Being a dumb American, I don't know much about castles. But I do know that Cardiff Castle was the most fascinating one I saw in my trek across the UK. Everything is pristinely preserved, if not a bit under-explained. The most exhilarating part of the visit being the walk up and through the 'keep.' I'm glad it was a walking tour, complete with MP3 player, and not a guided tour with a group of crotchety tourists. For a few additional pounds you can get a tour of the clock tower, but by that point we were castled out. read more

Cardiff Castle is one of my favourite things about the city. Standing grandly in the middle, it is a wonderful focal point and reminds somewhat of the times when the Castle would have been all powerful watching over the peasants in the countryside spread out away from the tall walls. These days the peasants are busy shopping and maybe glance up with less trepidation. Some people criticise the castle for being too pretty and modern but I think it was an excellent decision to rebuild the outer grounds. It looks impressive and is a rare example of a castle that isn't a heap of ruins. The way locals and the management company have decided to utilise the grounds is admirable and local events such as the recent cheese festival are a perfect use for the grounds. Although a little on the expensive side it is definitely worth a visit, and you'll probably find yourself returning before long. read more

I can see the Castle now, as I write this, and even though it's been heavily renovated, it's still difficult not to ponder on the history of the place and how things were in Cardiff when it was first built, around 1000 years ago. It's even rumoured to be haunted by a giant, a lady in white and the sounds of carriages. I can safely say though, I've lived here for a while now and haven't seen a thing! It can be expensive and it's around £10 for an adult entry pass and £7 for Children and OAPs. If you live in Cardiff though all you have to do is take a utility bill and a passport photgraph and you can enter free of charge. There's plenty to see here and they advise you to put aside around 3 hours to get the full experience. They've got audio tours, a look into some of the Castle apartments and a musuem dedicated to soldiers in Wales just to name a few things. There's also various other events in here throughout the year such as Cardiff's Annual Cheese Festival, Jousting and also concerts. The most recent band to play here was the Stereophonics a few months ago, which I got to watch from my roof! If you're visiting Cardiff, you have to see the Castle. Even though it's renovated there's evidence of the masonry dating back to it's original construction and pretty much the whole city has been built around it. read more

Neat castle and not super busy. It was great to see the various stages of the castle's life and the 2000 years of history was rather well presented. Easily covered in a morning and lots of resources to keep kids happy. We got the standard ticket and it was worthwhile, but can't speak to how much the premium ticket gets you (as we didn't see it, but we felt as though we saw enough, I think. Anyways, you can upgrade if you want to see more.) Be sure to pay attention to the various rates, my student discount was worthwhile. read more

This incredibly beautiful castle with lots of history is a must-visit. Take the Connoisseur Tour, which is well worth the price. Dorian, our guide, was amazing. This private tour allows entry into rooms others don't get to see, with fascinating stories at each point and no crowds to block the view. The castle is gorgeous, and getting a plate of Welsh cakes, tea cake, and tea at the end was a classy touch. read more

Cardiff Castle - Castles Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

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Of all the castles we visited on our 2 week trip to the UK, this was our favorite. We had scheduled the Connoisseurs tour which was a private tour of the bell tower and rooms. Our guide was very knowledgeable in all the art work on the walls and history of the castle and provided so much knowledge that the tour was our favorite of our trip. He pointed out details that we would never have noticed or understood the meaning to in all the rooms. We spent time afterwards exploring the rest of the groups and this is an interesting castle with a long and recent history. We toured the outer wall in which during world war II was used as a bomb shelter and they had advertisements from the war lining the walls which was a nice touch. They have a nice little cafe that had Welsh cakes and tea and a nice shop with trinkets and books on the castle. They also have a museum downstairs that we briefly visited and a wall at the back of the shop that is from Roman times. It is right in the center of town and easy to get to from anywhere in Cardiff. We walked from Cathedral street and it was a leisurely stroll of 20 minutes through Sophia Gardens. At night we didn't want to go through the gardens so we went around and it really didn't add anytime to our walk. Don't miss this castle in when in Wales! read more

