Cardiff Castle
Price guide: Expensive
Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB
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expert-rated things to do in Cardiff- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, Mature travellers, Art, Design and architecture, Education, Great views / scenery, History
Best for First-time visitors - Expert review of Cardiff Castle
Thousands of years of history slap bang in the centre of the city.
Welcome to the very heart of Cardiff. From its Roman roots onwards these grounds have been the very focal point of the city. Home to royalty and prison to Cardiff foes such as the Second Duke Of Normandy, it’s morphed and developed through the ages. During Victorian times the Bute family celebrated the landmark’s stature with incredible gothic decor and stately charm before giving it to the city as a gift in 1947.
The vast, well-kept grounds stretch out with beauty, providing ample space between the sprawling boundary tunnels and walls, the amazing intricate decoration of the castle itself and the crooked keep that’s home to over a hundred steps and some of the best views of the city. If you’re making your Cardiff debut then this place is a must; it gives you instant access to the city’s textured history and provides a great sense of place.
Price advice:
General tickets cost £11 for adults and £8.50 for children. A premium ticket includes a 50 minute guided tour of the castle apartments, this costs £14 for adults and £12 for children.
Expert tips:
Specialist tours can be arranged for people with a particular interest in fine art or the work of William Burges.
Tickets currently include a 25% discount for Rhondda Heritage Park, a coal museum just north of Cardiff.
Check their website before you go; it’s home to events all year round, from Shakespeare to X-Factor auditions and jousting competitions.
If you live in Cardiff you can actually apply for a castle key! This allows free entry to the grounds and discounts on all events and tours.
More information on Cardiff Castle:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Archaeological site, Castle / palace, Historic site
- Address:
- Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB
- Telephone:
- +4429 2087 3533
- Website:
- http://www.cardiffcastle.com
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm from Mar to Oct and 9am-5pm from Nov to Feb.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Both
