Caerphilly Castle
Step back in time at this formidable 13th-century fortress. Secure your entry to explore massive stone walls, epic water defenses, and the iconic leaning tower of Wales.
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Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale and ingenuity of Caerphilly Castle, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. As you cross the drawbridge and pass through the imposing gatehouses, you're entering a world built for defence and power. Covering a staggering 30 acres, this 13th-century fortress is second only to Windsor in size in the UK. Your ticket grants you the freedom to explore its revolutionary concentric design, wander through the ruins of lavish apartments, stand in the restored majesty of the Great Hall, and marvel at the extensive water defences that made it virtually impenetrable. The highlight for many is the iconic south-east tower, leaning at a precarious angle since the 17th century, a testament to the castle's turbulent history. A visit to Caerphilly is not just a tour; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Welsh history.
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Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are ideal for visiting Caerphilly Castle. The weather is typically mild, the crowds are smaller than in summer, and the natural light is perfect for photography. Summer (June-August) offers longer opening hours and a lively atmosphere but is also the busiest period.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or trainers as you will be covering a large area with uneven stone surfaces and stairs|Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as Welsh weather can be unpredictable at any time of year|In cooler months, dressing in layers is advisable as it can be windy on the open battlements, but warmer inside sheltered areas.
Construction of Caerphilly Castle began in 1268 by Gilbert 'the Red' de Clare, a powerful English lord, as part of his campaign to conquer the Welsh lordship of Glamorgan. Its revolutionary concentric design and massive water defences were a direct response to the military threat posed by the native Welsh ruler, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. The castle was attacked several times but never taken by force, a testament to its formidable design. It later fell into disrepair before being partially restored by the Marquesses of Bute in the 20th century.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the ticket type and the partner provider. Many tickets offered through our platform come with a 'free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance' policy, providing maximum flexibility. Always check the specific conditions of the ticket you choose before completing your purchase.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Booked our tickets online the day before and it was seamless. We walked right in. The castle is breathtakingly huge. You can really feel the history. The leaning tower is incredible to see in person. Spent a solid three hours here and could have stayed longer. Well worth the short train ride from Cardiff.
A truly magnificent castle with so much to explore. The water defenses are unlike anything I've seen. We booked through this site and the process was very easy. It was quite busy in July, so my advice is to go early. The Great Hall is a highlight. A great day trip for anyone interested in medieval history.
Wow! This castle is a beast. My husband and I were in awe of the scale. We used our mobile tickets booked here and had no issues. Walking the battlements gives you a great perspective. It's a fantastic example of medieval military architecture. The town of Caerphilly is also quite charming. Highly recommended.
As an American, seeing a castle this old and this massive is just mind-blowing. The leaning tower is an engineering marvel (or failure, depending on how you see it!). Tickets were easy to get online. The information panels were helpful, and the sheer amount of ground to cover is impressive. Don't miss this piece of Welsh history.
Visited on a cool autumn day and it was perfect. The mist over the moat in the morning was very beautiful. The castle is very powerful and you can imagine the battles. I booked my ticket easily online. It was not too busy, so I could take my time with photographs. A wonderful experience.
We took our two boys (7 and 10) and they were in their element. They loved the dragons and running around the huge open spaces. Booking a family ticket online was simple and saved us time at the gate. It's an incredible historical site that's also great fun for the family. We'll definitely be back for one of their event days.
The concentric design of this castle is fascinating for any architecture or history buff. I spent ages just admiring the gatehouses. The booking process was straightforward. My only wish is that there were more furnished rooms to see, but the ruins themselves tell a powerful story. A must-visit for its historical importance.
Made the easy train journey from Cardiff and so glad I did. This castle is immense. The leaning tower is the main photo op, but the whole complex is stunning. Getting my ticket in advance meant I could just scan my phone and walk in. A top-tier historical attraction.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (summer and school holidays), to guarantee entry and avoid long queues at the ticket office. By booking through our platform, you can compare different ticket options, access instant confirmation, and often benefit from flexible cancellation policies offered by our partners like GetYourGuide, ensuring a seamless experience.
Caerphilly Castle is famous for being the second-largest castle in Britain (after Windsor) and for its revolutionary concentric 'walls within walls' design. It's also renowned for its extensive water defences and its iconic south-east tower, which leans at a more dramatic angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Yes, the castle is generally very family-friendly. Children love exploring the vast grounds, crossing the drawbridges, and discovering the dragon sculptures. There are often special events and activities for families, especially during school holidays. However, be mindful that there are many stairs and uneven surfaces, so it might be challenging for pushchairs in some areas.
A typical self-guided visit lasts between 2 to 3 hours. This allows enough time to explore the main gatehouses, the inner wards, the Great Hall, walk along some of the battlements, and of course, take plenty of photos of the leaning tower and the surrounding moats.
The castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. While there isn't a single guided tour included with standard entry, you can often find audio guides available for a small fee at the site. Additionally, our platform lists experiences from partners that may include a private guide for a more in-depth exploration of the region, including the castle.
Yes, there is a gift shop on site selling a range of souvenirs, books, and local Welsh crafts. There is also a small café that offers light refreshments, snacks, and drinks. For more substantial meals, the town of Caerphilly is just a short walk from the castle entrance and has numerous pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
While much of the castle grounds are accessible, the historic nature of the structure means some areas, such as the upper levels of towers and narrow spiral staircases, are not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The ground floor of the inner ward and the Great Hall are generally accessible. We advise checking the official Cadw website for the most detailed accessibility information before your visit.
Paid parking is available in several car parks located a short walk from the castle entrance. The main ones are the Crescent Road car park and the one at Caerphilly railway station. Parking can get busy, so arriving early or using public transport is recommended. The castle is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Caerphilly train and bus stations.
The best time to visit is on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring and beautiful lighting for photography. Summer brings a vibrant atmosphere and longer opening hours, but also more visitors. Check the Cadw website for any special events, like historical reenactments, which can make your visit extra memorable.
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