Wales is the land of castles, in fact, there are more than 600 of them in our little country. That’s more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Some are now romantic ruins, and others are still standing. All can be explored if you are looking for things to do in Cardiff. I often get asked how many castles are in Cardiff, so here’s a definitive list for you.
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Table of Contents
How many Castles are in Cardiff?
What castles are in Cardiff? I may be biased, but South Wales has some of the best monuments, historic buildings and castles in the country. There are three standing castles in Cardiff that are popular tourist attractions. They are three places I visit regularly. There are also some ruins, friaries and hillforts. What’s more, the majority of them are free.
Famous Castles in Cardiff
The main three castles in Cardiff are well preserved and give a fascinating insight into Wales’s past. They are also some of the prettiest places to explore in the capital city. Whether you choose to visit one or all three, they are all incredible to witness.
Wales Cardiff Castle
Firstly, I can’t believe Cardiff Castle isn’t a World Heritage Site. However, it is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions. It is located within beautiful parklands in the city centre Cardiff. Over 2,000 years of history is here.
Cardiff Castle History and Cardiff Castle Facts
So, who built Cardiff Castle? The first Roman fort was established here in the 50s AD. The original intention was to help subdue the local tribe’s people. The stone fort walls can be seen today. The original motte and bailey castle were built in the 11th Century by Norman invaders. King William I of England, in 1081, commissioned the castle built and formed the heart of the medieval town of Cardiff.
Cardiff Castle has repeatedly been involved in conflicts. It was attacked several times in the 12th Century and stormed in 1404 during the revolt of Owain Glyndwr. During the Civil War, it was initially taken by the Roundheads (supporters of Parliament). But, it was taken back by the Cavaliers (Royalists) in 1645. During the Second World War, the castle was used as air raid shelters holding up to 1,800 people.
Who lived in Cardiff Castle?
It was held by the de Clare family for several centuries and was acquired by the 13th Earl of Warwick in 1423. He conducted extensive work on the castle. The Herbert family took over the property in 1550, remodelling parts and carrying out construction on the outer bailey.
In the mid-18th Century, it passed to the Bute family. The 1st Marquess of Bute renovated the main range into a Georgian mansion and landscaped the grounds. The castle was remodelled in a gothic revival style by the 3rd Marquess and lavished money on the interior design. When the 5th Marquess inherited the castle, he faced considerable death duties. So, the castle was given to the City of Cardiff in 1947.
Cardiff Castle Tickets
Cardiff Castle is open to visitors 7 days a week (apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). You can see the Cardiff Castle opening times and ticket prices here. If you can’t make it in person, there is a Cardiff Castle virtual tour.
Cardiff Castle Free Entry
If you live or work in Cardiff, you can get your own Key to the Castle. Admission gets you entry to a selection of lavishly decorated rooms in the Castle Apartments, The Norman Keep, Battlement Walk, Wartime Shelters, Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, Interpretation Centre and audio guide (subject to availability) and Cardiff Castle Grounds. The castle key is valid for three years.
🐾 Dogs are welcome within the Castle’s Public Square but, due to the historic nature of the site, are not permitted within any of the Castle’s buildings or the Inner Green.
Castle Coch
The Red Castle, Castell Coch, is located in a wooded hillside in Tongwynlais in the north part of the city. It is known as the fairy tale castle by locals. Being designed with unlimited wealth and boundless imagination by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and architect William Burges. Castell Coch has been a plaything for the rich and powerful for over 700 years.
The castle is now owned by CADW and is a remarkable blend of solid medieval masonry and Victorian gothic fantasy. The highly decorated interiors and rich furnishings make it a dazzling masterpiece. However, underneath the mock-medieval exterior is the impressive remains of a 13th Century castle. Once used as a hunting lodge by the ruthless Gilbert de Claire.
Look out for the monkeys cavorting above the Marquess of Bute’s wife’s bed. He complained that they were too ‘lascivious’ (revealing sexual desire). It gradually fell into disuse and was requisitioned for British and American troops during World War Two. Surely the world’s most extravagant barracks?
The gatehouse Castell Coch is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Cardiff. And Castell Coch is regularly voted by the public as their favourite place in Wales.
Castell Coch Tickets
The castle is open 7 days a week unless there are tours, or a wedding or television filming. It is best to double-check before travelling. It often closes for lunch, between 1-2pm too. Adults are £6.90 per person. There are prices for children, families, seniors and students. Castell Coch Postcode is CF15 7JS.
🐾 Due to the historic nature of the site, dogs are not permitted within any of the castle’s buildings. However, Fforest Fawr surrounds the castle, which is one of the best walks in Cardiff.
St Fagans
St Fagans castle was erected in the 12th Century. In the 16th Century in came into the possession of the Herbert family, who had lordship of Cardiff between 1550 and 1775. It was during this period that the castle was converted into an Elizabethan house. The medieval castle remains include the southern part of the stone curtain wall, and they define the forecourt.
During the Civil War in 1648, the Royalist army attacked Cardiff in a bid to reclaim Cardiff Castle. The fighting took place and was called the Battle of St Fagans. In 2016, a mum taking a picture of her young son even ‘captured’ two soldiers in a photograph. It has become one of the ghost stories from Cardiff. Do you see the Welsh soldier?
In 1730 the house passed into another branch of nobility, the Earls of Plymouth. From their seat at St Fagans, they made a fortune through coal. The house was donated to the nation and the National Museum Wales in 1946. St Fagans National Museum of History is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Wales.
As well as the castle and gardens you can see re-erected buildings from all over Wales. A school, tollgate, workshops, a working bakery, woollen mill, chapel, barns and even a pub. A visit is incomplete without a trip to the farm to see the pigs, lambs and cows. Plus, fish and chips or a Welsh cake. The indoor gift shop is a big hit too.
St Fagans Tickets
Not only is St Fagans dog-friendly, but it also has free entry. St Fagans National Museum of History is open every day between 10am – 5pm. The car park is £6 per day and is free for disabled bad holders and motorbikes.
🐾 Dogs are welcome at St Fagans in all outdoor areas and at the museum entrance. Dogs are not allowed in the historic houses, galleries, or cafes.
Is there a castle in Cardiff?
There are more castles in Cardiff than the well-known three. These ruins, monuments, friaries and hillforts will give you a glimpse of Cardiff’s history. Plus, it will get you in parts of the city off the tourist routes. So put on your walking shoes and get exploring.
Castell Morgraig
In 1895 in overgrown remains were excavated, and the 13th Century castle was re-discovered. The forgotten Morgraig castle is near Cefn Onn in Llanishen, North Cardiff. Since the five-sided castle was discovered, there has been fierce debate about the stone ruins. Who built the castle and why? Was it an important place? What happened here? Was it built by the Welsh or the English?
There are many professional and amateur historians having different views about Castell Morgraig. It may have been a site of a Welsh rebellion in 1315. It is also possible that it was the work of an Anglo-Norman lord, most likely the de Clare lords of Glamorgan, sometime between 1243 and 1267. However, some things point to English construction. Apparently, it was abandoned unfinished to start building Caerphilly Castle nearby.
The castle overlooks Cardiff and straddles the border between the Welsh Senghennydd and English ruled Glamorgan. About a mile to the east are two collapsed stone towers and a third across the River Taff. So, the castle could have also been a cavalry outpost. Guarding the important route from the city to the valleys.
How to find Castell Morgraig
The ruins can be accessed from a small footpath at the end of the Travellers’ Rest pub car park at the top of Caerphilly Road. Make your way through the trees behind the pub. As you pick your way along the path, there is nothing to suggest what you are about to stumble upon.
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. And who doesn’t want to save money?
Pre-book your parking and save
Prefer to drive? No problem! NCP Park Pass is an easy way to save money on parking. Not only do you access special parking deals, but you also don’t need to remember where you put the ticket collected at the barrier – mine always gets lost in the handbag. As payment is contact-free and cashless, you do it on your phone.
You can always pre-book your parking online and save money if that’s not your thing. Find a car park, choose your date and time, enter your details and make your payment. Once you’ve booked your parking online, you will receive a booking confirmation email detailing your booking and how to enter and exit the car park.
Llandaff Castle
The Bishop’s Castle or the Old Bishop’s Palace in Llandaff was built between 1265 and 1287 and is now known as Llandaff Castle. Llandaff has been a Christian place of worship since the 6th Century. At its centre is Llandaff Cathedral.
Unfortunately, there is no written recorded history of the castle. However, it is said that Owain Glyndwr had it burnt down when his revolt spread through the south at the beginning of the 15th Century. The castle was left to decay after the reformation. In the 18th Century, the southwest tower and part of the roof collapsed. Further severe damage happened during an air raid during World War II.
The small, rectangular castle has a twin-towered gatehouse with slots for a sliding portcullis and three small towers. A small spiral staircase leads to the remains of a hooded fireplace and a Tudor window on the upper floor. There is even a dungeon below ground level.
🐾 Dog friendly
St Teilo’s Well
There are actually three landmarks to visit. Alongside Llandaff Cathedral and Llandaff Castle is St Teilo’s Well, which is a listed building. Found on Cathedral Close are freshwater springs. St Teilo was the second Bishop of Llandaff and one of the three original Celtic saints. He was the inspiration for establishing the church here.
How to find Llandaff Castle
The ruins can easily be spotted from Cathedral Green near the entrance to Llandaff Cathedral. It is at the top of Cathedral Close.
Entrance fee: Free
Visit Insole Court
If you’re in Llandaff, you should visit Insole Court. The stately home is more than a beautiful garden to walk in and a cracking cup of coffee in the Potting Shed Café. It was in Cardiff Council’s care for a long time, and the local community came together to save and restore it. Through tireless fundraising and receiving a Big Lottery Charity Fund. The restoration project has brought the house back to its former glory.
9 things you didn’t know you could do at Insole Court
🐾 Dog friendly
Caerau Fort
The sizeable triangular Iron age hillfort is found in the western suburbs of Caerau and Ely. It is one of the largest in Great Britain and is built on a previously occupied Neolithic site. There seems to have been two entrances. There may have been a third, but water from the nearby spring has heavily eroded it.
The ruins of the medieval St Mary’s Church can also be explored. It is thought it dates back to the 13th or 14th Century and is set within an oval churchyard. Mostly stone rubble. Today it consists of stone walls and debris, a nave with porch, vestry, chancel and a tower. St Mary’s was restored in 1885 but was closed in 1957 and allowed to fall into ruin.
To the side of the church is an oval medieval ringwork. It is defined by a rampart and ditch. It is believed that this is an unrecorded castle belonging to the Bishop of Llandaff.
In 2019, it was announced that the Cardiff hidden gem will be transformed into a tourist attraction. This will include a Hillfort Heritage Centre, interactive walking trails and conservation work to preserve the remains of St Mary’s Church. It is due to open in Autumn 2021.
🐾 Dog friendly
How to find Caerau Hillfort
The hillfort is on Church Road, CF5 5LQ, near the Home Guard Club and Post Office.
Entrance fee: Free
Ely Roman Villa
In the centre of Trelai Park in Ely is an area of rough, long grass surrounded by football pitches. It’s actually the remains of a Roman Villa about 1,800 years old. The site has been the subject of archaeological investigations several times. The villa was constructed in the first half of the 1st Century. Plus, it was initially just a rectangular building with a cobbled courtyard.
How to find Ely Roman Villa
Trelai Park, Ely
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Cae-yr-Arfau Burial Chamber
Technically not a castle, but the cromlech monument is the remains of a chambered tomb. It consists of three large slabs of stone, two orthostats and a capstone, forming a rectangular chamber. It dates from the Neolithic period around 3000 BC, and was built as a burial chamber for the local chief and his family.
How to find Cae-yr-Arfau
Located in the grounds of Cae-yr-Arfau House in Pentyrch.
The Burial Chamber is in a flower bed, backing onto a farmer’s wall. For access, you should contact CADW, who will liaise with the homeowner on your behalf. According to This Girl Walks, if the homeowner has to let you through, it is a public footpath.
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Five Round Barrows
On top of Garth Hill are five Bronze Age round barrows. From the top of the hill, you can take in the incredible views seeing all the way to Cardiff Bay. On a clear day, you can even see Flat Holm and the Bristol Channel.
Round barrows and cairns were constructed in the Early Bronze Age to mark burials and are typically made of earth.
How to find Five Round Barrows
It can be accessed along the Ridgeway Walk long-distance footpath from the villages Pentyrch or Gwaelod y Garth in Cardiff.
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Rhiwbina Twmpath
At the bottom of the Wenallt list is the biggest historical monument in Rhiwbina. The Twmpath is a late 11th Century Norman motte. Unfortunately, none of the buildings can be seen today. But it is an impressive 30 feet high.
The twmpath is shrouded in legend and lore. The story centres around Iestyn ap Gwrgant, then King of Glamorgan, and his downfall. The Earl of Gloucester was sent by King William I to suppress the Welsh. A Norman Knight called Eynion was used to forge a false alliance with Iestyn, saying he would help drive the Normans back towards Bristol. Iestyn and Eynion’s armies entered the battle in a field near the Butcher’s Arms in Rhiwbina. However, no sooner had the battle commenced, Eynion withdrew his men and marched to Swansea.
Iestyn’s army was in the firing line and were left to defend themselves. They were hopelessly outnumbered. The dead were piled in one great mound and covered in mud. Apparently, Iestyn was placed on his horse and buried upright in the mound. The battle was so bad the nearby stream ran red with blood.
How to find the Twmpath
The Rhiwbina Twmpath is located just off the Wenallt Road, about 100 yards from the bridge crossing on the M4.
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Caer Castell Camp
It is also known as Pen-y-Pil or Cae Castell Mount. The medieval castle remains consist of a large circular mound with a motte and ditch. There are no visible remains of the bailey. It may have been a Roman watchtower or lookout post. The Bristol Channel is visible on a clear day and would have been an excellent vantage point to spot raiders from the south.
