Venue Description

Caerphilly Castle sprawls over a 30-acre site making it the largest castle in Wales. This stone behemoth, surrounded by a series of moats and watery islands was the brainchild of Gilbert ‘the Red’ de Clare, a redheaded nobleman of Norman descent. He also built the original Castell Coch, ‘Red Castle’, located the other side of Caerphilly mountain. Gilbert de Clare and Llywelyn ap Gruffydd were contemporaries at war and early attempts by Gilbert to build a castle were thwarted by the Welsh prince. Gilbert eventually won through and built a mammoth stronghold using the concentric ‘walls within walls’ system of defence. He also made sure there were large and comfortable rooms to live in. However, once the threat posed by Llywelyn was quelled by Edward I, the raison d’etre for this massive fortress changed. The castle’s condition worsened until late in the 19th century when the third marquess of Bute began preservation work. We have a lot to thank the Butes for in South Wales!

Accessibility

The entire ground floor of the site is wheelchair friendly. There are slopes leading into the castle over bridges which may require assistance but the paths are paved and smooth. The Visitor Centre doorways are wide enough to accommodate electric scooters as is the Visitor Centre itself. There are some steps into the ground floor of some towers but the Great Hall is accessible to wheelchair users. Cadw offer free admission to our disabled visitors together with one companion. Please ask custodians on duty for free admission.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://cadw.gov.wales/historicenvironment/help-advice-and-grants/makingchanges/disabilityaccess/?lang=en

Toilets

There is a dedicated disabled toilet which has no steps. It will take a wheelchair but not an electric scooter. There are grab rails and an alarm which is connected to the Visitor Centre by pull cord in case of emergencies.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Dogs are welcome to Caerphilly Castle but must stay on leads and on the ground floor at all times. This is also the case for Assistance Dogs. There are open spaces and playing fields around the castle which are controlled by the local council so local by-laws apply which would apply to areas where dogs need to be kept on leads.

Other assistance dog facilities

We offer a water bowl for all visiting dogs.