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Caerphilly Castle

Castles & palaces ·Caerphilly ·Closed
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#2Things to do in Caerphilly Caerphilly County South Wales WalesTravelers' Choice 2026
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About

Caerphilly Castle is a medieval castle in central Caerphilly, known for its concentric defences and artificial lakes.

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Caerphilly Castle

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Why go

  • The Dragon’s Lair, with animatronic dragons Dewi, Dwynwen, Dylan and Cariad.
  • The south-east tower in the Inner Ward, which leans outward by 10 degrees.
  • The Great Hall’s carved medieval heads.

Opening hours

Today09:30 – 17:00Show all
Monday09:30 – 17:00
Tuesday09:30 – 17:00
Wednesday09:30 – 17:00
Thursday09:30 – 17:00
Friday09:30 – 17:00
Saturday09:30 – 17:00
Sunday09:30 – 17:00

Know before you go

  • Open daily from 09:30 to 17:00.

What's inside

  • The Inner Ward contained the Great Hall, accommodation, and a chapel above the buttery and pantry.

Interesting facts5

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  1. The castle’s water defences were made by damming a local stream.

    Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia

  2. The water defences helped protect the walls from mining attacks beneath them.

    Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia

  3. The North Dam still holds back the North Lake despite subsidence damage.

    Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia

  4. Remains of the castle mill, once powered by water from the dam, survive.

    Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia

  5. The walls are made of Pennant sandstone.

    Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Its concentric design influenced later castles in North Wales. The Bute family acquired it in 1776 and oversaw restoration.

  1. 1268Gilbert de Clare began building the castle to control his lands in Glamorgan.
  2. 1270Llywelyn ap Gruffudd opposed the project and burned the site. Construction resumed the following year.
  3. 1294The castle was attacked during the Madog ap Llywelyn revolt.
  4. 1316The castle withstood an attack during the Llywelyn Bren uprising.
  5. After 1486The castle declined as Cardiff Castle became a more fashionable residence.
Show all
  1. 1776The Marquesses of Bute acquired the property; major restoration followed.
  2. 1950The castle and grounds passed to the state, and its water defences were reflooded.
  3. 1962The East Moat was refilled, and Richard Thomson turned on the water.

Sources: Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia · Caerphilly - Wikivoyage (see) · Caerphilly Castle - Wikipedia · Château de Caerphilly - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026

Where
Castle Street, Caerphilly

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

Where is Caerphilly Castle?

It stands on Castle Street in the centre of Caerphilly.

What can you see at Caerphilly Castle?

The Dragon’s Lair has four animatronic dragons: Dewi, Dwynwen, Dylan and Cariad.

What are Caerphilly Castle’s opening hours?

It is open daily from 09:30 to 17:00.

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