A wonderful experience of going back in time. I recommend this castle for families who would like a nice day out during the summer to look back in history and to also enjoy the natural surroundings read more

Occupying a commanding position north of Cardiff is Castell Coch - Red Castle in Welsh. Originally a small wooden castle, it was rebuilt in red sandstone around 1280, but was seriously damaged in a battle in the 14th century, and by the 1800's was a picturesque ruin. And it might have stayed a ruin, but for the fabulously wealthy Marquess of Bute. The son of an early industrial magnate and owner of Cardiff's coal-exporting docks, he was fascinated by the mediaeval period and commissioned William Burges to rebuild the castle as an occasional summer dwelling, in the mediaeval style, but with modern conveniences (like plumbing and central heating). Completed in 1891, the result is an amazing Victorian mediaeval fantasy. The castle has a proper working drawbridge and portcullis, and turrets with tall, conical roofs. Some of the original mediaeval stone-work is still visible in the lower levels. The interior is even more extraordinary. The level of detail Burges incorporated is stunning - exacting designs for furniture, fittings and an elaborate decorative scheme were developed and executed faithfully. Most of this scheme survives. My favourites are the bed, with its huge crystal-ball bed-knobs, and the wallpaper featuring tales from Aesop's fables. It has featured in many television series and, not surprisingly, is a great place to take kids! read more

Situated in the hills overlooking the River Taff, Castell Coch is a magnificent sight. When travelling past it as children we used to call it the 'Fairy Castle' and it lives up to any princess's expectations. The grounds outside are free to walk around, and there are many trails through the woods for youngsters and grownups alike to explore. The maps are particularly entertaining with directions marked in crayon effect. The castle itself it very reasonably priced and the staff are very helpful. The rooms are magnificent and there are lots of nooks and crannies to discover. Come rain or shine there's lots to see and do, this is a great day out for all the family. read more

This has to be my favourite castle and yet it is a fake. It is the very image of a medieval fairytale castle. Turrets from which any maid, damsel or princess would have happily resided in. (see the maquises bedroom and bed). Perched on high cliffs and surrounded by forest it was rebuilt in 1890 as a country retreat for the 3rd Marquis of Bute on the foundations of a medieval castle. it wasn't finished until around 1990ish and would not look out of place in Disneyland. It is all gilded, has sumptuous carvings, wonderful glass and murals ..luxury and opulance. Look for the four winds and the carving showing The Three Fates, or Moirae, who spun, wove and cut the threads of human lives. Amazing! Not to be missed. Also has a lovely cafe. read more

Castell Coch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cardiff, CRF

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Castell Coch is a beautiful 19th-century 'fairy tale' castle in the north of Cardiff. I last visited the castle in July last year for a family wedding. The room where the ceremony took place was full of charm - ceilings and walls intricately hand-painted. The small castle is surrounded by woodlands, where people often take walks or cycle (I can't imagine cycling up the steep hill towards the castle - far too exhausting!). Lets face it, every girl wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day, and the quaintness of the castle provides a magical venue for a wedding - I was jealous! A word of advice! - if you're wearing sky-high heels, be careful walking up the drawbridge - I'm surprised I didn't trip up :-) read more

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I grew up near Castell Coch and never visited, so took advantage of a recent trip home to tick it off my bucket list. It was worth the wait, even though I wish that it didn't take so long! The Castell is brilliantly restored, and admission includes an audio guide that you can take at your own pace. You could probably rush through it in an hour, though to really appreciate the splendour and quality of the craft work, it is better to allow 2-3 hours. Every room has little hidden motifs and touches that add to the fairytale nature of place. After you have finished exploring, there is an excellent cafe serving local Welsh cakes and savoury snacks along with excellent coffee, tea and hot chocolate all at very reasonable prices considering the size of the portions! There is also an interesting shop that sells a range of gifts and souvenirs, it's actually cheaper and with a better selection than most tourist shops in Cardiff. read more

I love this small castle, especially the glorious wallpaper and gilded ceilings. It's well worth a visit, and there's a cafe too. The other reviewers have already said it all so I'll just add my 5 stars! Highly recommended. read more

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This is a very very beautiful castle, one of the prettiest I ever visited in Wales. It is a truly fairytale worthy place, located near to Tongwynlais (which is a very pleasant little village btw). Be warned the visit is a very short one, because of the dimensions of the castle are small, but it is truly a masterpiece. This was built for the Marquees of Bute for their summer retreat, it is a very simple castle. You will visit 3 rooms, but believe me, it is worth it! When you enter the main doors to the inner circle of the building you will picture yourself in a medieval scene in which you would want that castle to be your home. Its facilities include a souvenir shop. right next to the building you have an amazing set of woods with a map for you to get going. If you have a spare time and you are close to Cardiff just drop by and you won't be sorry. To reach to Castell Coch from Cardiff you will take around 10-15 mins. by car, or you can take one of the buses that leave from Cardiff's Central Station that drop you on Tongwynlais and all you have to do is walk around 5-10 minutes and you are there. Take my advice and go there if you want to be mesmerized by an awesome place! read more

