If you want to know about my absolute fixation with imaginative Victorian architecture, please see my review of Cardiff Castle. If you want to develop this appreciation for yourself, head towards the absolutely stunning Castell Coch. This castle was reconstructed from its original foundations by ambitious nineteenth-century gentleman, the 5th Marquis of Bute and his equally crazy architect William Burgess. To cut a long period of architectural revival short, these guys liked fairytales. Consequently, don't for one moment go looking at this castle as if it's a gem left over from the day of King Arthur. Rather, see it as the result of two guys having the same longings for real dragons and authentic knights in shining armour as your average low budget movie director. Nevertheless, this place is stunning. Nestled on a wooded hill, the castle overlooks the outskirts of Cardiff and it's always a treat to see it while driving on nearby roads. URBAN CHALLENGE: Tell two builders in a white van what this place is called without laughing read more

My undying memory of Castell Coch is being in the dungeon as an eight year old on school trip and being pretty scared by a man dressed as knight! Since then it hasn't lost any of its magic. It's like the typical disney princess castle set high up on the hill over looking the city, complete with draw bridge, turrets and perfectly preserved rooms. This is of course a Faux castle. It's not even 100 years old, so don't expect too much history but ask about the original fortress of your interested. Its perfect for a day out as its only a 15 minute drive from the city centre and impossible to miss. Kids would love a day out here, and once your bored of the castle you take one of the many routes behind the castle that lead into the woodland where you can stop and have a picnic. Alternatively you can give the cafe a go and get some lovely cake. It only costs £3.60 for an adult to get in, and if you just fancy a walk its free. Personally I'm waiting for my knight in shining amour to come back and marry me in this fairy-tale castle (not that I could ever afford it!). NB. Opens later in the peak of summer, and closes earlier in the winter. It also closes completely in January for renovations. read more

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

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This attraction is well worth a visit. If you pass Castle Coch on the M4 you might be fooled into thinking that its fairytale tower is the tip of an iceberg which the surrounding woodlands are covering up. In fact, this castle is not as big as you may think it to be. Located on the northern outskirts of Cardiff it sits just above Tongwynlais, it is very easy to get to if travelling by car but you can also jump on a bus from Cardiff centre and take a short but picturesque walk up past the golf course and through the woods. The castle you see now was actually built on the ruins of a Norman period castle as a kind of weekend holiday home for the Marquis of Bute and his household. He wanted to make use of the site and funded this erection which enabled him to escape the bustle of Cardiff. If you have ever visited Cardiff castle then you will know what to expect from the interior design of the building as it follows similar taste. Once you cross the working draw bridge and pay a small entry fee you can get straight onto exploring the rooms which are amazingly well kept. The castle was designed so that the servants could come and go around the building without disturbing the guests as they tended to their needs. This means there are numerous nooks, crannies, and passageways to explore. As with Cardiff castle, there is an audio guide available which will offer you much information about the castle history. It wouldn't take you a whole day to take in everything but if you are not in a rush you might decide to take a break and visit the cafe which is situated in one of the rooms just opposite the entrance. read more

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

Visiting some family in the UK and decided to do the tourist thing and go check out a castle. The rooms have been well kept and takes you back in time. It is very fairytale-esque. This little castle is worth the visit! read more

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

The red castle, up on the mountain cliff side. A place for visits and weddings. Charlotte Church has been married or had her reception party here. I personally love this castle, it's very magnificent and the art work is exceptional. They must have had the right tools to be able to have done the work on the dome like, shaped ceiling, on the insides. There is so much detail towards the images that you can and much of it was crackling and peeling off, already. It is a very old castle; it looks more like a castle from the outside rather than one from the inside. It was crafted during from the imagination of the Victorian age. It is no longer used as a castle or a house, which is what it really looks like to me an old fashioned Victorian house, long since forgotten. This castle stands tall and proud, out of the trees on a slight hill of that motorway. It can be easy to miss if you're not careful; when you approach it you are surrounded by a forest. It's not a very big place, but it's worth a visit. read more

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It might be a Victorian fantasy but that doesn't mean it isn't worth a visit. The rooms are impressive and it's a compact place so it's easy to get around. Given many regard it as nothing but a silly fantasy it's less crowded then Castle Cardiff. It's only a couple quid to get in and is surrounded by the pleasant Welsh countryside. The cafe has decent food too. read more

