Llantwit Major

Britain's earliest centre of learning

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Perhaps the Vale of Glamorgan’s most historic settlement, Llantwit Major’s first claim to fame was the establishment in AD 500, Britain’s earliest centres of learning by St Illtud. Among the pupils were St David and St Patrick. The only remains of St Illtud’s church and school are the dedication stones but today’s Church of St Illtud is a combination of two buildings, part Norman and part 13^th century. In 1777, John Wesley, on visiting the church described it as ‘the most beautiful as well as the most spacious church in Wales’. There are more ancient buildings in the town square including the Old White Hart public house, built around 1440. Just a mile outside the village, you’ll discover a partially sandy beach, a great starting point for some wonderful walks taking in caves, inlets and rolling countryside. Close to the village lies St Donat’s Castle which dates from around 1300 and was once owned by the American newspaper baron, Randolph Hearst who entertained movie stars and world leaders there. In the castle grounds is St Donats Arts Centre, the largest arts venue in the Vale of Glamorgan. It offers a full programme of exhibitions, cinema, dance, theatre and musical events.

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