15 Castles Near Cardiff You Should Visit For A Historical Trip!

Castles Around Cardiff

Castell Coch, Caerphilly Castle, Ruperra Castle, Ogmore Castle, Coity Castle, Raglan Castle, Monmouth Castle, Usk Castle, Caldicot Castle, Chepstow Castle, Abergavenny Castle and more.

While Cardiff is popularly known as the “Land of Castles,” or the “Castle Capital of the World,” you can also find a plethora of spectacular castles near Cardiff. There are over 400 castles, big and small, located in Wales, a lot of which are in close proximity to the Welsh capital city. These castles, a lot of which now lie in ruins, are known for their beautiful architecture, design as well as opulence, and offer stunning views of their surroundings from the cliffs and hillsides that they are built upon.

A lot of the castles around Cardiff are also quite well-preserved, like the Castell Coch, and offer fascinating insights into the rich past of Wales, right from the medieval eras. Other castles, like the Caerphilly Castle and Chepstow Castle, date back to the early 13th century, and are known as some of the oldest surviving fortified structures in all of Britain. One of the most famous castles located near the city of Cardiff is the Oystermouth Castle, a Norman stone castle from the 12th century, which overlooks the pristine Swansea Bay. So, when looking to explore the regions near Cardiff, plan a day trip to one of the following castles near the city.

Here are some of the best Castles near Cardiff:

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Castell Coch

Learn about the rich history of Wales at the Castell Coch, which ranks as one of the best historical places and castles near Cardiff

Known for its Gothic Revival style of architecture, Castell Coch is often also known as the Red Castle, and boasts of being a structure straight out of fairy tales

This 19th century castle was built by William Burges for the Marquess of Bute, and is considered to be a masterpiece of high Victorian era architecture

You can also explore the opulent rooms in the castle and discover a plethora of age-old artefacts here, whilst also learning about the lifestyle of the wealthy people who inhabited the castle for over 700 years

Location: Castle Road, Tongwynlais, Cardiff, United Kingdom

Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Entry fee: £3 per person

Distance from Cardiff: 7 miles

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Caerphilly Castle

Pay a visit to Caerphilly Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and is the largest castle in all of Wales, in addition to being one of the best castles around Cardiff

Sprawling across 30 acres of land, the Caerphilly Castle is also amongst the greatest surviving castles in the medieval western world, and was built by Gilbert de Clare, a Norman nobleman

Towering high over the skyline of the Caerphilly town, this castle is also known to have played a pivotal role in the defensive architecture of the Middle Ages, owing to its huge gatehouses and water features, which makes it the first true example of a concentric castle in all of Britain

While it served as the home of the Prince of Wales, it was later transformed into a palatial residence after his death, and also consisted of a hunting park and lake, amongst other attractions

Location: Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Gwent, CF83 1JD, Wales, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Entry fee: £8.50 (adults), £5.10 (children)

Distance from Cardiff: 8 miles

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Ruperra Castle

Amongst the more modern and newer castles near Cardiff is the Ruperra Castle, which was built by Sir Thomas Morgan in the year 1626

It was built to be one of the first “mock” Tudor castles in Wales, and has since, played quite a significant role in the history of South East Wales

Boasting of rich history, the Ruperra Castle is said to have played host to Charles I as well as the military in the Second World War

The gardens of the castle are also home to the echoes of the region’s rich past, and consist of the Mackenzie and Moncur glasshouses, which are some of the finest of their kind in all of Wales even today

Location: Newport NP10 8GG, United Kingdom

Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Distance from Cardiff: 13 miles

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Ogmore Castle

Located near the picturesque hamlet of Ogmore-by-Sea, the Ogmore Castle is one of the most beautiful and historic castles around Cardiff

Known for its rich and fascinating history, which dates all the way back to the 1100s, this 12th century castle is actually a site which is made of three castles, and overlooks the Ogmore River

Over the centuries, the castle has served as numerous different sites, including a prison as well as a court of justice, but lies unused since the mark of the 19th century

Owing to its locating next to the river, you can also discover age-old stepping stones in the castle premises, which you can used to cross the river during low tides

Location: Bridgend CF32 0QP, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Distance from Cardiff: 23 miles

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Coity Castle

One of the most famous castles near Cardiff is the Coity Castle, located in the small tranquil village of Coity, on the outskirts of the Bridgend town

The castle was originally built around the 1100s, but a lot of the sections of the castle belong to the 14th century

It is believed that the castle was built on the remains of a former Welsh fortress, by one of the 12 knights of Glamorgan

The Coity Castle is most known for the curtain wall that surrounds it, in addition to the renovated 16th century living quarters and the chimneys here

Location: Coity, Bridgend CF35 6BG, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Distance from Cardiff: 22 miles

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Raglan Castle

Built between the 15th to the early 17th centuries by the Herberts and Somersets is one of the best castles around Cardiff, the Raglan Castle

Known as one of the last true castles to have been built in Wales, this late medieval era castle is also famous for being the castle that was featured in numerous episodes of the TV show Merlin

As of today, this age-old castle now lies in a beautiful ruin, offering panoramic views of the striking natural landscape of Wales

Location: Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire and Gwent, NP15 2BT, Wales, United Kingdom

Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Entry fee: £8.30 (adults), £5.80 (children)

Distance from Cardiff: 33 miles

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Monmouth Castle

Established by William fitz Osbern in the late 11th century, the Monmouth Castle is amongst the most castles near Cardiff.