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Well, I had to write about the iconic Castell Coch today after reading a BBC news story declaring that "fifty-one visitors have been freed after being trapped in the "fairytale" castle when the drawbridge collapsed". Fear not, however - the castle's custodian reportedly kept those stranded entertained with a sword-fighting demonstration until the fire service was able to rescue them! I'm sure it was an experience to remember, as incidences like this don't happen every day at the woodland castle. In fact, Castell Coch is due to be closed for conservation work from 1 January 2011 to 28 January 2011 inclusive - but perhaps in the light of the recent incident they ought to bring that date forward a little!? Despite this drama, the dreamy medieval-style castel is a key landmark set amidst woodland just outside the confines of the city, and definitely deserves the full five stars even if it does have a dodgy drawbridge. Its name means 'Red Castle' in English, and reflects its fairytale red turrets which can be seen from far and wide. It was built in the late 19th century on medieval remains, designed by William Burges as a folly for the extravagant third marquess of Bute. Inside - as you'd expect - it's lavishly decorated and furnished in Victorian Gothic style. It's a must-see for anyone visiting Cardiff with either a car or a bicycle to get up there (the Taff Trail leads you past Castell Coch). There's a car park at the castle, plus toilets, a café, and a souvenir shop. Entry costs £3.60 for adults, £3.20 for concessions, or £10.40 for a family ticket. read more

If you could dream up what the ideal fantasy castle should be, you would be thinking of Castle Coch. With its distinctive fairytale architecture visible from miles away, its not surprising that this site is a favourite amongst tourists and visitors. Unlike its neighbouring castles in Cardiff and Caerphilly, Castle Coch itself isn't actually as historical as its exterior would lead you to believe; it's actually a Gothic Revival rebuild, intentionally constructed to look like a genuine 13th century castle. Its picturesque appearance and idyllic exterior have led to this caste being used in numerous film and TV productions over the years and the venue is occasionally hired out for lavish weddings for the rich and famous. The interior of the castle is just as impressive as the outside, with room after room of extravagant furniture and decorative surroundings making this place the perfect example of what a real life fairytale looks like. If you've never been there, it's definitely worth pencilling in on the to do list. read more

If you grew-up on fairy tales and are bit of a romantic then you should visit Castell Coch. It's beautiful, magical and looks just like a castle taken out from parallel universe, straight from one of the Brothers Grimm stories. It made me want to be a princess, grow long hair, live in the main tower and wait for my price charming. read more

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

Firstly, apologies for the quality of the photo I've uploaded to illustrate this review, as it was a cold day and the light was such that it ends up looking imposing and depressing. It's most certainly not! I was there most recently for a wedding, and it is a most impressive if difficult to walk to venue, given that it's up a pretty chuffin' steep hill. A fairytale castle, Castell Coch is essentially, if not accurately, a folly, another random splurge of cash by one of the Bute family in times gone by, but it is iconic, and settled prettily in amongst the trees, it is also idyllic. However, as a function room for civil wedding ceremonies, it is expensive and not very accommodating, with a ridiculously tiny capacity for guests, and a steep staircase up which someone in, say, a billowing white dress may have great difficulty climbing. Still, if you can get it, book it, because the photos from the day will be spectacular. If you ever have visiting foreign dignitaries with a spare hour or two to kill, then a tour is definitely worth your while, and the CADW staff are always well-informed and helpful. It is a prominent landmark in the Welsh consciousness, and as an image helps Wales attract many free-spending tourists. If you live in Cardiff and have never been, try taking your mountain bike up there for a challenging climb, or just wander around the grounds. It's lovely. read more

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

A fairytale castle on a hillside set in woods outside Cardiff is a must for all to visit. Although a ninetieth century hunting lodge for the Bute family, this enchanting castle with its cobbled courtyard and world famous murals has all the feel of a medieval castle. It takes its name (coch) from its red turrets, and through the tiny windows there are views over the whole of Cardiff. When you have finished wandering around the castle itself you can visit the well stocked gift shop or visit the quaint tea shop with its scrumptious selection of cakes. Surrounding woods are great for walks particularly pretty in May when full of bluebells. read more

Yay, everyone loves a good fairytale. (Yes, I know that they're what's wrong with our society and not everyone can be a hero etc etc, but bear with me.) I think that my favourite thing about Castell Coch is being able to point it out to friends as we're travelling along the M4 motorway. 'Hey look there's a castle!' say I, as though I didn't know it was there. Once this remark almost killed me and three others. But I still do it. It's an impressive site to point out. One thing I would recommend is to go and see this castle if you're travelling along the Taff Trail. It's a great place to go to from the city centre (about 6 miles away), and although it's a bit of a slog to push your bike up the hill, you'll certainly have fun coming down again. read more

