Hensol Castle & Vale Resort

A few weeks ago, a town councillor (and former BBC journalist) for Llantrisant contacted me to do some aerial photo's for him after he saw the one I did of the Church and Castle there. On getting to the locations he wanted, they were major construction works, so there was no point. Not far away is Hensol Castle, just off junction 34 of the M4, so I made my way there.

It's a 17th century stateley home, Grade 1 listed, set within an enchanting estate, which boasts 650 acres of rolling Welsh countryside, a 15 acre serpentine lake. The first distinguised owner in 1664 was Judge David Jenkins, a famous lawyer and supporter of Charles 1st during the English Civil War. The house had a couple of other owners, one being the Crawshay Iron Masters (1850's) before being sold to Glamorgan County Council in 1927. 

It now comprises The Vale Resort, consisting of two championship golf courses with club house, spa and leisure hotel (4 star) with restaurant and a conference centre. Nearby is the training ground for Cardiff City FC.


The Welsh based retailer Leekes with stores in Llantrisant, the Midlands and South West England have owned the Golf courses since 1994, and purchased the Hensol Castle Estate in 2004, since when it has been developed to include luxury houses.


The Blip photo shows the castle, part of the lake and some houses. It's only a small part of the whole complex!


Wide Angle Wednesday -


The tag for this weeks challange is 'widwed46'. It's theme free for photo's taken on the day. No excuses, have a go!