Caerphilly Castle
Visitor Notice
Cadw has announced details of an investment of £5m in development works at Caerphilly Castle ― a project designed to strengthen the site as a world-class heritage attraction by 2023.
All part of a wider £9.5m investment into Wales’ historic sites, the funding boost will see the 13th-century castle benefit from an extensive programme of conservation, site access improvements, and a complete overhaul of site interpretation.
Opening times
To ensure visitor safety, we are currently opening the castle from 10.30am Monday–Friday and 9.30am Saturday and Sunday; this is to ensure our monument is safe and ready to open as fully as possible whilst our contractors are working in and around the castle.
Overview
Fear of a Welsh prince inspired the mightiest medieval castle in Wales
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd didn’t build Caerphilly Castle. In fact he twice tried to knock it down before it was finished. But he was certainly its inspiration.
The rise of the powerful Prince of Wales persuaded Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare that he needed a fortress in double-quick time. And it had better be truly formidable.
So from 1268 de Clare constructed the biggest castle in Wales — second only to Windsor in the whole of Britain. Massive walls, towers and gatehouses were combined with sprawling water defences to cover a total of 30 acres.
That’s three times the size of Wales’s modern-day stronghold and home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadium.
On the death of Llywelyn this frontline fortress was transformed into a palatial home with a hunting park and northern lake. It passed into the hands of Edward II’s ruthless and greedy favourite Hugh Despenser, who revamped the great hall in ornate style.
By then Caerphilly must have appeared like some mythical castle floating in an enchanted lake. An effect oddly enhanced by the Civil War gunpowder that left the south-east tower at a precarious angle.
In fact Wales’s very own Leaning Tower — even wonkier than that of Pisa — is probably the castle’s best-loved feature.
Caerphilly Castle Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
Daily 9.30am–5pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
*We are currently opening the castle from 10.30am Monday–Friday and 9.30am Saturday and Sunday.
This is to ensure our monument is safe and ready to open as fully as possible during the development work.
Daily 9.30am–6pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 9.30am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£10.10
|
| Family* |
£33.30
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£7.10
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£9.50
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry |
|
Facilities
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
There are both short and long stay pay and display car parks available; the short stay car park is approx 110m away. The long stay car park is approx. 500m away. There is dedicated accessible parking.
Please note: Caerphilly Castle Great Hall is not available for wedding bookings until August 2023.
Caerphilly Castle Great Hall 3D Tour
Central level paved areas but restricted access to towers due to steps and slopes.
Disabled visitors can be dropped off by car at the main entrance.
Gaps within the access bridges across the moats may be limited to wheelchair users, buggies and those with impairments.
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
A video presentation is available at this site.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.
Water refill station available at this site.
Directions
Postcode CF83 1JD
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
CaerphillyCastle@gov.wales
Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 02920 883143
