Three Castles 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.

Your driver for your half day tour will meet you at The National Museum of Wales at around 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

If you can drag yourself away from Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch, you may have time to 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.

Llandaff Cathedral

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.

If you are unable to drag yourself away from Caerphilly Castle & Castell Coch, you will by-pass Llandaff Cathedral and head directly to Cardiff Castle from Castell Coch. Here your tour will end and you will say goodbye to your driver.

View from outside of the 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.

After marvelling at the size of the Roman Walls, the views from the Norman Keep and the decadence of the Georgian House, you may wish to spend some time exploring the Victorian Arcades filled with independent shops and boutiques, spread across the city centre. Or enjoy a boat ride along the River Taff to Cardiff Bay. Or simple amble through Bute Park behind the Castle.

This tour is available Monday to Saturday, starting at 9:30am all year round.

Please Note: Llandaff Cathedral is an active Cathedral and holds services such as Weddings & Funerals throughout the year. As such it may not be possible to visit the Cathedral on any given day even if there is time.