Located at the confluence of the Monnow and Wye rivers in the region, the castle now lies in ruins for the most part, with only fragments, like the remnants of the 12th century Great Tower and the 13th century Hall still surviving here.

During a tour of the castle, visitors can also witness the huge decorated windows, the outlines of which still remain on the east wall of the tower of this castle.

Monmouth Castle is also famous for being the birthplace of Henry V.

Location: Castle Hill, Monmouth NP25 3BS, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Distance from Cardiff: 38 miles

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Usk Castle

Overlooking the scenic town of Usk, the Usk Castle ranks amongst the best castles around Cardiff that you can explore on a day trip from the city

Established in the year 1120, the castle is also considered to be one of the hidden gems of the region, especially since a major part of this structure is in ruins

In addition to an almost enchanting and romantic ambiance, the ruins of the Usk Castle are surrounded by ancient walls covered in dense vines, with the age-old stone towers offering a glimpse into the past

The castle was always rather unknown and fell into complete disuse around 500 years ago

Location: Castle House, Monmouth Rd, Usk NP15 1SD, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays)

Entry fee: £4 (adults), Free (children)

Distance from Cardiff: 28 miles

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Caldicot Castle

When looking for some of the oldest and most spectacular castles near Cardiff, head over to the Caldicot Castle, located in the Monmouthshire region of southeast Wales

Built on the site of an erstwhile Saxon castle, this Grade I listed site dates back to the 1100s, and is one of the oldest stone castles in Wales

During your visit to the castle, you can also explore the peaceful gardens and the wooded country park that surround it, or explore the area of the battlements

As of 1953, the castle has been considered as one of the most important cultural monuments in Wales

Location: Church Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire and Gwent, NP26 4HU, Wales, United Kingdom

Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)

Distance from Cardiff: 28 miles

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Chepstow Castle

Having stood for more than 9 centuries in time, the Chepstow Castle is surely one of the biggest, and most important castles around Cardiff, in addition to being the oldest castle in Wales

It is located on the site of a former Saxon castle, this structure is set atop a huge cliff, overlooking the River Wye

It is best known for its opulent doors, which are said to be the oldest doors in all of Europe, and are sure to transport you back into the times of the epic battles and wars that were fought here

One of the main highlights of the castle is its giant tower, which is not only almost 1000 years old, but also offer you insights into the use of Roman tiles in the region

Location: Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY, United Kingdom

Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Entry fee: £8.30 (adult), Free (children between 5 to 17 years)

Distance from Cardiff: 28 miles

Abergavenny Castle

Home to the Abergavenny Museum, the Abergavenny Castle is amongst the most interesting and intriguing castles near Cardiff, most popularly known as the site of the Christmas Day Massacre of 1175, which was significant in the Magna Carta

Built in 1087, this Norman castle majorly lies in ruins as of today, but is still a great place to learn about the town of Abergavenny, right from its settlement in the prehistoric times, to the present day

You can also explore the museum here, which was a former hunting lodge built by the Marquess of Abergavenny and features unique displays related to this city

Location: Castle Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire and Gwent, NPY 5EE, Wales, United Kingdom

Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. (Closed on Wednesday)

Distance from Cardiff: 41 miles

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Swansea Castle

The Swansea Castle is another one of the top castles near Cardiff, which dates back to the late 13th century and was built by the Normans

While there is not much to see inside the castle as a lot of it remains in ruins today, visitors can still enjoy exploring the castle grounds and discovering its attractions externally

Perched atop a cliff and overlooking the River Tawe, one of the major highlights and attractions of the Swansea Castle, even today, is the distinct arcaded parapet located on its southern block, which resembles the bishops’ palaces at St. David’s and Lamphey

Location: 8 Castle St, Swansea SA1 1DW, United Kingdom

Distance from Cardiff: 41 miles

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White Castle

Said to be the best preserved of the “Three Castles” of White, Skenfrith and Grosmont, the White Castle is also amongst the most beautiful castles around Cardiff.

Known for its role in historic times, the castle is located near the Llantilio Crossenny village in Wales, and is also popularly known as the Llantilio Castle.

The castle was first built by the Normans in the year 1066, during the invasion of England, as a means to protect the route between Wales and Hereford.

While it was one of the most historic sites in the past, it fell out of use by the advent of the 16th century.

