Cardiff Castle

Description

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance, walk through our gates and you will discover a story 2,000 years in the making. From the Roman occupation of Britain to the Norman Conquest, through civil war turbulence, a Victorian transformation and even the terrors of World War 2, these walls have seen it all. 

Climb the mighty Norman shell keep and see our replica medieval trebuchet. Marvel at the lavish Castle Apartments, created for one of the world’s richest men. Discover the Roman remains and Chariot Corner. Explore the Firing Line military museum and experience the Wartime Shelters. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Battlement Walks, then relax in the Castle’s café and browse the gift shop.

Price starts from £16 for Adults, £10.50 for Children(Ages 5 – 16, must be with an adult). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • THE ROMAN WALLS: Cardiff Castle owes much of its present layout to a Roman fort that occupied the site in the first century AD. The Marquess of Bute rediscovered the fort’s remains in the late 1800s and began an extensive programme of reconstruction. Today, the still impressive remains of the original Roman stonework can still be seen around the exterior of the Castle and inside the Visitor Centre.
  • THE CHARIOT CORNER: Hidden beneath the Castle’s south-east tower, situated opposite one of the remaining sections of Cardiff’s third century AD Roman fort, is an incredible mural made out of cement and plaster, finished in metallic gold paint. Commissioned by Cardiff City Council in the 1980s, the mural depicts scenes from the Roman invasion of the area and conflict with the local Silures tribe.
  • THE NORMAN KEEP: It’s possible that the first motte and bailey castle here was founded by William the Conqueror himself, while returning from a pilgrimage to St David’s. The original timber palisade and structures were replaced by the impressive shell keep, built in stone by Robert of Gloucester during the early 1100s.
  • THE VICTORIAN APARTMENTS: The core of the house at Cardiff Castle dates from the 1400s, with substantial extensions and alterations having been made over the centuries. However, the spectacular interiors seen today are all the result of a collaboration between the wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute, a Victorian aristocrat, and the genius art-architect, William Burges.
  • FIRING LINE MUSEUM: Firing Line is a unique and ground-breaking concept, developed through a joint vision of 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh. A world-class exhibition commemorating over 300 years of distinguished history including the Battle of Waterloo and Rorke’s Drift, as well as more recent service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • THE WARTIME SHELTERS: Few people realise that within the walls of the Castle are tunnels which came into their own as air-raid shelters during the Second World War. Research has revealed there were dormitories with bunks, kitchens, toilets and first aid posts concealed within the walls. Now, you can see what the shelters may have looked like and hear the sounds from a bygone age.
  • THE TREBUCHET: The Trebuchet was one of the deadliest military machines of its time, using a sophisticated counter balance system to large stone projectiles with such a force that they could breach the strongest of fortifications. The example seen at Cardiff Castle was originally built by local set makers for the Hollywood movie, Ironclad.
  • BATTLEMENT WALKS: Centuries ago, Roman legionaries and medieval men-at-arms would have patrolled the Castle walls, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding landscape in a hostile frontier territory. Today, you can enjoy a far more leisurely stroll along almost three sides of the Castle’s outer defences from the south wall, around the east and north, ending at the Watch Tower on the western wall.

Facilities

  • Parking: There is no on site parking available but both Westgate Street NCP and Greyfriars NCP are conveniently located nearby.
  • Food & Drinks: The Castle Café, Situated on the Castle’s spacious terrace, the Café has one of the best views in Cardiff! Relax in the covered, outdoor seating area and take in the spectacular backdrop of the Norman Keep, soaring towers, and beautiful grounds.

What to see

Events: Cardiff Castle hosts a number of exciting family events through the year, as well as summer concerts and both indoor and outdoor cinema screenings.

For upcoming events please visit: https://www.cardiffcastle.com/events/

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Castle Ticket: 

  • Adult: £16.00
  • Child(Ages 5–16, must be with an adult): £10.50
  • Adult Family Ticket(2 Adults + 2 Children): £42.50
  • Senior Family Ticket(2 Seniors + 2 Children): £36.50
  • Senior/Student/Disabled(1 free carer per disabled ticket): £12.50
  • Under 5s: FREE.

Castle Ticket with Guided Tours:

  • Adult: £4.50
  • Child(Ages 5–16, must be with an adult): £3.50
  • Adult Family Ticket(2 Adults + 2 Children): £13.50
  • Senior Family Ticket(2 Seniors + 2 Children): £12.50
  • Senior/Student/Disabled(1 free carer per disabled ticket): £4.00

Annual Pass: £7.50 for Adult, £5.00 for Child(5-16) & £7.50 for Senior/Student/Disabled.

Get FREE entry to Castle for 3 years: +£7.50 for Adults & +£7.50 for Senior/Student/Disabled.

Pricing URL: https://www.cardiffcastle.com/times-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Summer Opening (Mar – Oct):

  • Mon – Fri: 10:00 - 18:00
  • Sat – Sun: 09:00 - 18:00

Winter Opening (Nov – Feb):

  • Mon – Fri: 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sat – Sun: 09:00 - 17:00

Address: Cardiff Castle, Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, UK

Post Code: CF10 3RB

Council: Cardiff

County: South Glamorgan

  • By Train: Both Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations are located within easy walking distance of the Castle. Great Western Railway provide mainline trains from London Paddington and Swansea through Cardiff Central, with services from the local area being operated by Transport For Wales.
  • By Bus: Although Cardiff's new central bus station is currently under construction, Cardiff Bus operates several routes with stops that are adjacent to the Castle, KA being nearest the main entrance. Click below for a map of city centre bus stops and service frequencies. For assistance planning a bus journey from further afield, try visiting Traveline Cymru.
  • By Car: When travelling from outside Cardiff via the M4, exit junction 32 and follow the A470 to Cardiff city centre. If following sat nav then Cardiff Castle's postcode is CF10 3RB. There is no on site parking available but both Westgate Street NCP and Greyfriars NCP are conveniently located nearby. Book via the NCP App and enter the Saver ID, VISITCARDIFF for a great discount.
  • By Bike: Cardiff city centre has many established cycleways with the two nearest ending in either Bute Park or Cathays Park, the famous Taff Trail also passes close by. Click below for a detailed map of local cycle routes.
  • By Air: Cardiff Airport is located around 15 miles (23 km) away from the Castle with regular bus and rail links to the city centre and Cardiff Bay.
  • Parking: There is no on site parking available but both Westgate Street NCP and Greyfriars NCP are conveniently located nearby.

5

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

More Day Outs in City of Cardiff

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!