Caerphilly Castle is a huge concentric fortress surrounded by artificial lakes, the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain. Gilbert de Clare began it in the thirteenth century to guard the Welsh border, and its layers of walls, towers and gatehouses make it one of the finest examples of medieval defence anywhere. The south-east tower leans more than the tower at Pisa, which has become the castle's calling card. Inside, the restored Great Hall and inner ward reopened after a two-year conservation project, digital exhibits help you picture medieval life, and the Watergate passage and viewing platform let you look across the moats. It is run by Cadw and sits in the middle of the town of Caerphilly, a short trip from the capital.
Check the details before you go. From 1 November to 28 February the castle is open from 10 to 4, with last admission 30 minutes before closing, and it is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January. An adult ticket is a little under thirteen pounds, with lower prices for juniors, students and seniors, and a joint ticket with Castell Coch is available.
Booking online saves five percent but is non-refundable, and a notice says the castle may currently take only online tickets because of an intermittent system issue, so book ahead through Cadw. The Great Hall is not available for weddings while redevelopment work continues.
Expect an energetic visit. The route is one way and includes narrow corridors and towers, the stone steps are original and uneven, and they can be slippery in wet weather, so wear shoes with good grip. There is a video presentation, an exhibition, a gift shop and a guidebook, and a wildflower garden.
Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor only, and geese around the moat can be aggressive in nesting season. Parking is pay and display, with a short-stay car park about 110 metres away and a long-stay car park about 500 metres away, and there is dedicated accessible parking.
Getting there is simple, because Caerphilly is a short train ride from Cardiff and the castle is a short walk from the town centre. The booking link on this page is a small-group full-day tour that begins at Caerphilly Castle on its Valleys option, then continues to Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle, with castle admission not included, so it suits visitors who want a guided day rather than a half-day visit.
Independent visitors can go by train and buy a standard Cadw ticket. Allow at least two hours, and add time for lunch in the town.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced one-way route through the gatehouses, Great Hall, towers and inner ward of a vast moated castle, with a video, exhibition and viewing platform.
Best time
A dry weekday morning, so the uneven stone steps and moat banks are less slippery.
How long
Two to three hours, longer with lunch in the town.
Tips
Book online ahead because the castle may take only online tickets, wear grippy shoes, and keep clear of the geese around the moat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Castle lovers, families and anyone who wants the biggest medieval fortress in Wales.
- Families
- Children enjoy the towers, the moat and the leaning tower, but the steps are uneven and need supervision.
- Couples
- Walk the moat banks and the Watergate viewing platform, then lunch in town.
- Pair with
- Castell Coch, with its joint ticket, or Cardiff Castle for a castle trio.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day including the train.
Good questions
What are the Caerphilly Castle opening hours in winter?+
From 1 November to 28 February the castle opens from 10 to 4, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. It is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January.
How much does Caerphilly Castle cost?+
An adult ticket is a little under thirteen pounds, with lower prices for juniors, students, seniors and families, and under fives go free. A joint ticket with Castell Coch saves money.
How do I get from Cardiff to Caerphilly Castle?+
Caerphilly is a short train ride north of Cardiff, and the castle is close to the town centre. There are pay-and-display car parks nearby for drivers.
Why does Caerphilly Castle lean?+
The south-east tower leans, a movement put down to subsidence and damage over the centuries. It leans more than the tower at Pisa and is the castle's best-known feature.
Is Caerphilly Castle suitable for wheelchair users?+
Access is limited, because the route is one way with narrow corridors, towers and uneven original stone steps. An access guide is available from the castle team.
