Cardiff Castle Podcast – Highlights and Tips For Your Visit
In this post, we’ll introduce you to Cardiff Castle. It’s one of the highlights of our trip to Cardiff, Wales, and a must-see attraction for any Cardiff itinerary. Plus, it is the subject of episode seven (Cardiff Castle Podcast) on The Places Where We Go Podcast. Read along for an overview and highlights of Cardiff Castle in Wales.
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Cardiff is a city of castles
Did you know that Wales is known as the castle capital of the world? It holds more than 4000 castles. That makes for more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. And the capital city of Cardiff is famous for having more castles than any other city in the world.
Cardiff Castle is just one of the many castles tourists can explore in Cardiff, Wales. Other notable castles include Castell Coch, a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle situated on a hillside just outside of Cardiff, and Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales and famous for its leaning tower. A short car ride away is St. Fagan’s Castle, which has roots from the 16th century. These castles not only offer a glimpse into the past but also provide stunning views and unique experiences for visitors.
A Brief History of Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a treasure trove of history dating back over two thousand years! Built around 55 AD, this former Roman fort was located at the edge of a legion led by Julius Frontinus during his conquest of the Silures—the warriors of South Wales.
Initially built by the Romans as a strategic fortification, Cardiff Castle has undergone multiple transformations. In the 11th century, the castle was handed over to William I, who used it as a base for his conquest of Wales. Over the years, it has been owned by various noble families and underwent extensive renovations in the 19th century under the direction of architect William Burges. Today, Cardiff Castle is a stunning representation of medieval and Victorian architecture, seamlessly blending to create a unique and enchanting landmark.
Cardiff Castle is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in 2000+ years of history.
Visiting Cardiff Castle
This site ranks in the top 3 things to do in Cardiff on TripAdvisor. If you’re looking for the must-see attractions in the city, be sure to add a stop to Cardiff Castle on your list. You’ll most likely wander past the castle if you spend any time walking through the city center. Sitting on the northwest corner of Castle Street, you can’t miss it. It’s impressive enough from the outside. And once you pass through the entrance, you’ll see it’s worth the price of admission.
This sizeable ancient structure has grounds conveniently located in the city center.
Exploring the Roman Legacy at Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is steeped in more than 2000 years of history. Originally, it was thought the castle dated back to Norman times. However, the modern discovery of an old foundation demonstrated that the castle dates back over 1000 years to the times of the Romans.
We learned that William Herbert, a one-time resident of Raglan Castle, also had an interest in Cardiff Castle. William is another person to whom Julie has traced her family lineage.
Admission provided access to most of the grounds and several castle rooms.
One of the most iconic features of Cardiff Castle is its Keep, a fortified tower that served as the main defensive structure during medieval times. Initially built in the 12th century by Norman conqueror Robert Fitzhamon, it was later expanded and modified to its current form by William Burges. The Keep boasts steep walls, narrow staircases, and battlements offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We walked up the mound on the north end of the grounds into the keep, the defensive portion of the castle, which is surrounded by a moat.
We learned fascinating World War II history regarding Cardiff Castle. Long internal corridors ran along the grounds’ north and east perimeter. These were used to protect city residents during the German bombing of Wales in WWII. This was an area used as a bomb shelter. It is estimated that more than 1800 people could have taken refuge in the castle halls. The area included numerous rooms and features – bunks, kitchens, toilets, and first-aid posts. Images of the destruction in Cardiff during this last great war served as a reminder of this painful period in history.
Our visit to Cardiff Castle lasted about two hours. We toured the main grounds but bypassed the add-on tours.
Top tip for visiting Cardiff Castle
Use the audio tour, and take your time to immerse yourself in the Castle’s history.
Optional tours at Cardiff Castle
Clock Tower Tours: Make your way up the spiral staircase as you ascend perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Cardiff
Film Location Tour: Learn more about the exceptional grounds that have been the backdrop for BBC hit TV shows, including Doctor Who, Sherlock, and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Connoisseur Tour: This exclusive visit gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Castle’s exquisite decoration and the influential personalities who transformed it in the nineteenth century. Plus, a visit to the Clock Tower is included.
Fun Cardiff Castle facts
Toilet Habits: During Norman times, toilets hung over the castle walls, and all the waste ended up in the moat. The lords and ladies would retire to a toilet set into a cupboard in the wall called a garderobe. From there, the waste would drop down a shaft into the moat below. The job of the gong farmer was to collect the waste during the night.
A Music Venue: Over the years, the castle has also hosted a number of music events. Famous artists who have played at this unique venue include Green Day, Stereophonics, and, of course, Tom Jones. It reportedly has the capacity to accommodate roughly 10,000 people.
