Three Castle Tour

Three Welsh Castles = Over 3000 years of history.

On this four hour tour, we will take you to Three Castles, each built at different times, for different purposes, but all with a shared history, and ownership.

Starting at The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff at 9:30am, and you will head out of Cardiff, to the town of Caerphilly. Home to Caerphilly Castle.

Built in the 13th Century, by the Norman Marcher Lord, Gilbert de Clare, Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales, and the 2nd largest castle in Europe. Constructed to control his newly aquired lands of Glamorgan, it has been described as having the most elaborate water defences of any castle in the UK. It’s famous leaning tower, leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

After exploring and taking in the sheer size of Caerphilly Castle, you will be taken into the hills to the north of Cardiff, to visit a Castle built for an entierly different purpose.

Coch is Red in Welsh. When the castle was built, it was a vibrant red colour. Although faded, you can still see a tinge of redness in it’s Walls. Due to its colour it was named “The Red Castle” or Castell Coch in Welsh. Also known as “The Castle that Coal Built” it is a magical fairytale castle. The third of three castles built on the site, the current one was built on the ruins of another castle built by Gilbert de Clare. Albeit it, one slightly smaller than Caerphilly Castle, which itself was built on the site of a former Roman Fort.
Finally you will visit Llandaff Cathedral. At nearly 900 years old, it is one of the oldest Cathedrals in Wales, and is one of Cardiff’s hidden gems. Over 150 years older than Caerphilly Castle, this near 900 year old Cathedral has had a tumultous history. Suffering damage from storms and war. Located in Llandaff, “The City in a City”, the land the Cathedral was built has been a site of religious significance for over 3000 years.
The tour will end outside Cardiff Castle. You will then have the afternoon to discover Cardiff Castle. With a history spread across 2000 years from the walls of the 2000 year old Roman Fort whose remains the Castle was built on, to the 19th Century Georgian Manor House, with a 950 year old Norman Motte & Bailey Keep, Cardiff Castle is one of the finest Castles in Wales.

Info: Built in the 13th Century, Caerphilly Castle is the largest Castle in Wales, famous for its water defences, and its leaning tower.

Built by Gilbert de Clare to control the local population, construction of the castle was opposed by local Welsh rulers who attempted (and failed) to destroy the castle whilst it was under construction. It's impressive water defences have been described as "the best water defences of any castle in the UK"

Info: This fairytale castle sits nestled in the hills to the north of Cardiff, overlooking the Welsh Capital. Built on the ruins of a Norman Castle, this magical castle captivates everyone who visits

Info: Built nearly 900 years, Llandaff Cathedral is one of Wales' oldest Cathedrals and a hidden gem in the heart of the Welsh Capital, and is loved by everyone we take there

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

National Museum Cardiff, Gorsedd Gardens, Cardiff, United Kingdom

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