Following two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment, Caerphilly Castle, the biggest castle in Wales, has reopened to visitors, bringing back to life the Great Hall, inner castle ward and unveiling state-of-the-art digital exhibits.
Tracing its beginnings back to 1268, Caerphilly Castle was a fortress for the Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare who built the formidable castle to protect himself from the rise of the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd.
The iconic Great Hall, built in the 13th century, is just one of many historic buildings within the castle which has benefited from painstaking investigation and conservation works by a team of specialists, including stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts.
Its refurbishment sees the giant space decorated to reflect the grandeur of how it might have appeared in its medieval heyday, and along with digital enhancements, your clients will be transported back to the 1320’s when a mighty royal feast was hosted there.
The new interactive exhibits tells the many stories of the castle and the men, women and children who lived in it over the centuries. They detail power struggles, betrayals and liaisons of people who built and fought over the castle, as well as introducing visitors to the Fourth Marquis of Bute who funded its reconstruction in the 1920s.
In addition to the works to the Great Hall, Cadw has conserved and opened for public access the medieval water-gate passageway which connects the hall to the southern lake. They also carried out major repairs to the Inner East Gatehouse that dominates the approach to the castle’s inner ward.
Accessibility has been improved too, with new paths and ramps and a wildflower garden to better ensure everyone can enjoy the beautiful setting.
Over £8 million has been invested at Caerphilly since plans for developing the castle were first proposed by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Cadw, in 2021.
This refurbishment has also brought 21st century technology to the visitor facilities. The Great Hall now benefits from under-floor heating and a top-spec kitchen for events and weddings, and new visitor toilets and accessible paths will help visitors of all ages to enjoy the castle.
Cadw’s work at Caerphilly Castle forms part of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 programme, a partnership between Caerphilly County Borough Council, Welsh Government and Transport for Wales aiming to regenerate the town. Other projects include Ffos Caerffili, which opened in March 2024, a public transport interchange project and reinvigorating the Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall to create a cultural centre.
Register with the Cadw Tour Operator Scheme (CTOS) to become a member of Cadw’s online group booking scheme. Members benefit from preferential trade rates and discounts, complimentary admission for your tour leader, complimentary introductions to Cadw monuments, enhanced information for existing tours and invoicing following your visit. Travel Trade Explorer Passes can also be purchased. Please contact Cadwcommercial@gov.wales.