When your driving Northbound along the A470 look up and admire the beauty that is Castle Coch. Many a journey have I been distracted by this attractive castle perched on a mountain cliff. When I am having a bad I let my imagination take over and make stories up of what it would be like if I lived there..... Many a moments I have spent dreaming of being a princess having my knight in shining armour slaying dragons to rescue me . The castle is just magnificent. It reminds me of the castle you read about in fairytales. Although it is not an old castle it has however been built to perfection. If you are looking for a day out i recommend a pleasent little visit to Castle Coch........I am sure you wont be disappointed. ** Fascinating fact- Noel Edmonds recorded his christmas BBC 1 show here. ** read more

'Castel Coch we're nearly home.' It's our local landmark, after long journeys that's what the kids shout. It's the first and best place I always take visitors. Victorian built (on the remains of a previous edifice) as Marquess of Bute's country cottage by the brilliant architect William Burgess. Burgess also designed Cardiff Castle. It's all whimsy and fairytale and Arts and Crafts. Children love it because it's just like a castle should be. Also it's where they film sequences of 'The Worst Witch'. There's also a very good café, nice walks in the woods, bluebells in April and May, on the Taff Trail cycle route (beware large hill), and if you gaze out of the window you can see my house. read more

I'd often seen Castell Coch (Red Castle) on the road as we travelled out of Cardiff into Wales, but I had always been told it was just a folly. Now, to me, a folly is a pointless building that has no function. As such, it looks beautiful from outside, but I assumed that, as with all the follies I've visited before, it was to be viewed from outside. So, imagine my confusion when I was taken there for a day out one day. Surely it looks better from outside? But then, the delight, the joy, the rapture, when I realised how beautiful it was inside. This is folly at its most folliest. I've always been a fan of Bute House and Cardiff Castle and I figured that was where it stopped - but there was a third in the set! Hurrah! The William Burgess interior is just beautiful and it is everything you would want from a fairytale adventure. Definitely worth a look on a sunny, lazy afternoon. read more

There's nothing like a good, old castle to remind you that you're in a land built on a rich history of kings, queens, and horrible battles. The boredom of travelling along the motorway around The Graig can be altered by the sight of this fairytale castle on the side of the mountain. It barely reaches out from the dense forest of trees surrounding it, but it grabs your attention none-the-less. There's signs on the motorway which lead you to a car park nearby, or you could always venture up the mountain for a walk that will be rewarded by a fantastic castle. You can explore the inner grounds or just admire it from the outside an wonder at how it has clung to the side of the mountain all this time. Definitely worth a visit if you're passing through or near Cardiff. read more

Once upon a time...there was a castle....a beautiful,pale pink castle. BE WARNED! You will not see fairies here, however hard you look! And i'm the queen of looking so i should know. Stood proud on the mountain side in the superb green of the forest there's the dusky pink building that is, Castle Coch, rising proudly, overlooking what feels like the whole of Wales once inside. Inside is purely spectacular, i honestly felt like i was starring in sleeping beauty, only i was awake and on the hunt for those pesky little winged creatures. (not wasps!) If i'm ever to get wed, bugger the price tag,it will be in this place! Beautiful interior's line the walls and the grounds are pretty breath taking to! This place is a must to take the kids just to get them to look for the fairies, i'm 25 and my parents still had the ability to get me slightly, if not worryingly, worked up over the prospect of mythical creatures! Hocus, pocus... get to Castle Coch! read more

I've started visiting Castle Coch more recently as it lies on the Taff Trail so I cycle up through Tongwnlais or get the Train to Taffs Well and walk across. It looks great on the A470 going up to the valleys embedded in the rock, our little Disney-esque folly. If you haven't got a car the last walk up to the castle is quite steep so beware. But once there, I generally wander around the grounds and have my lunch on one of the picnic tables with the castle towering in front of me. There are often wedding parties standing around which always put me in a good mood. The main disadvantage with Castell Coch is that you have to pay to go in. I do feel that it's about time entry was free. I think there would be a lot more visitors if that happened. It all seems a bit arbitrary this paying business, we now no longer have to pay to get in the museum or St Fagans but yes to the pink castle. Not sure why? read more

Beautiful small castle and a nice visit to a pleasant area. Very historic! Highly recommended!