Situated in the very heart of the capital city of Wales, CardiffCastle can be found alongside the beautiful Bute Park, about 2 minutes walk from the National Museum of Wales and within the heart of the main city centre shopping area.
From Junctions 29, 32 or 33 of the M4, follow the signposts to Cardiff City Centre - you really won't miss it. There are a number of multi storey car parks located in the vicinity of the Castle, although these can be quite expensive. Alternatively, the Council now has a voucher scheme running, whereby visitors can purchase parking vouchers from shops leading into the centre at a cost of £1.20 each, and you are then able to use designated spaces in the City Centre, providing anywhere from 1 to 8 hours parking (depending on how far you are prepared to walk). Additionally, the Castle is only 10 minutes walk from the central bus/
train station.
--HISTORY--
Cardiff Castle is actually the combined work of more than one period, with the remains of the original Roman foundations clearly visible in the structure (marked by a line of red brick to make this clearer to the visitor). The Castle was originally a wooden fort and reconstructed in stone in the 3rd Century. During the Norman invasion, William the Conqueror chose Cardiff to build his castle, and in 1081 building began on a new 'keep' upon an earthwork inside the ancient Roman walls.
In the years that followed, the Lords who were in charge of the Castle made many changes. The stone keep was encircled with a water moat that can still be seen today, but in 1404, during the Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndwr, the City of Cardiff was burned to the ground and the Castle suffered terrible damage. In 1414 the Castle's ownership changed once again, and this is when the main residential area was constructed inside the walls.
During the Civil War the Castle came under siege from parliamentary forces (1645), and although the castle did not suffer serious damage, its maintenance became too much for the owners, and in 1776 ownership was passed on The Marquis of Bute.
The exterior of the castle underwent a complete restoration by two well known 19th century medievalists: the 3rd Marquis of Bute, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart (responsible for turning Cardiff into the world's greatest coal exporting port), and his architect, William Burges, to become the magnificent structure that we still see today.
--CARDIFF CASTLE TODAY--
Contained within the Castle walls is a history spanning nearly 2,000 years.
The walls are covered with fantastic murals containing both mythological and historical figures, the fireplaces are adorned with sculptures, there are some beautiful stained glass windows, and the 'Arabic Room' has a vaulted stone ceiling decorated with gold images of leaves.
The Clock Tower with its bright artwork certainly contrasts with earlier masonry at the castle but boasts a beautiful 'rooftop solarium' (however, there are lots of steep steps in the tower which some visitors may find difficult to negotiate).
These Victorian additions throughout the castle, can only impress, but it is fair to say that some of the 19th Century additions are decorated so brightly that some of the original features of the castle are overshadowed - biblical characters, heraldic features, astrological symbols, wildlife, plants and the seasons are some of the themes that run throughout. Together with amazing marble fireplaces, rich greenery and fountains the decoration is certain to impress.
As well as viewing the interior, visitors are also able to enjoy the large Castle grounds, where peacocks, geese and ducks roam freely - an ideal location for a picnic (dogs are not allowed). The Castle also has some quaint 'tea rooms' where visitors can purchase refreshments or a light lunch, and all seem reasonably priced.
--FURTHER INFORMATION--
Unfortunately, the Castle apartments are not accessible for wheelchair users, although the Castle grounds and 'tea room' can be easily reached. The toilet facilities are kept clean and tidy, have access for disabled visitors, and are located in the grounds. Touch tours can be arranged for pre-booked groups with visual impairments.
The Castle does have a small gift shop where visitors can purchase guidebooks and traditional Celtic gifts. They also sell umbrellas (worth noting - it is Cardiff after all!).
Admission times and prices are as follows:
March - October: 9.30 - 6.00pm daily (last tour/entry 5.00pm) November - February: 9.30 - 5.00pm daily (last tour/entry 4.00pm) Closed: December 25-26, January 1
Grounds and tour of the interiors (approximately 50 minutes): Adults: £6.50 Seniors: £5.00 Children: £4.00 Students: £5.25 (upon production of a Student Card) Family: £21.00
Grounds only: Adults: £3.30 Seniors: £2.50 Children: £2.00 Students: £2.75 (upon production of a Student Card) Family: £10.60
With the added attraction of all the main City Centre shopping within 5 minutes, Cardiff Castle is definitely worth a visit.
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Advantages: Something for everyone and a few surprises to boot. Disadvantages: The Normans didn’t have wheelchair users in mind when they built the keep.
NumboJumbo 20.08.2000 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: off topic
Review of Cardiff Castle
Advantages: Something for everyone and a few surprises to boot. Disadvantages: The Normans didn’t have wheelchair users in mind when they built the keep.
NumboJumbo 20.08.2000 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: off topic
Review of Cardiff Castle
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