The Animal Wall at Cardiff Castle
Discover Cardiff’s whimsical Animal Wall, a Victorian masterpiece of 15 stone creatures blending art, history, and nature near Cardiff Castle.
The Animal Wall is a Grade I listed sculptural wall in Cardiff, Wales, featuring 15 intricately carved stone animals. Originally designed by architect William Burges in 1866, the wall was built in the late 1880s and relocated in the 1920s to its current site near Bute Park. The original nine animals were carved by Thomas Nicholls, with six more added by Alexander Carrick after the move. This whimsical and historic landmark blends Victorian craftsmanship with natural symbolism, captivating visitors with its lifelike creatures and rich heritage.
A brief summary to Animal Wall
- 11 Castle St, Cardiff, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details and lifelike expressions of the animal sculptures.
- Bring a camera or smartphone for great photo opportunities along Castle Street with the wall and Bute Park as a backdrop.
- Look closely to distinguish between the original Victorian-era animals with glass eyes and the later 20th-century additions.
- Combine your visit with a walk through nearby Bute Park or a tour of Cardiff Castle to enrich your experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take local Cardiff bus routes 1, 2, or 6 to Castle Street near Cardiff Castle; buses run every 10-20 minutes with a fare of approximately £2-£3. The stop is about a 5-minute walk from the Animal Wall.
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Train
From Cardiff Central railway station, it is a 15-minute walk to the Animal Wall along well-signposted pedestrian routes. The station is served by frequent trains from across Wales and England.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you directly at Castle Street near Bute Park. Typical fares from Cardiff city center range from £5 to £10 depending on traffic.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Cardiff city center, the Animal Wall is accessible by foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.
Animal Wall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Animal Wall
Origins of a Victorian Masterpiece
The Animal Wall was conceived in 1866 by the renowned architect William Burges, who was commissioned by the third Marquess of Bute to transform Cardiff Castle and its surroundings into a place of artistic grandeur. Burges envisioned a Pre-Raphaelite garden with decorative elements, including this unique wall featuring animal sculptures. Although Burges died in 1881, his assistant William Frame oversaw the wall’s completion in the late 1880s. The original nine animals were carved by Thomas Nicholls, Burges’s favored sculptor, and included lions, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, two baboons, and a hyena. Each figure was originally painted and fitted with glass eyes to enhance their lifelike appearance.Relocation and Expansion in the 20th Century
In the early 1920s, the wall was moved approximately 50 meters west from its original position outside the castle’s clock tower to accommodate road widening. This relocation placed the wall along the southern boundary of Bute Park, where it remains today. During this process, the wall was extended, and six additional animal sculptures were added by Scottish sculptor Alexander Carrick. These new figures—a pelican, an anteater, two raccoons, a leopard, a beaver, and a vulture—were carved in a style distinct from the originals, notably lacking the glass eyes but maintaining the whimsical spirit. The expanded wall now features a total of 15 animals, delighting visitors with its blend of Victorian artistry and natural themes.Artistic and Cultural Significance
The Animal Wall is not only a charming public artwork but also a Grade I listed structure, reflecting its exceptional historic and architectural importance. It embodies the Victorian era’s fascination with nature and storytelling, with the animals often imagined to have playful personalities. In the 1930s, the wall inspired a popular cartoon strip in local newspapers, further embedding it in Cardiff’s cultural fabric. Despite proposals in the 1970s to demolish the wall for further road expansion, public opposition ensured its preservation. A major restoration in 2010, funded by the Heritage Lottery, carefully repaired and cleaned the sculptures, returning lost details such as the anteater’s nose and using traditional lime mortar to maintain authenticity.Experiencing the Wall Today
Located along Castle Street at the edge of Bute Park, the Animal Wall is freely accessible and offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The wall’s playful and expressive animals invite close observation and photography, making it a popular spot for selfies and artistic inspiration. Its proximity to Cardiff Castle and Bute Park enhances its appeal as part of a broader exploration of Cardiff’s rich history and green spaces. The wall’s craftsmanship, historical layers, and lively presence continue to captivate locals and tourists alike.Architectural Details and Conservation
The wall is constructed of stone with detailed carvings that showcase the skill of Victorian sculptors. Thomas Nicholls’s original animals are distinguished by their expressive faces and glass eyes, while Carrick’s later additions carry a slightly different style but complement the ensemble. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving these details, including replacing damaged stonework and cleaning accumulated grime. The wall’s status as a protected historic monument ensures ongoing care and respect for its artistic legacy.Symbolism and Legacy
The Animal Wall stands as a symbol of Cardiff’s Victorian heritage and the creative vision of William Burges. It reflects a time when architecture and art were intertwined with storytelling and nature appreciation. Today, it remains a beloved landmark that connects the city’s past to its present, inviting reflection on craftsmanship, history, and the whimsical charm of stone animals watching over the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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John Batchelor Statue
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City Hall
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Cardiff Central Train Station Water Tower
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National Museum Cardiff
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Parc Mackenzie
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Capitol Cardiff
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RCCG Kingdom Of God Parish, Cardiff
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cardiff Castle Museum
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Cambrian Way Plaque Cardiff
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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.
Charter for Trees Woods and People
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Cardiff Arms Park
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Historic rugby stadium in Cardiff, home to Cardiff Rugby and a cornerstone of Welsh sporting heritage since the 1870s.
Castle Quarter Arcades
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Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Castle
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Firing Line Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier
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Cardiff Castle
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Blue Bell
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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.
SCALE
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High Street Arcade
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Rummer Tavern
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Principality Stadium
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Essential places to dine
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Bar 44 Cardiff
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The Potted Pig
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The Welsh House Cardiff
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Pasture Restaurant Cardiff
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The Alchemist Cardiff
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Turtle Bay Cardiff
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Cafe Citta
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The Botanist Cardiff
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Dirty gnocchi (Cardiff Market)
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The Sorting Room Restaurant
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Lezzet Turkish Kitchen
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Revolución de Cuba Cardiff
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Castle Welsh Crafts Ltd
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Great Welsh Gifts
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Unearth authentic Welsh crafts, treats, and treasures on Cardiff's High Street—a delightful dive into Cymru's cultural heart at Great Welsh Gifts.
Hobos Vintage
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A vibrant Cardiff vintage shop packed with retro fashion, trainers, and accessories from the 1950s to today – perfect for throwback style and bargain finds.
Mojo King
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Knight Vintage
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Little Welsh Company
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The Works
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Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant Queen Street shopping district.
Rokit Cardiff
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Cardiff Creative Shop
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Morgan Quarter
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Driftwood Designs Cardiff
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Welcome Things
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Joie de Vivre Boutique and Vintage Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Glassworks
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Slug & Lettuce - St Mary St Cardiff
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Boom Battle Bar Cardiff
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Popworld - Cardiff
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Metros
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The CUBE
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Tiger Tiger Cardiff
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The Globe
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Bar Cocoa
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Eclipse Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Victorian 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
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
