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Castle · Cardiff, País de Gales
Cardiff Castle
The castle in central Cardiff, with Roman walls, the Norman tower on a motte, and the Victorian fantasy-gothic interiors created by William Burges for the marquess of Bute.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle occupies a large site in the city centre, beside Queen Street and Bute Park. The place was a Roman fort from the 1st century, and parts of the Roman walls still appear at the base of the ramparts, marked by a band of red stone. In the 11th century the Normans built a motte with a wooden tower, later replaced by the 12-sided stone tower that still stands in the middle of the lawn and can be climbed.
In the 19th century the castle passed to the family of the marquesses of Bute, who grew rich from Cardiff's coal port. The third marquess, one of the richest men in the world, commissioned architect William Burges to transform the apartments into fantasy-gothic halls, with painted and gilded ceilings, stained glass, animal sculptures and medieval, Arabic and mythological themes. The visit includes the banquet hall, the Arab room, the clock room in the tower and the library.
In the walls there are tunnels used as an air-raid shelter in the Second World War, open to visitors with period displays. The Firing Line regiment museum tells the story of Welsh soldiers. Peacocks roam the lawn.
The Bute family donated the castle to the city in 1947. Entrance is charged for the state rooms, and some rooms are only seen on a guided tour. Behind the castle, Bute Park, formerly the family estate, stretches along the River Taff.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the Norman tower, the state rooms, the shelters and the guided tour.
Best time
In the morning on a weekday. On days with a rugby match at the neighbouring stadium the centre gets very busy. Check the guided tour times for the state rooms.
How to get there
It is on Castle Street in central Cardiff, about a 10-minute walk from Cardiff Central station and 5 minutes from Queen Street.
Tip
Take the guided tour to see the most elaborately decorated rooms of the Victorian house. Afterwards stroll through Bute Park behind the castle, along the banks of the River Taff.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cardiff Castle
Is Cardiff Castle medieval?
It mixes periods: Roman walls, a Norman tower from the 12th century, and Victorian Gothic fantasy state rooms from the 19th century.
Who decorated the state rooms?
The architect William Burges, for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, in the 19th century.
Is it near the station?
Yes, about a 10-minute walk from Cardiff Central station.
What are the castle's shelters?
Tunnels in the walls used as air-raid shelters during the Second World War, open to visitors.