Caerphilly Castle, Wales

Caerphilly Castle is a medieval castle that dominates the centre of Caerphilly in South Wales. It is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain after Windsor Castle.

Built by Gilbert de Clare in 1268 to stop Llywelyn ap Gruffudd's southward ambitions, it is an early example of a concentric castle with extensive water defences. The original structures were razed to the ground by LLywelyn's army in 1270, and de Clare started rebuilding in 1271. Apart from the remodelling of the great hall and other domestic works in 1322-6 for Hugh le Despenser, no more alterations were carried out, making it a very pure example of late 13th-century military architecture.

The North East Tower of the inner curtain wall is now in ruins, and the South East Tower has split vertically at an angle producing a very noticeable lean which manages to out-lean even the Tower of Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) known as "The Leaning Tower".

The castle deteriorated during several centuries of disuse. Its owners since 1766, the Marquesses of Bute undertook extensive restoration. During the 1930s, surrounding streets were levelled to restore the dominant view which had been obscured by town development. In 1950, the castle and grounds were handed over to the British government.

Opening Times

1st April - 31st May
9.30am - 5.00pm.

1st June - 30th September
9.30am - 6.00pm.

1st October – 31st October
9.30am - 5.00pm.

1st November – 31st March
9.30am - 4.00pm (11.00am - 4.00pm on Sundays).

Last entry 30 mins before closing.

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Ticket Prices

Adults £3.50
Concessions £3.00
Family £10.00 (2 adults & 3 children)

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Disabled Facilities

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