Caerphilly Castle
Visitor Notice
Cadw has announced details of an investment of £10m in development works at Caerphilly Castle
During this phase of the project, the Great Hall, central courtyard and some ground floor areas of the inner ward will be closed to visitors. Upper floors and wall walks will be open as much as possible, but will require accessing historic spiral stairs.
No visitor toilets will be accessible within the castle but visitors can use toilets at nearby locations (Caerphilly Library and Visitor Centre) which are close to the castle. There may be occasions where additional parts of the castle need to be closed to visitors for safety reasons.
Due to the ongoing redevelopment works within Caerphilly Castle, venue hire and trade bookings will be considered but the site may be subject to last minute closures.
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
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 |
£10.60
|
| Family* |
£34.30
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students |
£7.50
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£10.00
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online) |
|
Facilities
For accessibility information please contact our castle team at: CaerphillyCastle@gov.wales
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 2024.
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.
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
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, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Caerphilly Castle is not currently available for event, filming and exhibition hire due to the ongoing redevelopment works.
Cadw free public WiFi 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
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
