Cardiff - Caerphilly Castle

Situated 7.5 mi/12km north of Cardiff is the industrial town of Caerphilly (pop. 28,700), with a mighty castle, excellently restored. The town itself, which is also known for its tasty Caerphilly cheese, offers little else of interest.

The castle, built to consolidate the English hold on the area in the face of opposition from Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, was begun between 1268 and 1271 by Baron Gilbert de Clare. It has the most elaborate defensive system of any British castle. It was enlarged several times and presents a formidable and imposing aspect, with its two drawbridges, massive walls, round towers and moat. However there are virtually no interior furnishings.

Don't miss the siege engines: four life-size replicas of medieval artillery pieces, ready to fire across the lake.

Exhibits in the castle display its involvement in the wars between the Welsh and the Anglo-Normans. A new display on the castles of Wales has been added, and for a unique view of the fortress, boat trips are available on the lake.