This beautiful fairytale castle lies between Cardiff and Pontypridd in the village of Tongwynlais and while it may not join the local heavyweights in the historical stakes it certainly does not lack charm. Beautifully maintained and full of interesting insight into the families who resides there. Lovely grounds and lots of parking! A nice family day out! read more

Situated on the Taff Trail this is a fantastic day out for the family. It is picturesque and absolutely breathtaking! I'd recommend a walk around the local area too. A great day out could be had by all! read more

Every girls dream fairy tale castle with turrets nestled in a tree covered hill that can be seen for miles on the out skirts of Cardiff. To continue the dream, you can get married there. Although I don't think they shut the castle for your day as there was a wedding on when I visited. Don't get me wrong, people weren't walking through the ceremony, but they were around during photos etc. We stayed at the village hotel in Cardiff and could see it from our room. My daughter and I both wanted to go and see and the reception gave us directions. Its definately worth a visit to this small but beautiful castle if you are in the area. read more

This is a beautiful castle with loads to see and do. And every room has information about what your seeing. The chapel windows are well worth walking up all those steps to see! There is a cafe and a gift shop selling all things Welsh, including Welsh chocolate....made in England There is a steep but lovely walk through the mountain with plenty of places to stop and have a pinic. An enjoyable afternoon out for all the family you can now get free entry for under 16's by prining off an application form from the cadw website and it is valid in all cadw run sites read more

I got married in this gorgeous castle in 2003 and, although it was expensive compared to other venues in Cardiff, it was worth every penny. It's an absolutely beautiful setting and the photos look amazing. The guests were all stunned by how gorgeous it is. It looks like something out of a fairytale! The staff were all friendly and accomodating. The only downside was that the number of guests was very strictly limited, but other guests are always welcome to explore the castle and then join in for the photographs afterwards. Honestly, there are no downsides to this castle. If you're ever in the area it's a must-see. read more

A beautiful fairytale castle set on the Welsh wooded hillsides built as a folly in the 19th Century Definitely worth a picturesque visit if you have the time read more

This is fairytale in a modern world, this castle is gorgeous with a real Disney Princess feel! Set in the amazing countryside of Wales it is a masterpiece. You can walk around the grounds take in a picnic, there is a cafe and a gift shop. You could really spend a whole day here just looking at the beauty around you. read more

I love Castell Coch - we have taken photographs of it to the US to granddaughter. She is convinced that a REAL Princess lives there - BLESS! We can't wait to take her there when she visits, of course the Princess will be out visiting her subjects. As mere subjects we'll picnic in the grounds. Makes me smile every time we drive by it - there really should be a Princess in attendance! Magical! read more

Castell Coch or the Red Caslte is set in woodland and can be seen from the busy A470 and the M4. It always looks so magical and is well worth a visit. There is a charge to go inside but you can walk around the outside for nothing. There are lots of trails and woodland walks starting from outside the castle. You may be lucky enough to visit when there is a wedding taking place - not so sure I would be happy if it was my wedding. Children think it is a magical place, especially little girls who can imagine being princesses in the castle. If you enjoy visiting Castell Coch you will love Cardiff Castle. read more

Surrounded by old woodlands, its turrets poking above the trees, Castell Coch is a spectacle to behold. It's just as impressive on the inside as well! The walls and ceilings are hand painted with flora and fauna and are a sight that will stay with you for quite some time after you visit this little gem. Although it's a small castle, there's still plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Most interesting, check out the room for the wife, the room for the children's nanny and the room for the mistress. Now that was a man who had mastered the art of having his cake and eating it. read more

Castle Coch is loacted high up in the hills and looks just like something out of a fairy tale. Ideal location to have a wedding or even just the after shots. The decor inside is beautiful and breath taking. Well worth taking the kids to have a look. They can even have a run around in the woods to ensure they sleep all night! read more

i love this place, although i've only been in a few times, it is fairly small, and one visit is enough, i mean there's only so much you can take in if you get me. The best bit however, is the suround countryside, just off from the car park is a track headed up and into the forestry, where there are trails and paths you can take. Walk or cycle, its just stunning and you can see right over cardiff, the surrounding countryside, and mountains. Down in the town is a nice little pub wich serves good food. Although if you have been cycling along the taf trail (again a stunning location, and great activity)wich passes through dont try to eat your pack luch on their benches whilst you have a pint there even though you've bought a drink they'll tell you off for getting out your ham and mustard sarnie!!! read more

