Top 6 Castles around Cardiff
Best castles around Cardiff offer a journey through over 2,000 years of Welsh history and architectural evolution. The city and its surrounding areas feature a diverse collection of fortifications, from ancient Roman foundations to medieval strongholds and elaborate Victorian Gothic Revival structures. These sites are often set within picturesque landscapes, providing insights into different eras of Welsh heritage.
Best castles around Cardiff
- The most popular castles is Castell Coch, a historical_site that was transformed into a Gothic masterpiece during the Victorian era. It is known as the "Red Castle" and features three distinctive towers with conical roofs.
- Another must-see spot is Cardiff Castle, a historical_site with a 2,000-year history, from Roman fort to Norman keep and stone-built castle. Visitors can explore Roman walls, a Norman keep, and lavish Victorian Gothic apartments.
- Visitors also love The Animal Wall, a man_made_monument with stone carvings of various animals. This wall, originally built in the 1890s, features animals with glass eyes and was later expanded with additional carvings.
- Cardiff is known for its Roman, Norman, and Victorian Gothic Revival castles. These sites offer a variety of architectural styles and historical periods to explore.
- The castles around Cardiff are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and over 20 photos shared.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Castell Coch
Highlight • Historical Site
Entry to the castle costs £7.70 for adults, £4.60 for children, £6.10 for seniors, and £21.60 for families. For more information, visit: cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-coch.
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The Animal Wall
Highlight • Monument
The carving of the animals began in the late 1880s. Architect William Frame brought the wall to life, based on sketches byarchitect William Burges who was employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute.
The original wall was built in the 1890s directly outside the castle. Original animals included: a pair of lions holding shields, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, a pair of apes and a hyena. You can tell these apart from their later cousins because they have glass eyes.
The wall was moved and relocated west of the Castle in 1923 due to the widening of Duke Street, and six extra animals were added. The six additional animals were the vulture, beaver, leopard, a pair of raccoons, a pelican and an anteater.
bute-park.com/attraction/the-animal-wall
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St Fagans National Museum of History
Highlight • Historical Site
The brainchild of Iorwerth Peate, the museum was modelled on Skansen, the outdoor museum of vernacular Swedish architecture in Stockholm. Most structures re-erected in Skansen were built of wood and are thus easily taken apart and reassembled, but a comparable museum in Wales was going to be more ambitious, as much of the vernacular architecture of Wales is made of masonry.[3][6]
2017 refurbishment
A redeveloped main reception building was opened in July 2017.[8] The six-year, £30-million redevelopment of the site, which was funded by a number of sources, notably the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, was completed in October 2018.[9][10]
The £30-million redevelopment project provided many benefits, including three new galleries showcasing Wales’ history, improvements to buildings such as the Iron Age farmstead, Bryn Eryr, and Medieval Prince’s court and Llys Llywelyn, as well as a refurbished main entrance building and a new restaurant, play area and learning spaces.[11] One of the new buildings, the Gweithdy ('workshop'), features stone age tools and stick chairs.[12]
In June 2019, St Fagans was named UK’s Museum of the Year 2019 by the Art Fund, which commended the facility's "exceptional imagination, innovation and achievement".[13] The Art Fund is a charity which helps to support museums and galleries.[14]
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Cardiff Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Entry costs £14.50 for adults, £10 for children, £12 for concessions, and £42 for families. For more information, visit: cardiffcastle.com.
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St Fagans Castle
Highlight • Castle
Sir Edward Lewis of The Van, Caerphilly, bought the house in 1616 and the interior dates partly from then and partly from after 1850, when it became the summer residence of the Windsor-Clive family. The property was part of the estate of the Earls of Plymouth and, in 1833, was inherited by Lady Harriet Clive who proceeded to restore the building. The sequence of terraces in the gardens was created for the Windsor-Clives in 1865–6 and extended in the early 20th century. The house became a convalescent hospital for soldiers during World War I, with the banqueting hall containing a ward of 40 beds.
In 1947 the Windsor-Clives gave the house and grounds to the Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and the grounds subsequently became the site of the Welsh Folk Museum, now St Fagans National Museum of History.
St Fagans Castle became a Grade I listed building in 1977. The lead water cistern in the courtyard of the castle is Grade II* listed, while a number of features in the gardens are listed as Grade II.
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Red Dragon Sculpture at Cardiff Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
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Llandaff Bishop's Palace Gatehouse
Highlight • Monument
The only substantial remains today are the impressive gatehouse, the rest of the site is now an ornamental park which was developed in the 1970’s.
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Tips from the Community
This wall extends from the castle and has stone carvings of various animals which would have been very exotic when it was created. Much fun 🙂
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A wonderfully well preserved effigy of the rich history that is present across Cardiff and South Wales
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The red dragon stands in the castle's courtyard. It symbolizes Welsh national pride.
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Originally a small medieval fortress, it is thought that the palace was first built by William de Braose who became Bishop in 1266. The palace was abandoned as a residence following damage in the Owain Glyndwr rebellion of 1402-05, with the Bishops thereafter preferring their more secure dwelling at Mathern in Monmouthshire. Although the palace seems to have remained intact until at least 1601, it was probably destroyed during the English Civil War when many castles were similarly slighted by Parliamentarian forces. The only substantial remains today are the impressive gatehouse, the rest of the site is now an ornamental park which was developed in the 1970’s.