Plan Your Trip to Cardiff
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Lodging and Hotels Near Cardiff Castle
Hotel Indigo
(Photo via TripAdvisor)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Close to Cardiff Castle
✅ Cardiff Queen Street Station is 6 minutes by foot
✅ Easy Access to Attractions
Lincoln House Hotel
(Photo via TripAdvisor)
✅ Short walk from city center
✅ Affordable luxury
✅ Family run traditional hotel
The Crofts
(Photo via TripAdvisor)
✅ Walking distance of city center
✅ All bedrooms ensuite
✅ Acoustic insulation for a comfortable sleeping experience
More lodging options in Cardiff
Dining Near Cardiff Castle
After exploring the castle, visitors can refuel at one of the many dining options near Cardiff Castle. From traditional Welsh pubs and international cuisine to takeaway stalls and fine-dining restaurants, there are plenty of choices to satisfy any craving. Those who want a taste of history can even dine in the medieval Undercroft at Cardiff Castle.
Afternoon Tea at Barker Tea House
Very close to Cardiff Castle, you’ll find the Barker Tea House. This is an excellent stop for afternoon tea and sandwiches.
We loved having a Welsh tea experience. Our orders included a black tea and a rooibos variety. Tea was served in individual cast iron pots along with fine china drinkware. Our sandwiches, called bloomers, were a falafel variety and a jack fruit with barbecue sauce version. Our server recommended the latter, who noted it would taste like a pulled pork sandwich. (see addendum below)
Barker Tea House was quite popular, as nearly every seat was taken. Inside, the seating reminded us of a living room, creating a unique ambiance.
Upon our arrival home, we recreated a few recipes from this day. You can find them at these links:
Bloomer Bread
Baked Falafel
Jackfruit Bloomer
Tapas in Cardiff
Our day concluded with a salmon dinner at Santiago’s Tapas Bar in the Cardiff city center. The meal was simple yet delicious. New potatoes were boiled and served with a side sauce of pesto. An additional sauce of tomato and red pepper provided an excellent accompaniment.
Cardiff Castle Podcast
We share our visit to this iconic location on our Cardiff Castle Podcast. This episode features highlights from our visit to the legendary castle. We also share a few fun facts and travel tips in our episode that you’ll want to consider on your visit to this castle.
On this Cardiff Castle Podcast, we introduce you to one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions. This castle, a site of international significance, is located in the heart of the country’s capital. The walls of the castle and its fairytale towers contain wonders of history that span nearly 2,000 years.
Getting to Cardiff Castle
There are several ways to get to Cardiff Castle, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation.
If you are traveling by car, a public car park on Castle Street is just opposite the castle. From there, it is just a short walk to the castle entrance.
If you are coming by train, the nearest station is Cardiff Central, about a 15-minute walk from the castle. You can also take a bus or taxi from the station.
Those who enjoy walking and exploring the city on foot can stroll to the castle from various points in Cardiff. The city center is about a 10-minute walk away, while Bute Park and the River Taff are just a stone’s throw away.
If you are visiting Cardiff as part of a guided tour, many operators include Cardiff Castle in their itinerary. This can be an excellent option for those who want to learn more about the castle’s history and significance from a knowledgeable guide.
Once you arrive at Cardiff Castle, you can choose from various ticket options for entry, including guided tours and self-guided audio tours. You can also opt to explore the outer grounds of the castle for free.
Cardiff Castle – Frequently Asked Questions
One of the major reasons for Cardiff Castle’s popularity is its rich history and striking architecture. With a mix of medieval and Victorian influences, it offers visitors a glimpse into different eras and styles. Additionally, the castle hosts various cultural events throughout the year, making it a vibrant and exciting destination for all ages. Its central location in the heart of Cardiff also adds to its appeal, making it easily accessible for tourists. Cardiff Castle is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Welsh history and culture.
Today, Cardiff Castle is owned by the city council and serves as a popular tourist attraction. While no one currently lives in the castle, parts are available for private hire for special events such as weddings and conferences. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of having a fairytale wedding in a castle, Cardiff Castle could be your dream venue! Additionally, the castle is home to a small community of bats, adding to its charm and unique characteristics. So, although no one resides in Cardiff Castle permanently anymore, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
The capacity for a concert at Cardiff Castle varies depending on the event and set-up, but it can hold up to 10,000 people in its outdoor space. However, for indoor concerts and events inside the castle’s walls, the capacity is significantly smaller and can range from 50 to 200 people. Regardless of size, seeing a concert at this historic and iconic venue is a truly unforgettable experience.
Access our Cardiff Itinerary
As we made this visit with our base in Cardiff, you can also look at our recommended itinerary for visiting Cardiff.
Exploring Cardiff: A 4-Day Itinerary of Must-See Attractions
Our Travel Planning Resources For Our Cardiff Visit
We leveraged “DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Great Britain” to identify specific attractions during our trip. The book helped identify walking tours, museums, and times and days particular places are open. We recommend purchasing a book similar to this one when planning a more extended trip.
Visit Cardiff Wales
Cardiff, Wales, is a gem of the United Kingdom worth your travel consideration. We hope these episodes inspire you to consider this great Welsh town.
You’ll find our blog posts on our Cardiff area visit at these links:
Exploring Cardiff – A 4-Day Itinerary
Tracing a Family Tree in Raglan
Sights and Attractions at Barry Island, Wales
Welsh heritage and culture through time – St. Fagans Museum
Thanks for reading this post about Cardiff Castle. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#travelpodcast #cardiffcastle
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