The castle and grounds are pretty stunning, but the information presented about the castle could use some improvement. I felt the introductory video and subsequent walk through the WWII bomb shelters were a strange way to bring visitors into the castle and its history. Overall it leads to a wanting experience. read more

ALl the Castles in the Wales/Scotland area are starting to run together now. The Highlights of Cardiff are: A Roman Garrison,A Norman Stronghold,A Gothic Fantasy.It is located in the heart of the capital city. It spans over 2000 years.Yor admission ticket includes: Intro film, A guided tour of castle apartments,Audio tour of Norman Keep and grounds, Amazing views from the top of castle, Entry to the museum,cafe and gift shop. It was beautiful.Even though you may be getting tired of castles...heres another I would say you really should see. read more

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This is one very old castle, dating back to Roman times, there is a lot of history and lots to see and enjoy. However there is quite a few areas that could be improved, The intro film is not the best with 3 panels going at once, not sure where to focus and then down to the part that was used as an air-raid shelter during WW2, not much is made of this and it really could be. As with so much of the rest of the site the quality of the information provided is not the best. With the history and setting this place has it could be done soo much better and turn this place in to a truly world class site. Ok maybe I am being a bit hard on them, it is a good place to visit, and plenty to see. Just a little saddened that it isn't making full use of what it has to offer. read more

Being used to different kinds of castles this one was quite different, either in style as in variety. The castle was built for the Marquees of Bute and it was developed around a very old Norman keep that you can find on the middle of the castle grounds. The place is a very worthwhile visit. If you only want to admire the castle from the outside please note that the castle grounds are open to the public and you can visit the old keep by yourself and appreciate the views and, of course, the peacocks. Oh, and the Welsh army regiment museum as well. You can find several items of military and historic value in the three floors of the tiny museum alongside to the famous Welsh royal army goat, that follows them all over the world. I did the whole circuit and I have to say that it is very interesting, although a bit expensive (in my opinion), it is around £7.50 per adult to go in, you can also get student discount with your valid student card. If you like to know your culture then go ahead, you won't regret it. The guides are very helpful and explain the whole history of the castle and the architecture of it. The most astonishing place of the castle is the moorish-influenced room. It is said that in a sunny day, the glass light conveying ceiling produces an amazing show of color (as always when I went there it was a dull grey day), but please do let me know if you see it! The facilities include a souvenir shop and a restaurant (only open to dinners) that boasts a traditional Welsh feast. Don't forget the Bute park next to the castle. It is worth it! read more

Beautiful castle in the heart of Cardiff with many features to entertain children and adults alike. Spoilt slightly by the scaffolding which seems to have been on there for about ten years! Hopefully when the work is complete it will return to its former glory lookswise. The Bute park connected to the Castle is also worth perusing with it's calming and scenic walks read more

I thoroughly recommend a trip to this castle if you are visiting Cardiff. The tour is well worth every penny and the guides are informative, helpful and make the visit interesting. There is a cafe and a souvenier shop - both are also well worth the visit! Cardiff Castle is right on the taff trail and set into some beautiful grounds. You can make a day of it just exploring the area. The grounds next to the castle are gorgeous. It's a gret place to pack up a picnic and go off for the day. Also nearby is the museum - you can even try and fit it in one day!! read more

I've visited Cardiff twice simply for the excellent range of shops in the city centre, but have also stopped by the Castle each time. I love it here! It's so easy to find at the top of the main shopping street, and impossible to miss! Compared to other castles, it's pretty inexpensive for a guided tour and well worth the money to get a real understanding of the history of the castle. There is a quaint café at the end of the tour and a souvenir shop. If you're lucky you might see a beautiful peacock or two in the grounds of the castle! read more

Worth a look around, tour quite interesting. Better on a dry day as there's quite a lot outside. Occasional events are held in the grounds such as the Great British cheese festival which was well worth the £8 to get in. read more