I love Castell Coch as it is situated deep in amongst the trees and set in the hill. It looks like a fairy castle its just magical. Inside it is so beautifully ornate with all the ceilings covered in paintings. I would definately recommend this castle to anyone! read more

This fairytale castle remains in the memory long after your photos have faded. Set high on a hill, you can see it from most of north Cardiff and it beckons you as you drive along the M4 and A470. The castle was built by the Marquis of Bute in the 19th century. He was the Bill Gates of his day in that he earned more every hour than most people could dream of in a lifetime. This dreamlike castle was built at the behest of his wife and served as a holiday retreat for them (for no more than a few weeks a year). For me, the setting is as memorable a part of the visit as the castle itself. It stands amongst magnificent copper beech woods which are at their best in autumn. I recommend that you visit in spring or autumn. That way you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the place without the distraction of lots of other tourists. read more

Based on the site of a 12th century castle this restoration by William Burges for the third marquess of Bute may not be everyones idea of a banqueting lodge; but as most of us well never get the chance to design our own this one is well worth the entrance fee. Managed by CADW (the 'official guardians of Welsh built hertiage'), the castle is an ideal place to visit on a wet day. The tracks leading from the car park provide the more energetic with some great walks and moderate mountain biking. read more

A faux castle situated on the out-skirts of Cardiff. It is a great place to take children, as it really ignites their imagination. Asides from being a day they'll never forget, it is also great value for money. The staff are very friendly. read more

The Fairy Castle! It truly is. My parents used to take me here when I was a kid and I now take my kids here. It is magical. Up on a hill, all turrets and gilding. The internal decoration is wild. Get your kids spotting all sorts of things. Then take them outside to spot fairies in the woods!!! Much better than the Disney Castle. A folly on a grand scale. read more

This is a really nice castle to go visit for a day out, not far from cardiff on the taff trail. It is an ideal place to take a picnic to and spend a day wandering around the castle and then going for a walk in the local area. Well worth visitng if you are are in the area, kids will love it as will the adults. read more

Castell Coch is a pretty little medieval castle situated on a steep hill just outside Cardiff in the area of Tongwnlais. Still completely in-tact, Castell Coch is a lovely place to visit. The castle itself is very small and most people would not consider it to be a castle. Its main room plays host to some medieval furniture and paintings and there is a small room attached to that which is used as a chapel and people can get married there. It is so small that only 25 guests are allowed. The grounds around that castle make a very nice walk and it is also a lovely place to come by bike as it is on the Taff's Trail which is a public footpath and trail for cyclists. It's a lovely stopping point for a picnic. There is also a fair amount of parking if you'd prefer to drive and it is a popular spot for dog walkers. As Castell Cork is situated on a hill, it can be seen from the A470 dual carriageway so you can't miss it if you are driving and it is quite a spectacular sight. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

Pretty expensive to get in but not so if your a student or a concession. The castle looks like a fairy tale castle due to its setting in a forrest and visual surroundings so its great for young children. There are alot of steps and stairs to disabled access may be difficult. There is ample parking at the front of the castle read more

Fantastic cafe in the corner of the castle, it's warm and serves lovely food. good choice of home cooked cakes (i had victoria sponge, yummy) but also soups, sandwiches etc. also had a really good range of teas. If you want to just go to the cafe you tell the guy on the gate that you want to do that and you won't have to pay the entrance fee. read more

A great tourist attraction, situated high in the hills. A great day out to picnic.

Built in the 1870's Castell coch is built upon the remains of a genuine 13th century castle. Castell Coch is a great place to visit with the family with a picnic. read more

Fab to go in the school holidays, but may be a little boring for little kids. They do fab tours for Christmas, but wouldn't presonnally recommend for kids under 5 as they tend to get bored. read more

This fantastic castle, is like something out of the Bavarian Hillside. It is unique to Wales, and The Prisoner of Zenda was shot there. Couples also use this place as a venue to get married. Go, you wont be disappointed. read more

Great little castle- it's surprising that so many people in Cardiff never actually get around to visiting this castle. It's usually closed over the winter for restoration. In the summer it's open, however you have to pay to go in- its free to walk around the grounds. There are also a number of walks from the castle- though these are quite steep, so possibly not suitable for younger children. On a good day, you can see the whole of Cardiff. read more

lovely place in a mature wood . built in the late 1800's on the ruins of a medieval castle , style copied from bavaria. its in a lovely spot and is often used in film sets read more

A beautiful castle, like something out of a fairytale!