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St Fagans is an affluent village situated to the west of Cardiff in South Wales. The village is home to St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales' most popular heritage attraction that beautifully showcases the history of Welsh life. Whilst in St Fagans, a visit to the museum is a must. There are endless fascinating places to discover inside the grounds, including an old sweet shop, a chapel, a Workmen's Institute, a set of traditional cottages laid out in their original style, and a late 16th-century manor house and gardens. It is free to enter the grounds, and you can check out the opening times here https://museum.wales/stfagans/visit/
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Located in the courtyard. In any case, inform in advance whether events such as concerts are taking place. Then the inner courtyard is closed
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Totally cool wall - unfortunately a bit too close to the street
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The best view of the the Animal Wall is at the southern boundary of the park from Castle Street. The carving of the animals began in the late 1880s. Architect William Frame brought the wall to life, based on sketches byarchitect William Burges who was employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The original wall was built in the 1890s directly outside the castle. Original animals included: a pair of lions holding shields, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, a pair of apes and a hyena. You can tell these apart from their later cousins because they have glass eyes. The wall was moved and relocated west of the Castle in 1923 due to the widening of Duke Street, and six extra animals were added. The six additional animals were the vulture, beaver, leopard, a pair of raccoons, a pelican and an anteater. https://bute-park.com/attraction/the-animal-wall
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical periods do the castles around Cardiff represent?
The castles around Cardiff offer a journey through diverse historical periods. You can explore Roman foundations, Norman keeps, and elaborate Victorian Gothic Revival structures. For example, Cardiff Castle showcases over 2,000 years of history, from its origins as a Roman fort to its Norman and Victorian transformations. Castell Coch, while built on Norman foundations, is a stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece.
What makes Castell Coch a unique castle to visit?
Castell Coch, known as the 'Red Castle', is a stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival castle often described as a fairytale retreat. Its unique charm comes from its highly decorated interiors and rich furnishings, which are a dazzling masterpiece of the High Victorian era. Despite its medieval appearance, most of what you see today was reconstructed in the 1870s by architect William Burges for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, creating an imaginary medieval world.
What can I expect to see at Cardiff Castle?
Cardiff Castle offers a captivating blend of Roman, Norman, and Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Visitors can explore the original Roman walls, climb the Norman keep, and immerse themselves in the lavish Victorian apartments, such as the Arab Room and Banqueting Hall, adorned with intricate carvings and murals. The castle grounds also feature a museum and the famous Animal Wall.
Are the castles around Cardiff family-friendly?
Yes, many castles and related sites around Cardiff are very family-friendly. Both Castell Coch and Cardiff Castle are listed as family-friendly highlights, offering engaging experiences for all ages. Additionally, St Fagans National Museum of History, which includes St Fagans Castle and Gardens, is a popular heritage attraction with plenty to discover for families.
How long should I plan for a visit to Cardiff Castle or Castell Coch?
For a comprehensive visit to Cardiff Castle, including exploring the Roman walls, Norman keep, and Victorian apartments, you should typically allow 2-3 hours. For Castell Coch, a visit usually takes 1.5-2 hours to explore its unique interiors and grounds.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Cardiff?
The castles around Cardiff are generally enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and surrounding areas, with longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially around Castell Coch's wooded hillside. Many castles, including Cardiff Castle, are open in winter, often with festive events, though checking specific opening hours is always recommended.
Can I reach the castles around Cardiff by public transport?
Yes, both major castles are accessible by public transport. Cardiff Castle is centrally located in Cardiff, making it easily reachable by bus or a short walk from Cardiff Central train station. Castell Coch is located just north of Cardiff and can be reached by local bus services from the city center.
Are there other notable historical sites near Cardiff's main castles?
Beyond Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch, you can visit St Fagans National Museum of History, which includes the Elizabethan manor house St Fagans Castle and Gardens. This open-air museum showcases Welsh life and architecture. You can also find the intriguing The Animal Wall, a unique man-made monument adjacent to Cardiff Castle, and the historic Llandaff Bishop's Palace Gatehouse.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Cardiff?
The area around Cardiff's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running, hiking, and cycling routes. For instance, there's a 'Running loop through Bute Park along the River Taff from Cardiff Castle' which is a moderate 6.5 km route. For mountain biking, consider the 'Blackweir Footbridge – View of Castell Coch loop from Cathays', an easy 24.3 km trail. You can explore more options in the Running Trails around Cardiff, MTB Trails around Cardiff, and Gravel biking around Cardiff guides.
Are there hiking or running trails near Cardiff Castle?
Yes, Cardiff Castle is situated near Bute Park, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. A popular option is the 'Running loop through Bute Park along the River Taff from Cardiff Castle', a moderate 6.5 km route perfect for a jog or a leisurely walk. You can find more running and walking trails in the Running Trails around Cardiff guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Cardiff?
Visitors particularly enjoy the rich historical layers and architectural diversity of Cardiff's castles. The blend of Roman, Norman, and Victorian elements at Cardiff Castle, and the fairytale charm and opulent interiors of Castell Coch, are frequently highlighted. The picturesque settings and the comprehensive introduction to Welsh heritage also receive high praise from the komoot community, with many photos and upvotes shared.
Is there parking available at the castles around Cardiff?
For Cardiff Castle, being in the city center, there are several public car parks nearby within walking distance. Castell Coch typically has its own dedicated parking facilities for visitors on site or very close by. It's always advisable to check the official websites for the most current parking information and any potential charges before your visit.
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