Location: White Castle, Abergavenny NP7 8UD, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Distance from Cardiff: 41 miles

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Oystermouth Castle

Overlooking the seaside Mumbles village in Swansea, the Oystermouth Castle is surely one of the best historical structures to visit near Cardiff

It is best known for its ancient graffiti art, which dates back to the 14th century, in addition to the marvellous private staircases that lead to the age-old banquet halls and glass bridge from the vaults inside the castle

A lot of the castle remains in ruins from the 12th century, and offers you a glimpse into the life of the wealthy at that time

It is also surrounded by a park, and has a gatehouse which you can climb up to enjoy beautiful views of the bay, the pier as well as the lighthouse located here

Location: Castle Ave, The Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA, United Kingdom

Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Entry fee: £4 onwards per person

Distance from Cardiff: 46 miles

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Grosmont Castle

Popularly known as one of the Three Castles of Gwent, built by the Normans, the Grosmont Castle has a history that dates all the way back to the 13th century

In addition to having served as the home of Hubert de Burgh, the castle was later transformed by the house of Lancaster and was built entirely in stone, which replaced the original mud and timber structure

Surrounded by a wide moat, ditches and river banks, the castle also has a reddish colour, which makes it quite striking, especially when you first enter the area

It is also known for its tall curtain wall, along with three red sandstone towers and an opulent gatehouse

Location: B4347, Grosmont, Abergavenny NP7 8EP, United Kingdom

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

Distance from Cardiff: 44 miles

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Which are the best castles near Cardiff?

1. Castell Coch: One of the best castles near Cardiff is the 19th-century Castell Coch, located in the beautiful Tongwynlais Village. It is said that the original castle here dated back to the year 1081, and was built by the Normans, as a means to protect Cardiff. It is also a great monument to learning about the rich history of the region.

2. Caldicot Castle: Amongst the top castles around Cardiff is the Caldicot Castle, a beautiful medieval castle in Caldicot, known for its magnificent architecture which is made of stone. It is also amongst the oldest castles in the area and was built around 1100. Ever since the year 1953, the Caldicot Castle has been listed as a Grade I listed structure, and is also a significant cultural Welsh monument.

3. White Castle: When looking for the best castles near Cardiff, head over to the White Castle, which was formerly known as the Llantilio Castle, and is located in the Monmouthshire region of Wales. It dates back to 1066 and was built by the Normans during England’s invasion, with a history that spans almost 1000 years, with a lot of the age-old artifacts still available for viewing in the castle premises.

4. Caerphilly Castle: Another one of the most popular and important castles around Cardiff is Caerphilly Castle, which was built as a castle of defense. Spread across 30 acres of land, it is also the second largest castle in all of Britain, dating back to the 13th century. One of the major highlights of this castle is its southeast tower, which is titled 10 degrees off of its vertical axis.

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Which are the best castles near Cardiff to visit with kids?

1. Chepstow Castle: One of the best castles near Cardiff that you can visit with kids is the Chepstow Castle, which is also amongst the oldest surviving stone castles in the entire United Kingdom. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle has a history of almost 1000 years, and also houses the oldest wooden door of any castle in the UK, making it a great place for you and your kids to learn about Welsh history.

2. Caldicot Castle: If you wish to explore the castles around Cardiff with your kids, then Caldicot Castle is the place to be. Complete with beautiful gardens, a country park, as well as age-old towers, and other structures, the castle is perfect for children to explore on their own, as they soak in the stunning countryside ambiance while also learning about the middle ages here.

3. Abergavenny Castle: Amongst the more unconventional castles near Cardiff that you can explore with children is the Abergavenny Castle, which also houses a modern-day museum. While the ruins of the castle are great to gain insights into the history of this town, the museum also offers you and your little ones a chance to discover an extensive collection of Welsh artifacts.

4. Raglan Castle: Pay a visit to Raglan Castle, one of the best castles near Cardiff for a visit with kids. This late medieval castle dates back to the 15th century and is made of sandstone. During your visit to the castle, you and your little ones can enjoy admiring the artifacts and displays here which showcase the life of the royals and the wealthy people in the bygone eras.

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Are there free Castles near Cardiff?

Yes, there are a few Castles near Cardiff you can visit for free. Some of them are as follows:

1. Chepstow Castle: One of the best free castles near Cardiff is the Chepstow Castle, which dates back to almost 1000 years, and is said to have expanded over the different centuries. In addition to its ornate rooms, you can also see the Norman great tower here, which is the oldest building of the castle.

2. Raglan Castle: Raglan Castle is one of the most beautiful castles near Cardiff that you can visit for free. While it stands in ruins today, it is most popular for its role during some of the last attacks of the Civil War.

3. Holt Castle: Another one of the top free castles to visit near Cardiff is the Holt Castle, which was built atop a 12-metre high hill from local sandstone in the shape of a pentagon. Some of the major highlights of this castle include its chapel and watergate.

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Which is the most popular castle near Cardiff?

The Castell Coch is undoubtedly the most popular castle near Cardiff, known predominantly for its spectacular structure, which is built in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Located just a few short miles from the bustling Welsh capital, this castle not only boasts of a rich and long history, all the way to more than 1000 years in time, but is also said to have played an important role in the military conflicts of this region for many centuries.

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What is the best time to explore castles near Cardiff?

The best time to explore the castles located near Cardiff is between June to September, when the weather in Wales is at its best. These months culminate the summer season in the region, when the temperatures are pleasant and the days are long, making it easy and comfortable to take the day trips to the different castles located around the city.

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