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Enjoy free entry to Margam Stones Museum

It’s all part of Open Doors — Wales’ annual contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative, which invites heritage organisations, private owners, local authorities and others to open their doors or offer activities to the public free of charge during September.

This little building next door to the medieval abbey church is fascinating in its own right – it’s one of the earliest church schools in Wales. But the real story lies inside.

There you’ll find a remarkable collection of nearly 30 inscribed stones and crosses, some dating from the early days of Christianity in sixth-century Wales. These originally stood as milestones on Roman roads – or in one case on top of a Bronze Age barrow– and were recycled in memory of local chieftains.

Later sculptured stones include magnificent disc-headed and cart-wheel crosses from the ninth and 10th centuries, such as the great Cross of Cobelin with its carved hunting scene.

In the upstairs gallery, among the medieval sculptures and inscriptions from Margam Abbey, is an effigy of a 14th century knight. He’s dressed in chain mail with a small dragon at the foot of his shield. But the star of the show may be the grotesque gargoyle designed to void rainwater via its backside.

Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout September 10am - 4pm

No booking required.