Cardiff Castle

Museum | Cardiff | Wales | United Kingdom

Historical sites in Wales

Cardiff Castle is one of the most significant historical sites in Wales, offering a fascinating insight into over 2,000 years of history. Originally built by the Romans as a military camp in the 1st century AD, the fortress was transformed into a Norman castle in the 11th century by the Normans. In the 19th century, under the direction of William Burges, the castle underwent a comprehensive redesign in the neo-Gothic style, enriching the interiors with opulent decoration and intricate details.

Norman castle architecture Cardiff

Architecture and Interiors

Culture and history Cardiff

The castle combines various architectural styles, including Roman, Norman, and Victorian elements. The lavish interiors are particularly impressive, furnished with elaborate wall paintings, plasterwork, and furniture. The Clock Tower, a prominent landmark of the castle, provides an impressive view over the city of Cardiff.

Firing Line Museum exhibitions

Collections and Exhibitions

Public parks in Cardiff

Inside the castle is the "Firing Line Museum," which documents the history of Welsh soldiers over a period of 300 years. The museum showcases artifacts and stories from significant battles such as Waterloo and Rorke's Drift, as well as more recent deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gardens and Surroundings

The castle grounds also include Bute Park, a vast public park stretching along the River Taff. The park offers a green oasis with walking paths, gardens, and historical monuments, complementing the cultural experience of the castle.

Events and Educational Offerings

Cardiff Castle is a vibrant venue that regularly hosts cultural and social events such as concerts, theater performances, and historical reenactments. The castle also offers educational programs and tours that provide visitors with a deeper insight into the history and architecture of the fortress.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Castle St
CF10 3RB Cardiff

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday9:00 - 17:00
Monday10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
Thursday10:00 - 17:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday9:00 - 17:00

Reviews

20497 Reviews

Russell Galea Mifsud
03.02.2025

Beautiful place with a lot of history. The entrance fee is worth it as you get so much. You can also visit the inner grounds for free which is a pleasant touch.
Dexter Doyle
23.01.2025

Cardiff Castle completely ble me away with itsmix of medieval history and Victorian art
Ainis Huzárs
01.02.2025

Fantastic place to visit.
Salmoni Uk
31.01.2025

Great Place to visit
Maxine kiryluk
31.01.2025

What a site to see! About an hour and half to see everything so much history in such a tiny corner or the world would highly recommend going to see. The steep stairs are a bit of a killer but once you get to the top wow what a view!
anthonie edisbury
28.01.2025

Very information make sure have ticket handy
undivided17
28.01.2025

Great tour, great tour guide, rich (literally) history and plenty of historical facts for those interested. Underground museum includes lots of WW1 and WW2 weapons and memorabilia, definitely worth it. Buy those tickets!
Mariam Ibrahim
27.01.2025

Incredible staff, I’ve made it around 4pm slightly late before closing and the lovely lady at the ticket desk recommended me all the routes and places to check. And I made it! Got to enjoy the history and the scenery all on time 💕
jon halligan (Loon)
27.01.2025

I love this sort of history amazing just imaging how these people live and a part of this visit you can look up your sir name and get the history.
Mark Jarvis
26.01.2025

Really interesting place to visit in half a day
Sam Curtis
26.01.2025

Beautiful place and amazing staff, so friendly. Enjoyed every minute of the visit
Nicki Styles
25.01.2025

A wonderful piece of history. Good value. Lots to explore. Cafe inside, but limited menu. Well worth a visit.
Aditi Guha Ottaway
23.01.2025

Awesome 👌 A must visit. 😍
Claudia Maciel
22.01.2025

Uma verdadeira viagem no tempo, vale a pena ver o castelo, passear pelas ruas, admirar a arquitetura
Puneet Hasija
22.01.2025

Cardiff Castle is a remarkable historical landmark that offers visitors a deep dive into the city's rich heritage. The castle's architecture and the informative exhibits provide an engaging experience for history enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that there is no on-site parking available at Cardiff Castle. Visitors arriving by car will need to utilize nearby public car parks. The Castle Mews Car Park, located at CF10 3ER, operates 24 hours a day and offers 48 spaces. The tariffs are £3.50 for 1 hour, £4.50 for 2 hours, up to £7.50 for 5 hours, and £3.50 for evenings between 6 pm and 8 pm. Additionally, the Cardiff Greyfriars NCP car park is within a short walk of major attractions such as Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and New Theatre. Navigating the city center can be challenging due to bus lanes and gates that operate 24 hours a day. Unauthorized use of these lanes can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. It's advisable to plan your route carefully and be vigilant of bus lane signage to avoid fines. In summary, while Cardiff Castle itself is a must-visit attraction, the lack of on-site parking and the potential for traffic fines due to bus lane restrictions can detract from the overall experience. Visitors should plan ahead to navigate these challenges effectively.
Wenda Lewis
22.01.2025

Lovely day out but if you cannot do steps there isn't much to see. Staff were all very helpful.
Seokjin Ham
21.01.2025

The castle embodies Wales' rich history, spanning from the Roman era to the Victorian period. Remnants of the original Roman walls still exist, showcasing the site's early defensive structures. After William the Conqueror's invasion of England in 1066, the Normans built a Motte and Bailey style wooden castle atop the existing Roman fort. In the 12th century, it was rebuilt in stone, with the Shell Keep constructed during this period. In the 13th century, the fortifications were further strengthened to defend against Welsh uprisings and protect the English crown. In 1404, the castle faced attacks from Welsh forces during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion. In the 19th century, the Marquess of Bute acquired the castle and initiated extensive renovations in a lavish Gothic Revival style. Under the design of William Burges, the castle’s interior was transformed into an opulent Victorian masterpiece. While access to the castle’s interior requires an admission fee, some exterior areas are open to the public free of charge.
Julie Day
20.01.2025

Enjoyed the experience..plenty to see..disappointed that we were only allowed into a couple of rooms in the castle..but the cafe was worth a visit..food was good.

 

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