A bit of a cold day I visited, but it was a pleasant visit. The inside was not really impressive. Probably good for families, but not a must see for young adults. read more

You have to pay to get into the castle, but the fee is nominal. There's a concessions fee for students, too, on production of a valid NUS/student ID. They offer very good tours around the castle, which cost a little more but are well worth it. It is totally okay to wander around yourself though. The castle is heavily restored, and over many years (which may affect the decision of a history/archaeology/architecture student as to whether to visit) but I would say it was a pretty good day. They have various features and events throughout the year which are pretty useful, and some are free. There's also Cardiff Castle garrison for any budding people, and I do believe that Cardiff University has a society for it (not sure about Glamorgan or UWIC, though). read more

Cardiff just wouldn't be Cardiff without the Castle. Many tourists appear to be very surprised that it's right slap bang in the centre with shops/arcades facing it. It's well worth a visit. It astonishes us how many tours stop at the gates for 5 minutes, let people out to take photographs then hurridly usher them back onto the coaches so that they can drive swiftly to the port & catch a ferry to Ireland after 'doing' Wales. Hmmmmmm Their loss! What a shame! - Cardiff is a very beautiful city, just raise your eyes above street level & be in awe people. Cardiff castle is also very beautiful & well worth an inside visit. 5 minutes - Who decides this rediculous amount of time to be dedicated to our beautiful Welsh capital? - NOT a Welsh person, that's for certain! read more

A must visit - this castle has it all. From the Norman Keep to the peacocks in the grounds, from the mad decoration in each of the rooms to the wonderful gardens for you to enjoy and walk in. Take the tour, you'll be amazed at what you learn. The curators enjoy a bit of banter and will be quick to include the children in your party. You are free to go up the Norman keep yourself. To me this was the highlight but you have to be able and fit. The views are great and you get to wave to everyone on the ground! The only downside and it is a massive downside is the cafe. It's in the dungeon and I reckon that's the style they're going for!! No food or water the starvation diet. Absolute rubbish! read more

The one negative with our visit here was parking; the city car-parks fill quite early and we found ourselves wandering for a while before we found a place. This meant a bit of a walk, but was more than compensated for by our first view of the castle and the ornate clock tower Once inside the grounds, and before our tour of the main buildings we walked up to the keep. From the top we could see across the city on every direction and, as it was a sunny day the view was clearmagnificent! When we descended the steps we went into the Welch Regiments Museum. The attendant there was more than happy to talk about the many exhibits, including some from the famous encounter at Rourkes Drift - dramatised by the film Zulu. The guided tour of the Castle rooms was truly a wonder; the guide here obviously taking great pride in everything he described (probably for at least the thousandth time. We were glad we had taken the time for this visit and I know you will be too. Visit when there are extra attractions and the day will go by so quickly you will be carried along by it. read more

Enjoyed it! Definitely buy the pink pepper chocolate in the gift shop. Pretty unique, lol. The walk was nice! And the view uptop was great. The audio guide was informative and it was great to see how people used the different spaces. read more

I can clearly recommend to visit this castle. The entrance-fee is about 10£ (adult) and worth it. You get an audio guide for free, which is quite helpful. It enables the chance to explore the castle just by yourself and provides you with lots of informations. There is also a short film to be seen and a museum about arms and military. Highlight: the Arabic room!! read more

