Old Bishop's Palace, Llandaff
Explore the tranquil medieval ruins and gardens of the Old Bishop's Palace, a historic ecclesiastical site nestled beside Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.
The Old Bishop's Palace in Llandaff, Cardiff, is a historic medieval ruin dating back to circa 1266. Originally a fortified residence for the Bishops of Llandaff, it now features atmospheric ruins set within a tranquil ornamental garden adjacent to Llandaff Cathedral. Visitors can explore the remains of the gatehouse and palace walls while enjoying peaceful green spaces that offer a serene escape from the city.
A brief summary to Old Bishop's Palace
- The Cathedral Green, Cardiff, CF5 2DX, GB
- +442920684000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Combine your visit with Llandaff Cathedral and nearby scenic walks for a full cultural experience.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful garden, which offers benches and a suntrap lawn.
- Visit during daylight hours as the gates are locked outside operational times.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the uneven ground and historic ruins safely.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Cardiff Bus routes 17 or 18 from Cardiff city center to Llandaff Village; the journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single fare costs around £2.50. From the bus stop, the palace is a short walk through Llandaff village.
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Train
Use the train to Llandaff Station from Cardiff Central, a 10-minute ride. Trains run every 30 minutes on weekdays. From Llandaff Station, it is a 15-minute walk to the Old Bishop's Palace through the village. Tickets cost approximately £3.50 one way.
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Car
Driving from central Cardiff takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Limited parking is available nearby in Llandaff village with pay-and-display options costing around £1.50 per hour. The area is pedestrian-friendly but watch for narrow streets.
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Walking
For those staying nearby, a scenic 45-minute walk from Cardiff city center to Llandaff offers a pleasant route through parks and residential areas. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for all fitness levels.
Old Bishop's Palace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Old Bishop's Palace
Medieval Origins and Historical Significance
The Old Bishop's Palace was constructed in the mid-13th century, likely initiated by Bishop William de Braose around 1266. Architecturally, its gatehouse closely resembles that of Caerphilly Castle, reflecting the medieval military design influences of the period. The palace served as the residence for the Bishops of Llandaff, who were prominent ecclesiastical figures in Wales. It witnessed turbulent times, including damage during the Owain Glyndŵr rebellion in the early 1400s, after which it was largely abandoned as a residence in favor of safer locations.Decline and Ruination
Though the palace remained intact until at least the early 17th century, it likely suffered destruction during the English Civil War in the mid-1600s, a fate common to many castles and fortified sites in Britain. Subsequent centuries saw the palace fall into ruin, with the Bishops relocating their seat elsewhere. By the 18th century, the structure was in advanced decay. Minor repairs were made in the 19th century, but it was not restored as a residence.Transformation into a Garden and Public Space
In the 1970s, the ruined palace grounds were transformed into an ornamental park by Cardiff City Council. Today, the site is a peaceful garden oasis that incorporates the atmospheric medieval ruins. The remaining substantial structure is the impressive gatehouse, while the rest of the palace walls provide a historic backdrop to the green lawns and mature trees. The garden offers benches and picnic areas, making it a tranquil spot for relaxation and reflection.Setting and Nearby Attractions
Located on The Cathedral Green in Llandaff, the palace ruins sit just south of the magnificent Llandaff Cathedral, a site with religious history spanning over 1,400 years. The proximity to the cathedral and the charming village atmosphere of Llandaff make the palace grounds an ideal complement to a cultural and historical visit. Visitors often combine exploring the ruins with a stroll along nearby scenic paths and enjoying local cafes and pubs.Architectural Features and Visitor Experience
The palace’s gatehouse is the most prominent surviving feature, showcasing medieval defensive architecture. Within the ruins, visitors can observe remnants of the Great Hall and other structures, including vaulted basement areas and small ventilation openings indicative of the building’s original functions. The site’s layout and ruins provide a tangible connection to medieval ecclesiastical life and castle design.Atmosphere and Accessibility
The Old Bishop's Palace offers a serene retreat from urban bustle, enhanced by birdsong and the shelter of trees. The garden’s design encourages quiet contemplation and appreciation of history. Access is straightforward, with the site being family and wheelchair friendly. Nearby facilities, including restrooms, are available at Llandaff Cathedral. The site is open year-round as an outdoor public space, inviting visitors to enjoy its historical ambiance in all seasons.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
City Hall
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South African War Memorial
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Nereid Statue
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Historical Wales
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Cardiff Town Wall
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Museum of Cardiff
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Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
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Scott Memorial Lighthouse
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Forest Farm Country Park
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Fogo's Free Tours
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John Batchelor Statue
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The Gathering - Cardiff
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Exitus Escape Rooms
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St David's Metropolitan Cathedral
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Canal Quarter
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Unmissable attractions to see
Llandaff Cathedral
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Thompson's Park
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Victoria Park
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Gôl Centres Ltd
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Cardiff’s vibrant sports hub offering top-quality 5-a-side football, leagues, soccer schools, and dynamic group activities for all ages.
