There's a huge amount of Welsh history packed into Cardiff Castle, spanning around 2000 years in all.

Welcome to the past

The castle has its origins in Roman times, but had an astonishing Gothic transformation that took place during the 19th century. Hire a portable audio guide when you first get to the castle if you're not going on a guided tour. They are available in 10 languages, with a children’s version too, and they help you get the most out of your visit. Alternatively, you can download the Cardiff Castle App on your smartphone (hop on the free wi-fi service).

outdoor seating and people with castle buildings in background.

The Cardiff Castle Interpretation Centre, Cardiff, South Wales

Underground secrets

One of the many fascinating secrets of Cardiff that you unlock when you visit Cardiff Castle is the network of underground tunnels. These pathways, which were used as air-raid shelters during World War II, lie between the ground floor level and the battlement level, with room for around 2,000 people from the city centre.

Above ground, Cardiff Castle as you now see it is the result of an extraordinary transformation carried out in the late 19th century by the eccentric architect William Burges. He created some of the most lavish interiors in Britain, inspired by Gothic, Mediterranean and Arabian styles. They have to be seen to be believed.

There’s so much history and detail that it’s worth taking a Castle House tour. The expert guides have intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny, and you'll get to visit 10 spectacular rooms.

ornate castle deco.
two woman in castle library.

Cardiff Castle, South Wales

A tower with a difference

The great Clock Tower Tour, which runs throughout summer, lets visitors climb up a long spiral staircase to the Clock Tower and Summer Smoking Room. Both are remarkable representations of Burges’ fertile imagination for elaborate, colourful interior design. From the top of the tower, pause to take in fantastic views across the city.

If you're overwhelmed by the opulence (or the 101 steps), stop for a cuppa at The Keep Terrace kitchen and bar. It has views of the Norman Keep and the Castle across an outdoor terrace, so you can watch others explore the wonders of the castle.

A view of the clock on the tower at Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle, South Wales

The Firing Line

The Firing Line is the Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier. It tells stories and displays memorabilia from over 300 years of service by two Welsh regiments, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh. Entry to the Firing Line Museum is included with your ticket to visit the castle.

Afterwards, pop into the gift shop for a souvenir, then stroll around Bute Park. Recognised as a Grade 1 historic designed landscape, it has nearly 150 acres of green space that surrounds the castle and trees from all around the world.

Banquets and galloping knights

Cardiff Castle is a hive of activity throughout the year, with all kinds of events taking place. They have many Welsh banquets every year, where visitors can enjoy a night of traditional Welsh food and entertainment. Look out for special open days featuring medieval battle reenactments, storytelling, minstrels and jousting competitions. There are also outdoor cinema nights and live concerts from big names in music.

Tafwyl, held during the spring or summer each year, is a week-long celebration of the Welsh language, accessible to Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers. Its main event – a weekend showcase of Welsh arts, culture, sport and street food – takes place in the castle grounds.

Stage with crowd of people in Cardiff Castle.
crowd at event at Cardiff Castle, with pieces of paper floating in air.

Tafwyl at Cardiff Castle, South Wales

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