Caerphilly 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.
Book your day tickets now!
Book admission before your visit via our online shop
Opening times
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
9.30am – 6pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
10am – 4pm Monday - Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£8.90
|
| Family* |
£25.70
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£5.30
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£7.10
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. |
|
Facilities
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
There is both short and long stay pay and display car parks 200m from the monument. There is dedicated disabled parking.
Digital trails available on the Cadw app.
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.
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.
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
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 02920 883143
Email
CaerphillyCastle@gov.wales
Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD
