Caerphilly South Wales is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Wales. It may not be the first thought when visiting, but don’t let that fool you. The tourist destination is well worth the visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore. Here are all the things to do in Caerphilly.
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Places to visit in Caerphilly
Make sure Caerphilly County Borough is on your must-visit list. The landscape gives a few clues to the coal mines that once covered The Valleys of South Wales. Many of these have been turned into nature reserves, outdoor activity centres or visitor attractions. Here is everything you can do in Caerphilly.
Aber Valley Heritage Museum
The Aber Valley Heritage Museum is primarily devoted to commemorating the largest mining disaster in British history. It also documents the broader history of the Valley, Windsor Colliery and the sporting achievements of the local residents, old shops and buildings. See photographic displays, archive films and interactive touch screens. Admission is free of charge.
🐾 Not dog friendly
ACT Ynys Hywel Activity Centre
Tucked away in the Sirhowy Valley Country Park, Ynys Hywel Activity and Nature Centre provides a fantastic learning experience. The tranquil space is the perfect destination to shut out the world for a few hours. Free entry, but a cost for some of the activities.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Blackwood Miners’ Institute
The arts and entertainment venue often has comedy, dance, music and theatre performances. The historic landmark is Grade II listed and is in the heart of Blackwood in the South East Valleys. It originally opened in 1925 and was extended 11 years later to include a stage, auditorium, dancefloor, reading room, library and rehearsal rooms. Blackwood Miners’ Institute has concerts throughout the year, including the annual panto.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Blaengawney Farm & Hallets Cider
On Blaengawney Farm in Newbridge, they use traditional methods of making fresh cider, stealing a few techniques from winemakers along the way. Hallets Cider produces several different still ciders, including some limited-edition ones. When you pre-book to visit the farm, you can try some fantastic cider and food.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is Wales’ biggest castle. It is the second-largest castle in Europe, with an impressive moat and a leaning tower. In fact, the tower leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It has been like that since 1648 when Oliver Cromwell’s army attacked during the Civil War. Surrounded by moats, mounds, and fairy-tale turrets, it will take your breath away. Cadw members get free entry, and adult tickets are £8.40.
🐾 Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor levels of the castle.
Caerphilly Visitor Centre
Opposite Caerphilly Castle is the Caerphilly Visitor Centre. Full of tourist information, the friendly staff are on hand to ensure you get the most from your visit. They can offer you advice on what to see and do and how to get there. Often, they will have exclusive offers and discounts too.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive
Explore by bike, car or foot the hidden wooden valley with stunning scenic views. The previously mined hills have been transformed into peaceful forests and a peaceful haven for people and wildlife. There are three mountain bike trails. For those driving, there are 7 car parking spots where you can get out and explore. Cwmcarn Forest has it all.
🐾 Super dog friendly. Not welcome in the children’s play parks.
Llancaiach Fawr
Visitors can step back in time and see the Manor House restored and furnished as it would have been in 1645. This is when King Charles I came to visit to gather support for his Royalist cause during the Civil War. Llancaiach Fawr is also one of the most haunted houses in the United Kingdom, apparently. You can visit at night and go ghost hunting. Entrance starts from £8.50 per adult.
🐾 Not dog friendly. Dogs can be exercised in the meadow.
Play Golf
There are plenty of golf courses to choose from in Caerphilly. Ridgeway Golf Course has 9 challenging holes, as well as Mountain Ranch View. There’s also Caerphilly Golf Club and Bargoed Golf Club.
Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa has a championship course, golf simulator and a 9-hole academy course. There’s even a pool, jacuzzi and hydro spa to relax in. Golf breaks are offered throughout the year if you want to stay the night.
Alternatively, Premier Inn Caerphilly is in an excellent location for around, seeing all of the places to go in Caerphilly County Borough as well as the nightlife and places to eat Caerphilly.
Best Western Pontypool
If you are looking for a budget hotel, a short drive from Caerphilly is the Best Western Pontypool. The modern rooms have free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. Plus, free parking. Check out their latest offers.
Rock Summit Centre
The ultimate activity centre. Rock UK has indoor climbing walls, bouldering, an outdoor play area, a man-made caving system, an aerial adventure course and over 20 instructed activities. Perfect for groups, couples or the family. Free entry, but different prices for the activities.
🐾 Dogs welcome in the café on a lead.
Ruperra Castle
On the border of Caerphilly, Newport and Cardiff, Ruperra Castle or Rhiwperra Castle was built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan. King Charles I spent two nights here in 1645. The castle was nearly bought by a US newspaper tycoon who inspired Citizen Kane and was once home to a black magic practising aristocrat who was friends with the Pope. After suffering a fire in the 18th Century and again during World War II, it was left to rot. There is no car access; you will need to walk from Coed Ruperra Woodland Car Park.
🐾 Dog friendly
The Winding House
Based in New Tredegar is The Winding House Museum. It has fascinating and engaging exhibitions about the local history and heritage, a remarkable Victorian winding engine and regular exhibitions and events. The house is built on the site of the former Elliot Colliery, and the machinery is maintained by a team of enthusiastic volunteers. Admission is free.
🐾 Not dog friendly
Y Galeri
The contemporary art gallery has an ethos of supporting Welsh artists and makers by providing a platform to showcase their work. Y Galeri Caerffili is showcased in the Caerphilly Tourism Information Centre. Admission is free.
🐾 Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the gallery
Walks in Caerphilly
There are so many parks in Caerphilly. With plenty of green spaces, hills, and valleys, you’ll want to get your walking boots on here. There are no charges to visit the parks in Caerphilly. However, some of the car parks do have pay-and-display parking.
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A Dogs Trail
Over 50 Snoopy sculptures will be dotted around Cardiff in Spring 2022. Six giant sculptures will be displayed at key landmarks in Caerphilly, too. A Dog’s Trial aims to raise awareness and funds for the Dogs Trust, which will soon be opening a brand-new rehoming centre in Cardiff. Each sculpture has its own tale to tell and will showcase top Welsh artists.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Caerphilly Mountain
The circular walk takes about an hour and starts from the free car park. On a clear day, you can see for miles. There’s countryside and a view of Cardiff Bay on one side and Caerphilly and The Valleys’ on the other. Don’t forget to visit the mountain-top snack bar.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Bargoed Woodland Park
Also known as Parc Coetir Bargod, Bargoed Woodland Park is in Rhymney Valley. Created on the site of three collieries, it is now a place to walk and play. There are eleven sculptured gateways to this quiet, natural place. There are plenty of paths that criss-cross, giving you a variety of walking routes to explore.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Parc Cwm Darran
You will enjoy a scenic walk or cycle around Parc Cwm Darran. The visitor centre is open spring to autumn which has a coffee shop and exhibition area. Visitors can go orienteering or fishing alongside the self-guided trails, the longest being 2.5km. It is a peaceful, picturesque place that used to be the Ogilvie Colliery.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Parc Penallta
A former coal tip, Parc Penallta, is well known as the “place with the horse”. Sultan, the Pit Pony, is one of the most enormous earth sculptures in the country. Climb to the High Point Observatory, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the Valleys. There are three trails, with the longest being 3.7km and even audio trails.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Pen Y Fan Pond Country Park
The name is a bit misleading as Pen Y Fan Pond is actually a reservoir. It was built in 1794 as a way to supply water to the nearby Crumlin. Now, it is popular for walking, picnics, or kicking a ball about. One of the smaller parks in Caerphilly, two laps of the water, is 1.5 miles.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Sirhowy Valley Country Park
Here it’s all about transport, old and new. The Sirhowy Valley Country Park is ideal for walking or cycling. Follow the former railway track, take in the meadows and the Sirhowy River. At nearly 4 miles long, there’s plenty of flat paths for you to cover. Go up the hillside into the woodlands for a more strenuous walk, or drop down to the river bank.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Treasure Trail
Looking for a fun way to explore Caerphilly? The self-guided spy mission-themed treasure trail can be downloaded. It starts in the town centre and will take you past landmarks such as the Tommy Cooper Statue. You will need to solve the clues to crack the code to complete the mission. It costs £9.99 for the PDF download, and one booklet is suitable for 4-5 people.
🐾 There are no restrictions for dogs.
Map of the locations
Not sure where the locations are? They are all on this handy map. Zoom in or expand, and plan your route to visit Caerphilly.
Restaurants in Caerphilly
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Did you know you can get 2-for-1 on meals or 50% off food with a Tastecard? There are independent and chain restaurants in Caerphilly to choose from and a variety of cuisines. Get a 2-month free trial here:
Afternoon Tea in Caerphilly
Is there anything more luxurious than booking a delicious afternoon tea? There are so many places in Caerphilly where you can indulge as a birthday treat, welcome break from shopping, a baby shower, or a catch-up with friends. Here’s everywhere you can get to eat an afternoon tea in Caerphilly.
Caerphilly Events
One of the Caerphilly things to do is the annual events. There’s the Big Cheese, which takes place in the grounds surrounding Caerphilly Castle across the weekend. Usually, the last one in July. It is free to attend, starting with The Great Cheese Race at 6.30pm on Friday. There will be stallholders, food halls, entertainment and live music. Finishing with a spectacular fireworks finale on Sunday.
Other events include the Caerphilly 10k and the Caerphilly Christmas Market in Bargoed, Blackwood, Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly town centre. Plus, the Caerphilly Food Festival. The streets are filled with delicious aromas, sizzling sounds and mouth-watering produce.
Getting Around Caerphilly
The Rhymney line runs from Cardiff Central through Caerphilly. The train station in Caerphilly town centre is a short walk to the shops, bars and restaurants as well as Caerphilly Castle. Other stops include Aber, Energlyn and Churchill Park, Llanbradach, Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed, Pengam, Gilfach Fargoed, Bargoed, Brithdir, Tir-Phil, Pontlottyn and Rhymney.
Transport for Wales, who run the trains, have made it even easier to get around. Multiflex has just been introduced, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
Run by Stagecoach there are several buses that run throughout the day across the region. These buses can also take you further afield to Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Cwmbran and Newport.
There is also plenty of on-street parking and pay and display car parks.
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