Castell Coch

What it is and why it matters

Gilbert de Clare built a stone castle here between 1267 and 1277, and it was probably destroyed in the Welsh rebellion of 1314. Six centuries later the third Marquess of Bute, who also owned Cardiff Castle, gave Burges free rein to recreate it as a High Victorian fantasy. Burges died in 1881 before the work was finished. The interiors are the reason to go: the vaulted Drawing Room, Lady Bute's Bedroom, the banqueting hall and the Winch Room. The castle is Grade I listed, passed into state care in 1950 and has been run by Cadw since 1984. It has appeared in films and television including Wolf Hall and Doctor Who.

Visiting practicalities

There is a free car park during opening hours, with accessible bays and EV charging. By public transport, Taffs Well station is about 2.5 km away and Tongwynlais bus stop about 1 km, served by routes 26 and 132; cyclists can use the Taff Trail (NCN Route 8). Inside, the towers have steep spiral stairs and low doorways, and gravel and cobbles can be hard for mobility scooters. Only assistance dogs are allowed. The café has been closed since June 2025, so bring refreshments, and check Cadw's website for opening hours, conservation works and online booking.

Nearby and combine with

Combine a visit with Cardiff Castle, the Bute family's other Burges showpiece in the city centre, or walk the surrounding Fforest Fawr woods.

Highlights

• Victorian Gothic interiors by William Burges
• Built 1875 to 1891 on 13th-century foundations
• Drawing Room, Lady Bute's Bedroom and banqueting hall
• Grade I listed and cared for by Cadw

Good to know

• Free car park during opening hours, with EV charge points.
• Taffs Well station is about 2.5 km away; Tongwynlais bus stop about 1 km.
• Steep spiral stairs and low doorways in the towers.
• The on-site café has been closed since June 2025.

Frequently asked questions