, surrounded by a vast moat that attracts a variety of birds. Visitors can wander the grounds and climb the battlements for panoramic views, while inside, the Great Hall has lavish interiors and a musician’s gallery. The castle also has its own leaning tower, tilting at around 10 degrees, which is more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, making it a favourite with photographers.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Cwmcarn Forest reached in just over 10 minutes, a mountain-biking paradise with marked trails, a bike repair shop, and a lift service. There are also plenty of walking trails with opportunities to spot wildlife. Mammals to look out for include red and roe deer, foxes, badgers, otters, and pine martens, while birds of prey such as red kites and peregrine falcons can often be seen soaring overhead. A sculpture trail winds through the forest, depicting characters from the myths and legends of the surrounding mountains.

Penrhiwarwydd Barn is around half an hour from the Brecon Beacons National Park, a must-visit destination. The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is a wonderful family attraction with three extraordinary caves to explore, as well as a dinosaur park, museum, Iron Age village, farm, shire horse centre, and covered children’s playground. The park is also famous for its waterfalls, with several waymarked trails that take you behind the rushing cascades.

For a day at the seaside, Barry can be reached in just under an hour. Famous as the main filming location in Gavin & Stacey, it has wide sandy beaches; a pleasure park with fairground rides, thrilling rides, and arcades; and Porthkerry Country Park with nature trails, a children’s play area, and a Victorian viaduct that leads down to a pebble beach.

A country pub that serves food is a mile away but is only open during the evenings and over Sunday lunch. Pontywaun has a village store as well as a couple of dining options. It is also home to Morbitorium, a museum of curiosities and a witchcraft gift shop.