One of Wales’ most iconic medieval landmarks is reopening its gates. Following two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment, Caerphilly Castle—the largest castle in Wales—is once again welcoming visitors, offering a restored Great Hall, improved access, and immersive digital exhibits that bring centuries of history to life.
Founded in 1268 by Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare to defend against Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales, Caerphilly Castle has long stood as a powerful symbol of medieval might. Now, thanks to a £8 million investment by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, the castle has been revitalised for modern audiences.
A Glimpse into the 1320s
Caerphilly Castle – photo courtesy Cadw
At the heart of the restoration is the Great Hall, one of the grandest surviving medieval spaces in Britain. Painstakingly conserved and decorated to reflect its 14th-century splendour, the hall now offers visitors a glimpse into what it might have looked like during the reign of Edward II, including the atmosphere of a grand royal feast. Interactive exhibits and digital enhancements add a new dimension, allowing guests to explore the castle’s history in engaging and accessible ways.
The restoration involved stonemasons, archaeologists, and conservation specialists, who not only revitalised the Great Hall but also restored the medieval water-gate passageway linking the hall to the southern lake. Major structural repairs were also completed on the Inner East Gatehouse, which dominates the approach to the inner ward.
Inclusive Heritage for All
The Great Hall – photo courtesy Cadw
Accessibility has been a central focus of the project. New ramps, paths, and even a wildflower garden ensure that more visitors can enjoy the site. The castle’s facilities have also been upgraded with underfloor heating in the Great Hall, a high-spec kitchen for hosting events and weddings, new visitor toilets, and improved infrastructure throughout the grounds.
As part of the Welsh Government’s goal of making heritage accessible to everyone, a new initiative allows people on Universal Credit to purchase tickets to Cadw-staffed sites for just £1 per person. Tickets must be booked in advance and proof of eligibility shown upon arrival.
A Community Celebration
Wildflower Garden around the base of the south west tower – photo courtesy Cadw
The formal reopening was held today, with local schoolchildren from Ysgol Y Castell helping mark the occasion by burying a time capsule in the castle’s new garden. They were joined by Wales’ Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, who praised the project as a landmark moment for Welsh heritage.
“Today is a significant milestone in Welsh heritage as we reopen the magnificent Great Hall at Caerphilly Castle,” said Sargeant. “This substantial £8 million investment has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, echoed the sentiment: “The remarkable transformation of Caerphilly Castle stands as a testament to the dedication of this town and its people. This isn’t simply about restoring ancient stones – it’s about reconnecting communities with their heritage and boosting local economies.”
A Cornerstone of Future Regeneration
Installation covering the family line of Gilbert de Clare, first floor north east tower of the inner east gatehouse – photo courtesy Cadw
The project is part of the broader Caerphilly Town 2035 programme—a regeneration initiative supported by Cadw, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Welsh Government, and Transport for Wales. Other efforts include a new public transport interchange and revitalisation of the Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall into a cultural centre.
With its medieval grandeur restored and its future secured, Caerphilly Castle is set to remain not just a historic monument, but a vibrant hub of Welsh cultural life.
East Gatehouses from the North- photo courtesy Cadw
One of Wales’ most iconic medieval landmarks is reopening its gates. Following two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment, Caerphilly Castle—the largest castle in Wales—is once again welcoming visitors, offering a restored Great Hall, improved access, and immersive digital exhibits that bring centuries of history to life.
Founded in 1268 by Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare to defend against Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales, Caerphilly Castle has long stood as a powerful symbol of medieval might. Now, thanks to a £8 million investment by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, the castle has been revitalised for modern audiences.
A Glimpse into the 1320s
At the heart of the restoration is the Great Hall, one of the grandest surviving medieval spaces in Britain. Painstakingly conserved and decorated to reflect its 14th-century splendour, the hall now offers visitors a glimpse into what it might have looked like during the reign of Edward II, including the atmosphere of a grand royal feast. Interactive exhibits and digital enhancements add a new dimension, allowing guests to explore the castle’s history in engaging and accessible ways.
The restoration involved stonemasons, archaeologists, and conservation specialists, who not only revitalised the Great Hall but also restored the medieval water-gate passageway linking the hall to the southern lake. Major structural repairs were also completed on the Inner East Gatehouse, which dominates the approach to the inner ward.
Inclusive Heritage for All
Accessibility has been a central focus of the project. New ramps, paths, and even a wildflower garden ensure that more visitors can enjoy the site. The castle’s facilities have also been upgraded with underfloor heating in the Great Hall, a high-spec kitchen for hosting events and weddings, new visitor toilets, and improved infrastructure throughout the grounds.
As part of the Welsh Government’s goal of making heritage accessible to everyone, a new initiative allows people on Universal Credit to purchase tickets to Cadw-staffed sites for just £1 per person. Tickets must be booked in advance and proof of eligibility shown upon arrival.
A Community Celebration
The formal reopening was held today, with local schoolchildren from Ysgol Y Castell helping mark the occasion by burying a time capsule in the castle’s new garden. They were joined by Wales’ Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, who praised the project as a landmark moment for Welsh heritage.
“Today is a significant milestone in Welsh heritage as we reopen the magnificent Great Hall at Caerphilly Castle,” said Sargeant. “This substantial £8 million investment has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, echoed the sentiment: “The remarkable transformation of Caerphilly Castle stands as a testament to the dedication of this town and its people. This isn’t simply about restoring ancient stones – it’s about reconnecting communities with their heritage and boosting local economies.”
A Cornerstone of Future Regeneration
The project is part of the broader Caerphilly Town 2035 programme—a regeneration initiative supported by Cadw, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Welsh Government, and Transport for Wales. Other efforts include a new public transport interchange and revitalisation of the Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall into a cultural centre.
With its medieval grandeur restored and its future secured, Caerphilly Castle is set to remain not just a historic monument, but a vibrant hub of Welsh cultural life.
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