What? Hunt for Welsh Dragons at Wales’s largest fortress and spot fairies at Wales’s fairy-tale castle

Where? Cardiff and Caerphilly

Cadw sites to see: Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch*

Most ‘Instagrammable’ spot: the leaning tower of Caerphilly Castle, of course. This spot provides the ultimate opportunity to snap that iconic pose (giving Pisa a run for its money!)

Both situated within 20 minutes of Cardiff City Centre, Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch are filled to the brim with history, myths and magic — sure to inspire children and adults alike.

Built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, Caerphilly Castle is the largest fortress in Wales and second largest in Britain. Not only is the site jam-packed with Welsh history, but the striking castle grounds are also home to a beastly family of real Welsh Dragons…

On your trip, make sure you pay a visit to The Dragons’ Lair where you’ll come face-to-face with the mythical creatures and experience their epic tale.

After a morning at Caerphilly Castle, spend your afternoon in Tonwgwynlais, beginning with a visit to Castell Coch*, for those who are keen to be truly immersed in a fairy-tale adventure, Cadw’s augmented reality fairy game is a chance to explore the castle rooms and check for fairy folk through a mobile device and is included in the admission price. 

The mythical creatures can be found throughout the castle fluttering high and low, each one hiding in a room of its own and waiting to be found, visitors can be spotted capturing fairies in the fairy detector as their adventure unfolds!

Finally, end your day with a walk around Fforest Fawr — a beautiful woodland close to the castle, where visitors can enjoy a sculpture trail on a magical journey through the greenery.

*Castell Coch is closed during January each year for its annual deep clean – Castell Coch opening times.