The city of Cardiff has one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wales: Cardiff Castle. Its imposing building encloses within its walls two millennia of the region's history, and it is undoubtedly an ideal walk to enjoy alone, with friends or with family.
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| Cardiff Castle |
The origins of the castle date back to 55 AD, when the first Roman fort was built on this same site, chosen for its strategic position that offers easy access to the sea. In the vicinity, three other forts were built, as was discovered during archaeological excavations carried out in the 1970s. To date, remains from this period can be seen, mainly from the wall that surrounded the enclosure.
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| Cardiff Castle |
Between the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the land housed buildings for civil purposes, in which different metals were worked. In 1091 a new structure was erected, the Norman Homage Tower, located on top of a hill, to which later buildings were added. Today only the deposit of this stone castle is preserved, which was Robert de Normandy's prison after the attempt to take England.
Inherited by the Third Marquis of Bute, in 1866 the castle was placed in the hands of the prestigious architect William Burges with the aim of introducing modifications to the property. His work turned the monument into a magnificent Victorian castle. Years later, restorations were also carried out on the remains of the Roman wall.
In our days, Cardiff Castle has an Interpretation Center that allows you to visit it and understand more about its history and its present time. Audio guides are also available for an informative tour of the castle's tunnels, its grounds, the Norman keep and the castle's Victorian-style rooms.
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| Cardiff Castle |
In these interior rooms it is also possible to enjoy a visit by guides who are knowledgeable about the place and its history. In these rooms there are works of art, murals, luxurious period objects and handicrafts put at the service of the interior architecture of the castle, a credit to William Burges.
If you plan a family trip with young children, without hesitation they will spend a day of great fun in the castle. The guided tours include a whole program designed exclusively for them, with period costumes, puppet theater and a family route to get to know the castle and its surroundings.
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| Cardiff Castle |
Also noteworthy is the visit to the Museum of the Welsh Soldier, the guided route through the shelters built in times of war and the walk through the parks in the company of a medieval guard that will make you feel like you are back in the days of the Norman castle.
Cardiff Castle also hosts ceremonies and celebrations, from small gatherings to large dinners and even weddings. Traditional dinners set in the 15th century are also organized periodically. Some special events may increase the price of admission.
Practical information
- Location: the castle is located in the center of Cardiff city.
- Phone: (+44) 029 2087 8100
- Hours: the Interpretation Center and the Norman Tower open their doors at 9 am, while the castle halls can be visited from 9.30 am and close at 5 pm. from March to October and at 4 pm from November to February. The castle closes an hour later.
- Admission: basic ticket, adults, 11 pounds; children ages 5 to 16, 8.50 pounds; students and seniors, 9.50 pounds; premium ticket, adults 14 pounds; children ages 5 to 16, 10.50 pounds; students and seniors, 12 pounds (includes an additional 45 minute visit to the castle halls.
- How to get there: using public transport, by train to Cardiff Central Station and then, after just a 10-minute walk, taking one of the following bus lines: X2, 96 and 96a, stopping right in front of the castle.