No holiday in Wales is complete without exploring one of the country’s many wonderful castles.
Our posts to date about castles in Wales have been popular – do check them out. Firstly we looked at North Wales with The best Castles to visit in North Wales in autumn and winter. And then, more recently, we explored castles in the popular West Wales area with The Best Castles to visit in West Wales in 2023.
Our attention now moves South. Let’s dive in and discover what South and Mid Wales has to offer castle-wise.
You won’t be disappointed.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Promising 2,000 years of history and a ‘site of international significance’, Cardiff Castle is a fascinating place to visit.
Cardiff Castle has evolved over the years. As well as an elevated Norman Keep which is as castle-like as any you’ll find, there are Roman remains, a Military Museum and even Wartime Shelters. It’s certainly an eye-opening walk through history.
As well as a gift shop, there’s a café with a large outdoor terrace – the perfect spot to enjoy refreshments with a view. This is actually in Cardiff’s Public Square and you don’t need tickets to the castle to enjoy what’s on offer.
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
If you like your castles on a large scale, then Caerphilly Castle is the place for you!
Dominating the town, Caerphilly is the largest castle in Wales. Far from being left to rack and ruin, the castle has undergone ‘imaginative reconstruction’ over many years. There are currently works ongoing, so do check online for any restrictions on opening.
You’ll find a moat with plenty of ducks and geese to feed, spectacular views and loads of areas to explore – and you can’t miss the famous Leaning Tower! There really is a lot to see – and all of conjuring up thoughts of those giants of old!
Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
Another magnificent fortress with almost a thousand years of history to explore. Chepstow Castle sits in a commanding position on a limestone cliff above the River Wye. It claims to be the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain – and for that, it’s incredibly well-preserved.
Discover the Castle’s fascinating history as home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful figures in the mediaeval and Tudor periods. You’ll also see how these owners evolved the castle’s defences over time to protect themselves from developing weaponry and attacks.
There’s an engaging trail for kids, a gift shop, and places for refreshments nearby.
Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
A late medieval castle situated just north of the village of Raglan, Raglan Castle is truly regal. It claims to have been, at the time, ‘the grandest castle ever built by Welshmen’, and we have to say we agree!
It was built around 150 years later than many Welsh castles, accounting for the difference in style. But after loyalty to the crown proved disastrous and it fell into ruin despite one of the longest sieges in the Civil War.
But, visitors will truly imagine the history of this once grand castle.
If you’re in the area, we must just mention Usk Castle, which is, unusually, occupied as a private family home. Although open Sundays only, it is a hidden gem and well worth a visit.
Hay Castle
The famous, book-centred border town of Hay on Wye is home to Hay Castle. Less a day out for history buffs, and more an arts and crafts centre, it is still very much worth a visit if you’re in the area.
You’ll find regular exhibitions, events, and a delightful café and gift shop.
White Castle, Abergavenny
One of a trio of fortress-style castles known as the Three Castles, White Castle is an outdoor ruin which is open all year round.
Lord Edward (later King Edward I) took possession of the Three Castles in 1254 and made many changes. Look carefully and you’ll see features now thought to be forerunners to the many north Wales fortresses he went on to have built in North Wales.
A great spot for a wander and a picnic, admission is free – a rare treat! Dogs on leads are welcome, too.
Castles, Castles, Everywhere!
That’s a wrap on our dive into Castles all over Wales. We hope it has inspired you to explore at least one castle on your Welsh holiday this year. There is so much for all the family to see and do. If we haven’t included your favourite Castle, do get in touch!
We believe that every castle has its story. On that note, we’ll leave you with an ancient poem about castles, translates into modern English by Michael Alexander:
“The shattered wall,
the broken tower
have a story to tell –
from the touchstones of ruins
and ancient texts
we make a pilgrimage.
from The Ruins”
― Michael Alexander, The Earliest English Poems