Cardiff Castle - Castles Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

It was a very wet, windy and overall miserable day which may have contributed to my dislike of this castle.. But then again.. I may be being too kind. Castle opened at 9 on a Sunday which was pretty good and we were so keen we were the first people in there. You get audio guides which is good and these were fairly informative (if u can find the info signs.. Unsure if they actually all exist). Gorgeous outer walls that were fully repaired after the war, but inside was a complete mess. Considering we paid £12 each, we couldn't actually go in to most things. There were orange and metal barriers everywhere, plastic cones etc. as things were being repaired. It just all looked very messy and uncared for. They had a bird display for owls which was empty and an empty peacock run full of rubbish as they were apparently just too much hassle to keep anymore (I asked). You can't even walk the full perimeter of the walls for repair works. The inner castle you could climb up which was good but the steps are INCREDIBLY steep, if you are not very able bodied I would not recommend.Great views over the city though. Odd being in a castle and seeing the stadium right next door lol. Overall yes, it is an old castle. But if I am paying full price I want to actually see what I am paying for. We had looked at everything, yes EVERYTHING in 20 minutes. I feel there should be at least some kind of discount on the price since we could see barely anything. Not good. We were very disappointed. Would not recommend and will not be going back im afraid. read more

This is the most fascinating castle I visited during my time in the UK. There is plenty for people of various interests to do ( I mean where else can you find a place that is known for it's rich history AND the fact that it's an important place for filming in the Whoinverse). It even has a nice reasonably priced gift shop. read more

Guarded by walls with stone covered animals, in mid flow, my father always told me they had been trying to escape the clutches of an evil wizard who immediately turned them to stone as they got to the wall. I'm not sure how true this is of Cardiff Castle but boy did it freak me out. It wasn't until my senior adolescence that i braved a visit to the castle carefully avoiding eye contact with the animal gargoyle's and any wizard looking type of blokes. And i had to admit what a beautiful structure smack bang in the city centre. Beautiful landscapes and a small touch of magic made me want to run home for my spell book and wand. Incredibly patriotic the place if full of history and its well worth paying the small fee to have a tour. The tour guides can explain every nook and cranny and make it amusing and interesting at the same time. On a sunny day people sit on the outskirts of the menacing yet beautiful building and have little picnics, i keep meaning to do this. On a rainy day the castle looms protectively over its city, it usually gives me goose bumps. Well worth a wee visit!! read more

The castle was really neat! The city does a great job using the space for reenactments and jousting events. Loved the jousting commentator. The exhibits were mainly tailored for children but the reenactors did a great job including curious adults. Only downside was the £12/person for the jousting event, which included the walk up to the tower but not a tour of the house. read more

I have to say although the castle is nice I was disapointed by the price. It was very expensive to get in and if you do not pay extra for the tour then there is only a little amount that you actually see. When I went with my daughter she was given a question sheet to fill in. It was lovely to have her interacting in it but some of things she had to find where only visbale if you were let through the barrier. The castle and its grounds are well kept and the staff are very friendly. Well worth a look if you are visiting cardiff. read more

Out of all the Castles I have visited, this is one of my favourites. The layout is really nice and open and I really enjoyed wandering around the grounds. It's not too expensive to get in and you receive and audio tour with your admission price. The view from the central tower is awesome, you can see for miles and miles! The section about the blitz was really interesting and a bit scary! If I lived in Cardiff I would definitely have an annual pass just to lounge around the grounds and enjoy the sunshine read more

Having a view of Victorian life that can only be described as obsessive, I naturally loved my trip to Cardiff Castle. Built by the disgustingly affluent third Marquis of Bute and his loyal partner in crime, architect William Burgess, this castle is one of the best examples of a fantasy dream made true and is a strange testimony to what we can achieve if we have the ambition, the cash and a friend willing to go along with your bold decisions. The rooms are themed in such an elaborate fashion they would have a modern designer vocationally excommunicated for crimes of tackiness. Yet, now time has passed, the building has become a delightful example of the Victorian Gothic Revival and the symbols, characters and stories drawn all over the walls form fascinating insights into a spectacular nineteenth-century mind. Make sure you go on a lovely day because the grounds make a brilliant place to tuck into a picnic and in summer look out for outdoor theatre by troupes such as the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Watching Twelfth Night as the sun went down over the castle was a highlight of 2009. URBAN CHALLENGE: Ask your tour guide if they got the wallpaper from Habitat. read more

