Home » Penllergare Valley Woods FAQs

Penllergare Valley Woods FAQs

🌳 Visiting Penllergare

Is entry to Penllergare Valley Woods free?

Entry to the Woods is free, although donations are always welcome and help us to care for Penllergare and keep it open to the public.

Where can I park?

Visitors can park in the main Penllergare Valley Woods car park.

What are the car park hours?

The car park is open from 9am every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The car park barrier closes at 5pm. Please make sure you have left the car park before the barrier closes.

How much does parking cost?

Parking is £3 for up to 3 hours or £4 for the whole day. Our parking machines accept both coins and card payments.

Are there bins at Penllergare?

There are bins at the main entrances, but we don’t have bins throughout the Woods. Please use the bins provided at the entrances or take your rubbish home with you.

As a small independent charity, waste disposal is a significant cost for the Trust. Income from donations, the Coffee Shop and Car Park helps us to keep the Woods open and maintain the site.

Why is it called Penllergare rather than Penllergaer?

The Trust uses the historic 1830s spelling Penllergare, which was used for the Penllergare estate. Although the nearby village is now spelled Penllergaer, we retain the historic spelling to reflect the heritage of the estate.

🐾 Dogs & Wildlife

Can I bring my dog to Penllergare Valley Woods?

Dogs are welcome at Penllergare Valley Woods. Please keep your dog under close control and on a lead where indicated, particularly around sensitive wildlife areas, lakes and waterways. Poo bags can be placed in the bins at the main entrance or take them home with you.

Are dogs allowed in the Coffee Shop?

Dogs are welcome in designated areas of the Coffee Shop. Please follow any signage and instructions from our team.

Can I feed the wildlife?

We ask visitors not to feed wildlife at Penllergare. Human food can be harmful to animals and can encourage unnatural behaviour. Also, the blackbirds will steal your scones, we have seen it happen.

Can I fish at Penllergare Valley Woods?

Fishing is not permitted at Penllergare Valley Woods. Some older websites and fishing guides still list Penllergare as a fishing venue, but this information is out of date. Fishing is not currently permitted in the lakes, ponds or waterways.

Can I swim or paddle in the waterfall or lakes?

Please do not enter the lakes, rivers or waterfall. For your safety, there are hidden underwater hazards and sudden deep drops. Entering the water can also disturb wildlife and damage the natural environment.

Are there Highland cows at Penllergare?

Highland cows visit Penllergare for seasonal conservation grazing to help manage grassland habitats and boost local biodiversity. Because they move between grazing sites, they are not here full-time. We announce when the cows arrive and leave in our news section and on our official social media channels. When they are in residence, please give them plenty of space, stay on designated paths, keep gates closed, and do not feed or touch them.

🥾 Paths & Accessibility

Is Penllergare Valley Woods accessible?

We are currently upgrading paths through the Woods as part of the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) to improve accessibility. The main routes around the Visitor Centre and Coffee Shop are currently the most accessible, while trails deeper into the valley can be steep, muddy and uneven.

Are the paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters?

Some of the main routes are more accessible than others, but conditions vary throughout the Woods. Deeper valley trails can be steep, muddy and uneven. We are continuing to improve our paths as part of our ongoing accessibility work.

Are the paths suitable for pushchairs?

Some of the main routes are suitable for pushchairs, but many of the trails deeper into the valley are steep, muddy and uneven. Please take care, particularly after wet weather.

Why are some paths closed or routes changing?

We occasionally need to close paths or change routes for safety, conservation work, tree work, path improvements or other maintenance. Please follow signs and instructions when visiting.

🌿 Activities

Is cycling allowed?

Cycling is permitted on the main paths, but cyclists should dismount in the gardens and Visitor Centre courtyard.

Can I fly a drone?

We love seeing aerial footage of the Woods, but please contact us to request permission before flying a drone. You will also need to provide your licence and insurance.

Is horse riding permitted?

Horse riding is not permitted at Penllergare Valley Woods. The Woods do not have a designated bridleway, and many of the paths are narrow and can be busy with walkers, making them unsuitable for horses.

Is camping allowed?

We do not allow camping at Penllergare. There are some cracking local campsites here.

Are BBQs or fires allowed?

We do not allow BBQs or fires at Penllergare. This helps protect the woodland, wildlife and visitors from the risk of fire.

Can I collect flowers, plants, wood or other natural materials?

We ask visitors not to remove plants, flowers, wood, stones or other natural materials from the Woods, unless with express permission or as part of an organised event. These form an important part of the woodland ecosystem and provide food and habitat for wildlife.

☕ Food & Facilities

Is there a Coffee Shop at Penllergare?

We have a coffee shop on the site, open from 10am until 4pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day (early closing on Christmas Eve).
Find out more here.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. Please take all rubbish home with you or use the bins provided at the entrances.

Are there toilets at Penllergare?

Toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, are available at the Visitor Centre.

Is there a shop at Penllergare?

Y Siop is our amazing boutique showcasing products from local artisans. It is open from 11am – 3pm Tuesday to Sunday (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day), and also open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
Find out more here.

🙋 Volunteering

Can I volunteer at Penllergare?

Yes! We’re always looking for volunteers to help with a wide range of tasks across the Woods and gardens.

Our regular volunteering sessions take place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a few hours. We also have monthly conservation sessions and ad hoc volunteering events.

We also host corporate volunteers – perfect for team building or wellbeing days.

What do volunteers get?

Volunteers receive free parking, a hot drink and a teacake while volunteering. Uniform and equipment are also provided.

Contact: [email protected]