Caerphilly Castle: Wales’ Majestic Medieval Fortress with a Famous Leaning Tower
Explore Wales’ largest castle with its iconic leaning tower, vast moat, and immersive medieval history on a sprawling 30-acre fortress site.
Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales and Britain’s second largest, is a vast medieval fortress built between 1268 and 1271. Known for its concentric design, extensive moat, and the iconic leaning tower, the castle offers a rich historical experience with towers to explore, a maze, and the recently restored Great Hall featuring digital storytelling. Set within 30 acres of grounds, it is a captivating site blending history, architecture, and scenic landscapes.
A brief summary to Castell Caerffili / Caerphilly Castle
- Castle St, Caerphilly, CF83 1JD, GB
- +443000252239
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets online in advance to secure a 5% discount and guarantee entry, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
- Wear sturdy shoes as many areas feature uneven surfaces and narrow spiral staircases.
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the castle, including the towers, Great Hall, and grounds.
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the ground-floor areas; assistance dogs have full access.
- Visit the Great Hall’s digital storytelling exhibits to experience the castle’s history brought vividly to life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Bus
From Cardiff Central Station, take a direct train to Caerphilly Station (approx. 25-30 minutes). From the station, local bus services or a 20-minute walk lead to Caerphilly Castle. Train tickets range from £5 to £10 one way, with frequent daily services.
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Car
Driving from Cardiff city centre takes about 30 minutes via the A470. Pay & display car parks are available near the castle, with short-stay parking approximately 110 meters away. Parking fees typically range from £1 to £3 per hour.
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Coach Tours
Several regional coach tours include Caerphilly Castle as a stop, typically lasting 6-9 hours round trip from major South Wales cities. Prices vary from £30 to £60 per person, including guided commentary.
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Walking
For visitors staying in Caerphilly town centre, the castle is accessible by a 25-minute walk over mostly flat terrain, suitable for most fitness levels but with some uneven surfaces near the castle entrance.
Castell Caerffili / Caerphilly Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Castell Caerffili / Caerphilly Castle
Architectural Grandeur and Defensive Mastery
Caerphilly Castle stands as a monumental example of medieval military architecture, dominating a sprawling 30-acre site. Constructed primarily between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert de Clare, known as Gilbert ‘The Red’ for his Norman lineage and red hair, the castle was designed to assert control over Glamorgan and thwart the ambitions of the Welsh Prince Llewellyn ap Gruffudd. Its concentric ring of walls was pioneering in Britain, surrounded by an extensive moat and formidable gatehouses, creating a defensive masterpiece that has endured centuries.The castle’s layout includes multiple towers, curtain walls, and an intricate maze-like design, offering visitors a tangible sense of medieval fortification strategies. The moat and water defenses amplify its imposing presence, making it not only a fortress but also a scenic landmark in the Welsh landscape.
The Famous Leaning Tower and Historical Resilience
One of Caerphilly Castle’s most distinctive features is its leaning tower, which famously tilts approximately 3 meters out of perpendicular, surpassing even the Tower of Pisa in its angle. This leaning tower is a visible scar from the English Civil War era, specifically the 1648 siege by Oliver Cromwell’s forces. Despite numerous attacks over the centuries, including Welsh uprisings and Cromwell’s roundheads, the castle’s defenses have remained remarkably intact, underscoring its reputation as one of the greatest strongholds in British history.The leaning tower has become a symbol of the castle’s resilience and a beloved curiosity for visitors, blending history with architectural anomaly.
Restoration and Modern Visitor Experience
Recent extensive conservation efforts have breathed new life into Caerphilly Castle, notably the reopening of the Great Hall after two years of refurbishment. This space now features state-of-the-art digital exhibits that vividly narrate the castle’s history and the lives of its medieval inhabitants, enhancing visitor engagement.The castle grounds include interactive displays such as siege engines and catapults, alongside large dragon statues that appeal to families and children. The site offers a self-guided route through towers and corridors, with maps provided to navigate the one-way system. Despite some areas being accessed via narrow, uneven staircases, the castle is partially wheelchair accessible, with key areas like the courtyard and Great Hall on ground level.
Visitors can enjoy picnic areas within the castle walls and the surrounding parkland, making it an ideal location for both historical exploration and leisurely outdoor activities.
Cultural Significance and Filming Location
Caerphilly Castle is not only a historical monument but also a cultural icon. Its dramatic setting and well-preserved structures have made it a popular backdrop for television and film, including the BBC series Merlin. The castle’s blend of medieval authenticity and visual grandeur continues to inspire storytellers and historians alike.The site also hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal festivities like Santa’s Grotto during December, adding a festive dimension to its cultural offerings.
Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
The visitor centre is accessible via a flat, paved path, with the main entrance reached by a short, moderately steep incline and wooden bridge. Facilities include accessible toilets, baby changing, picnic tables, and a water refill station. Dogs on leads are welcome in ground-floor areas, and assistance dogs have full access.While there is no café currently on-site, nearby amenities and a gift shop enhance the visitor experience. The castle’s extensive grounds and varied terrain require sturdy footwear, and visitors should be prepared for some uneven surfaces and narrow staircases.
Opening hours vary seasonally, generally from 9:30am to 5pm, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Tickets can be purchased on arrival or booked online with a discount. The castle is a family-friendly destination, offering educational displays, interactive elements, and plenty of space for children to explore safely.
Immersive Historical Atmosphere
Walking through Caerphilly Castle, you are enveloped by centuries of history. The sound of footsteps echoing on ancient stone, the sight of towering walls surrounded by tranquil water, and the feel of narrow staircases invite you to imagine medieval life. The castle’s moat reflects the sky, while the leaning tower stands as a silent witness to battles past. This blend of sensory experiences and rich storytelling makes Caerphilly Castle a profound journey into Wales’s medieval heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
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- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