Sophia Gardens
2.2 km
A scenic riverside park and premier cricket stadium in Cardiff, blending natural beauty with vibrant sports and cultural events.
Bute Park Visitor Centre
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A sustainable, community-focused hub in the heart of Cardiff’s historic Bute Park, perfect for learning, relaxing, and exploring the city’s green heart.
Queen Anne Square
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Bute Park
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Cardiff's verdant 130-acre sanctuary where Victorian heritage meets modern celebration, beneath ancient trees and winter lights.
Coopers Field
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A serene and spacious green oasis in Cardiff’s Bute Park, perfect for outdoor events, relaxation, and city escapes.
Cardiff City Stadium
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River Cruises
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Explore Cardiff Bay’s stunning waterfront on a relaxing, eco-friendly Aquabus river cruise with accessible, modern catamarans.
Cambrian Way Plaque Cardiff
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Charter for Trees Woods and People
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Wales National War Memorial
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Alexandra Gardens
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Essential places to dine
Porro Llandaff
0.1 km
A stylish, modern Italian-inspired restaurant in Llandaff village, serving hearty breakfasts, pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
The Heathcock
0.4 km
A modern gastropub in Llandaff with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, serving seasonal British dishes and craft beer in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Nook
1.3 km
Cozy Cardiff eatery specializing in seasonal small plates and natural wines, perfect for intimate dining and wine lovers alike.
Milkwood
1.4 km
Innovative Welsh brunch and vibrant evening pizzette bar in Cardiff’s lively Pontcanna neighborhood.
Thomas by Tom Simmons
1.5 km
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Heaneys Restaurant
1.5 km
Discover Cardiff’s celebrated fine dining gem, Heaneys Restaurant, where innovative British tasting menus meet stylish comfort in Pontcanna.
Elgano Italian Restaurant
1.9 km
Authentic Italian dining in a stylish, romantic setting on Cathedral Road – perfect for date nights, family meals, and special occasions in Cardiff.
Sunnys Street Food - Mexican & Italian Restaurant Cardiff
2.2 km
Bold street food flavors, generous portions, unbeatable prices—where Cardiff gathers to eat well.
Calabrisella Cathays
2.5 km
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Svago Italian
2.5 km
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The Hellenic Eatery
2.6 km
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Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails
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Intimate Riverside restaurant with rotating menus, exceptional seafood, and craft cocktails in Cardiff.
Maison de Bœuf
3.0 km
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Bar 44 Cardiff
3.0 km
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The Welsh House Cardiff
3.0 km
Experience authentic Welsh flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The SHO Gallery and Shop
1.7 km
A vibrant Cardiff hub offering art supplies, handmade gifts, and local creativity in a welcoming gallery and shop environment.
Pearls Gift Shop
2.0 km
Handpicked Welsh treasures and locally crafted souvenirs in the heart of Cardiff.
Ethical Boutique Charity Shop
2.1 km
Vintage vibes meet ethical impact: shop sustainably, swap smartly, and support global good at Cardiff's coolest charity boutique.
Cathays High Store
2.7 km
Discover the convenience of Cathays High Store in Cardiff, your local supermarket offering a wide range of groceries and local specialties.
Castle Welsh Crafts Ltd
2.9 km
Discover authentic Welsh craftsmanship and personalized lovespoons opposite Cardiff Castle at Castle Welsh Crafts.
Great Welsh Gifts
3.0 km
Unearth authentic Welsh crafts, treats, and treasures on Cardiff's High Street—a delightful dive into Cymru's cultural heart at Great Welsh Gifts.
Rokit Cardiff
3.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Rokit Cardiff, where retro charm meets eco-conscious shopping in the heart of the city.
Hobos Vintage
3.1 km
A vibrant Cardiff vintage shop packed with retro fashion, trainers, and accessories from the 1950s to today – perfect for throwback style and bargain finds.
The Works
3.1 km
Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street shopping district.
Little Welsh Company
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Cardiff Creative Shop
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Mojo King
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Knight Vintage
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Nest Cardiff
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Gift shop Cardiff Home 4 You Home goods and craft store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bar
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Bar 105
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Cathays Sports & Social Club
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The Flora
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The Woodville
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Cathays Beer House
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Crwys Hotel
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Revolution Cardiff
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The Bootlegger
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The Libertine Cocktail Bar
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Tiny Rebel Cardiff
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Rum & Fizz
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Penny
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The Vulcan Lounge
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Slug & Lettuce - The Friary Cardiff
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A lively, multi-level cocktail bar and casual-restaurant on The Friary — made for groups, brunch and evening drinks in central Cardiff.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fuel Rock Club
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Clwb Ifor Bach
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Tiger Tiger Cardiff
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The CUBE
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CIRCUIT Cardiff
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Popworld - Cardiff
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Metros
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Pulse
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Walkabout - Cardiff
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Retro
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The Globe
3.6 km
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The Vaults
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Cabaret at Wales Millennium Centre
5.0 km
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Coco Cubanas
11.5 km
Experience the vibrant weekend nightlife and energetic dance scene at Coco Cubanas, Barry’s premier late-night club on Broad Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