This castle dates back to nearly 2000 years ago. Tour around the castle is really interesting and you can also enjoy a stroll in the picturesque garden after the tour.Within this castle are classy interiors, murals, beautiful stained glass and elaborate wood carving. Each breathtaking room has its own special theme and a story with it, including Mediterranean gardens, Italian and Arabian decoration. read more

A lovely castle in the heart of cardiff with a large green area in the middle. A trip to Cardiff isn't complete with out visiting the castle. Its fun and interesting for young and old and would visit again if I was in Cardiff again. read more

Magnificent! This mainly 19th century castle is the product of immense wealth (the Marquis of Bute) and artistic genius (William Burgess). Although the foundations date back to Roman times, the majority of this castle was rebuilt and extended in the 19th century to provide a summer residence for the Marquis of Bute, who was at the time the richest man in the world. The castle and the surrounding parkland were gifted to Cardiff council in the 20th century as a payment in kind for death duties. During 2007/2008 millions of pounds have been spent restoring the internal rooms to their original glory. There is lots of gold leaf and vivid colours on the intricate carvings on plasterwork. The tour of the banqueting hall and other internal rooms should not be missed and is well worth the price. read more

a beautiful castle with beautiful grounds...it even has the original Norman Motte in the middle!!! Well worth the price of a day out and well worth the visit. I would highly recommend!! read more

This is an amazing historical landmark, one of the highlights of a 12-day tour of Great Britain that I took over the summer. The grounds here include a fortress erected by the Romans during their occupation, a medieval keep and a 19th-century fantasy castle built by a wealthy Scottish industrialist who bought the place up and had some incredibly elaborate rooms constructed for entertaining guests. The Welsh evening in a hall of the castle was also a blast, had Welsh rarebit, potato leek soup, roast lamb and some harp music, song and dance. Wonderful times here, I wish we had more time in Cardiff and in Wales but this was a fantastic experience by itself. read more

Cool place to visit. The grounds and the Keep don't take a long time to see but the Clocktower tour is well worth the time and money. Our guide was an absolute gem. read more

It's really not cheap: the £12 entry fee lets you wander around the walls, visit the keep and a half dozen rooms in the house. You can complete the lot in half an hour. To see more of the house you have to pay more. To visit the clock tower you have to pay more still. In a land where a visit to the British Museum is free, a wander around Cardiff's heritage for a family should not cost the best part of fifty quid. read more

Hi Guys you have to go here, if it's a cheap day running about with the kids then pack a pinic and head to the grounds (Coopers Feild) the kids can run riot while you admire the view. If you want a little more history why not pay a little fee and go and look around the Castle itself, learn loads about Welsh History and see some great displays. And if you really want to push the boat out go to one of their banquets, a little overpriced in my opinion but a good laugh never the less. read more

A lovely relaxing way to spend the day, if you go on a Friday I'd recommend buying the three castle pass for just another £4, which gives you entry to Castell Coch and Cearphilly Castle on the following three days. Climb the keep, beware very steep steps, but amazing view once you get there, reasonably priced cafe and gift shop. Do the tour and then go to the interpretation centre watch a short video then take a self guided tour around the castle using hand held tour guides. Go back to the entrance to start your tour or you'll lose track. Take a picnic enjoy the sun (if possible, we are in Wales after all) and spend the day. read more

I lived in Cardiff for several years and didn't get round to visiting the castle - I went back to visit recently and made a point to actually go in and not just see it from the outside. It was well worth it. I took a guided tour which I really recommend if it's your first time visiting the castle. It's not 'access all areas' but you certainly get a good feel for what life inside the castle was like for those who used to live there. Within the castle walls there is a lot of green space (good if you have kids that want to run around and let off steam). Look out for the peacocks! read more

went here with my sister two summers ago. dry day but £12 each to go in. can't say I can justify the price for what we saw Take a picture from the road and happy days. read more

Initially it is expensive to get into the grounds and there is not much to do once you are in apart from have a look around. Its great if your new to cardiff or if your a tourist. It houses many historical events of cardiff and is great for young kids who are into the fairy tale adventure. read more