A magical fairy village has emerged in the picturesque Margam Country Park, just a stone’s throw away from Port Talbot in Wales.

In the summer, the park is framed by stunning rhododendrons, while December sees it transform into a winter wonderland with its enchanting miniature fairy village.

The park is home to a grand gothic country house that sits majestically on a vast expanse of land.

This 19th-century mansion was crafted by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1830, using sandstone sourced from the nearby Pyle quarry, according to Margam Country Park.

The impressive staircase hall and octagonal tower offer sweeping views over the park, which boasts a plethora of family-friendly activities – particularly during the festive season, reports <a href=”https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/travel/storybook-estate-hidden-welsh-countryside-32940767″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>Wales Online</a>.

Children can peek into Santa’s workshop at the Elf workshop, where craft activities are overseen by the head elf. Meanwhile, families can enjoy a festive winter walk in the gardens, watching Santa feed the deer.

The fairy village consists of charming storybook-like buildings, including miniature houses all themed around fairytales, a willow cathedral, and a giant chess and draughts board.

The fairy village is nestled within the park’s award-winning Grade I listed gardens, which feature their own orangery. This Orangery is home to several large Tulip Trees, a Cork Oak and an impressively large cut-leaved Beech.

Margam Country Park, recognised for having the 2020 tree of the year – a historic fern-leaved beech with an impressive canopy surrounding the remains of one of the country’s first Cistercian abbeys, is also home to around 500 deer and other thriving wildlife hubs.

The park, built on former coal lands, witnessed extensive deforestation as allied forces scrambled for timber during the war.

Now, the grass and scrubland is home to foxes, badgers, hares, grey squirrels, voles, moles and shrews.

The park also hosts a variety of woodland birds like the nuthatch, jay, blue tit, stonechat and reed bunting.

Located just two miles south of Port Talbot, Margram is easily accessible via the M4 motorway at Junction 38.

Most of the park’s attractions open at 10am and close at 3.30pm, with fishing hours from 9.15am and Charlottes Pantry Café opening from 10.30am.

Car parking charges apply and can be paid using the on-site pay and display machines or with MiPermit. It costs £8.50 per car, with an option to purchase an annual season parking ticket.

Disabled parking is available at the rear of the estate and additional disabled parking is available in the Orangery car park.