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Castle · Cardiff, País de Gales
Castell Coch
The Victorian fairy-tale castle on a wooded hillside north of Cardiff, rebuilt by William Burges for the Marquess of Bute over 13th-century ruins, with conical towers and decorated rooms. From Cadw.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castell Coch
Castell Coch, the 'Castelo Vermelho' in Welsh, stands on a beech-covered hillside in Tongwynlais, about 10 km north of Cardiff. There was a 13th-century red stone castle in ruins there, which the third Marquess of Bute had rebuilt between 1875 and 1891, with the same architect as the Castelo de Cardiff, William Burges. The result is a castle with a medieval appearance, three round towers with conical roofs, a drawbridge and ironwork, like something out of a storybook.
Inside, the rooms are decorated in Burges's gothic-fantasy style: the drawing room has a vaulted ceiling with birds and stars and walls painted with Aesop's fables; Lady Bute's bedroom has a gilded mirrored dome with a red-and-gold bed. The family used the castle little and it functioned more as a summer house.
The castle is managed by Cadw, the heritage body of the País de Gales, and appears in films and TV series. The surrounding forest, Fforest Fawr, has trails with wooden sculptures.
Access is via a narrow, steep road. The interior visit includes spiral staircases and narrow passages.
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
1 to 1½ hours for the castle; about 1 more hour for the forest trails.
Best time
From spring to autumn, on a dry day, to combine with the forest. In autumn the beeches change colour. Check times on Cadw's website, as hours are reduced in winter.
How to get there
It's in Tongwynlais, about 10 km north of Cardiff. Bus 26 leaves the centre and stops at Tongwynlais, about a 15-minute uphill walk. By car, take exit 32 on the M4, with parking at the top.
Tip
Combine with the Castelo de Cardiff on the same day to compare the two works by William Burges. Climb the towers for views over the forest and the Taff valley.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castell Coch
Is Castell Coch medieval?
It was rebuilt between 1875 and 1891 on the ruins of a 13th-century castle.
How to get from Cardiff to Castell Coch?
By bus to Tongwynlais and then on foot uphill, or by car, about 20 minutes.
Who looks after the castle?
Cadw, the historic environment body of Wales.