Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly, Wales
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Cadw Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Caerphilly, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD
Telephone 0300 025 2239
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Britain's second-largest castle after Windsor, its concentric water defences and famously leaning south-east tower still dominating the town centre. The moat is now shared with resident swans and geese.
Worth the trip
The water defences and leaning tower, alongside the reconstructed siege catapults reviewers call the most impressive exhibits on site.
Before you go
There's a paid car park opposite the castle that fills up quickly, and the self-guided route is wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Visitors are consistently struck by Caerphilly's scale and its dramatic water defences, with several calling out the views and atmosphere as highlights, and staff are repeatedly praised as friendly and helpful. A few reviewers note the ground floor is accessible but the upper levels involve a lot of steep, winding stairs, and one visitor felt the castle could use more artifacts on display inside. Overall the consensus is a rewarding day out, with some saying a few hours barely covers everything there is to see.
Britain's second-largest castle; famous leaning tower and water defences
“Nice castle with stunning views. I would expect to see more artifacts in the castle. The catapults were the most impressive exhibits.”- Georgios Adamakos, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking was inexpensive but the sort stay was very full.” - Steve Alderson
- Guided tours
- “Follow the arrows to complete the self guided tour of the castle and grounds.” - Jen B
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Lots of steep winding stairs to access other parts of the castle.” - Jen B
- Facilities
- “Gift shop available as well.” - Georgios Adamakos
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Castell Coch is only 3.2 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Castell Coch →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caerphilly-castle
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
For your visit
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gear
Regency Hampers Wicker Picnic Basket Set, Fitted, Porcelain Plates
Real porcelain plates and cutlery rather than plastic, plus an insulated cooler and fleece blanket - a proper gift-worthy set for a special visit. A good fit for a dog walk round the grounds at Caerphilly Castle.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Caerphilly Castle
Where is Caerphilly Castle?
Caerphilly Castle is in Caerphilly, Wales, at Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD.
Do you need a ticket to visit Caerphilly Castle?
Yes - Caerphilly Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Cadw. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Caerphilly Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Caerphilly Castle - one reviewer noted: “…esting with some really nice views. The dog was allowed in the grounds and lower levels including the various rooms…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Caerphilly Castle?
The water defences and leaning tower, alongside the reconstructed siege catapults reviewers call the most impressive exhibits on site.
Is Caerphilly Castle a ruin or still intact?
Caerphilly Castle is a partial ruin - Britain's second-largest castle; famous leaning tower and water defences.
