Insole Court
Insole Court is a restored mansion and set of outbuildings on Fairwater Road in Llandaff, west Cardiff. Once derelict, it reopened to the public after around 30 years of community campaigning and now offers ornate gardens, the Potting Shed Café and rooms for hire.
Photos
Claire T
A community rescue
The house and its outbuildings fell into disrepair before local people began a long campaign to save them. The restoration that reopened the site to the public was the culmination of three decades of that effort, and the place is still run with a strong community focus, supported by members and donations.
What to do there
Most visitors come to wander the ornate gardens and stop at the Potting Shed Café for a drink or light meal. The mansion also hosts community, business and private events across five hireable spaces, so check what is on before you visit; there may be talks, classes or activities taking place in the rooms.
Pairing it with Llandaff
Insole Court sits on the edge of Llandaff, a quieter, village-like corner of Cardiff. Llandaff Cathedral is under a kilometre away, so the two make a good half-day together, with time for the cathedral first and lunch in the Potting Shed afterwards. Chapter Arts Centre in Canton is a short drive back towards the city centre. Because the house relies on members and donations, a visit and a coffee here also help keep a community-saved building in use, which many visitors find part of the appeal.
Highlights
- Mansion restored after 30 years of community campaigning
- Ornate gardens open to visitors
- Potting Shed Café on site
- Five spaces available for hire
Good to know
- The site is supported by memberships and donations.
- Llandaff Cathedral is under a kilometre away.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: insolecourt.org