Rumney has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Although there is little remaining evidence of Roman occupation in Trederlech (as it was known in the 1st Century).
How to find Cae Castell Mount
Caer Castell is located on the edge of marshy ground within the grounds of St Illtyd’s School in Rumney, Cardiff.
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Castle Field
The monument Castle Field Camp east of Craig-Llywn comprises the remains of a hillfort that dates back to the Iron Age. The hillfort is on a prominent knoll forming a spur on Cefn Mably Ridge. The rectangular enclosure is located on the summit of a ridge. When at the top, it has magnificent views of Cardiff. Travels With My Aunt breaks down the walk.
How to find Castle Field Camp
Pontprennau, off Graig-Llwyn Road
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Blackfriar’s Friary
The remains of Blackfriar’s Friary, also known as Dominican Friary, are the foundations and footings of the church. They were exposed by the 3rd Marquis of Bute at the end of the 19th Century. These are now presented as a public garden. The Friary was founded in 1256 by Richard de Clare, lord of Glamorgan. The church has a large nave and narrow chancel.
There is a lot of history on this site, and it is Grade II listed. In 1536, Parliament ordered the closure of monasteries, abbeys and other religious houses in Wales and England. The buildings were demolished in 1538, and the foundations disappeared under soil and vegetation. When the site was excavated in 1887, it was made into an ornamental garden.
How to find Blackfriar’s Friary
The Friary is in Bute Park in the city centre, behind Cardiff Castle.
Entrance fee: Free
🐾 Dog friendly
Castles to stay in Cardiff
Unfortunately, none of the castles in Cardiff offer overnight accommodation. However, there are plenty of hotels in Cardiff.
Castles in Cardiff for Weddings
If you dream of a fairy tale wedding and want to be the prince or princess, King or Queen for the day, you can get married in a castle in Cardiff. Above all, just think of the wedding photographs! You can send an enquiry for wedding venue hire in Cardiff Castle. They do all-inclusive packages, so you can host your whole day there.
Intimate weddings take place in Castell Coch for a maximum of 30 guests, starting from £695. However, there are no facilities for the wedding breakfast and evening reception. St Fagans Castle is a breathtaking setting for a wedding ceremony. The castle’s Main Hall is an intimate venue for up to 40 guests. Or a marquee or the Oakdale Workmen’s Institute for up to 140 guests.
Restaurants in Cardiff
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, at both the casual and cheap eats, Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the most exciting places to eat in the UK.
- Afternoon tea in Cardiff
- Bottomless brunch in Cardiff
- Steak restaurants in Cardiff
- Vegan restaurants in Cardiff
- Thai restaurants in Cardiff
- Japanese restaurants in Cardiff
- Caribbean restaurants in Cardiff
- Chinese restaurants in Cardiff
- Burger restaurants in Cardiff
- Street food in Cardiff
- Welsh food in Cardiff
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
So we all need to refuel and rehydrate. If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 90-day free trial here:
Free things to do in Cardiff
There are so many things to do in Cardiff for free. Sometimes we need some inspiration or reminders of what is on our doorstep. There are over 50 ideas on this list! If you’re looking for things to do in Cardiff today, things to do in Cardiff this weekend, or something to do in January – look no further.
Museums you can visit in Cardiff for free
We’re so lucky that the museums in Cardiff are some of the best in the United Kingdom. You’ll be spoilt for choice whether you are looking for exhibitions, galleries or events.
Things to do in Cardiff when it’s raining
The Welsh weather is not often on our side, but don’t let the wet weather dampen your day. Luckily, there are plenty of different things to do in Cardiff on a rainy day.
Hotels in Cardiff
Want to see more of Cardiff or experience more Insole Court events? If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station. Significantly, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Radisson Cardiff
The Radisson Blue Hotel Cardiff is in the city centre. The 4-star hotel has smart TVs in the bedrooms, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and limited onsite parking.
Radisson Hotel Discount Code
Get 15% off 3 or 4-night stays, 20% off 5 or 6-night stays, or 25% off for 7 or more nights in luxury rooms and suites. When you use the Radisson Hotel Promo Code LONGER, you’ll also receive complimentary high-speed WiFi on unlimited devices. More information
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? So, the dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Specifically, it is ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. Presently, you can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
The Hilton Cardiff
For a luxurious stay, The Hilton Cardiff, in the heart of the city centre, has beautiful amenities, including a pool and health club. With Hilton Honors, you get exclusive perks when you stay at more than 6,700 hotels around the world. Members receive Points on every stay, which can be turned into free nights.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
The surrounding areas
Also, don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. Furthermore, with all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
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