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Castle Coch
A fairy tale castle in Tongwynlais Cardiff
Castle in Cardiff | Fairy tale castle in Cardiff
Castell Coch (cast-eth cork), which is Welsh for Red Castle, can be found in Tongwynlais North Cardiff, surrounded by a breathtaking forest.
The first castle site was built by the Normans in 1081 to protect the newly conquered town of Cardiff and control the route along the Taff Gorge. Abandoned shortly afterwards, the castle's mote was used as a basis for a new stone fortification when Gilbert de Clare took control of the lands in 1267. The castle is believed to have been destroyed in the native Welsh rebellion in 1314. In 1760, the Earl of Bute acquired the ruins as part of a marriage settlement that brought the family vast estates in South Wales. In the 19th century, the castle was rebuilt.
This fairy tale building is open to the public to be explored from chamber to chamber. The interior is elaborately decorated and is filled with specially designed furniture and fittings, including symbols of classic and legendary themes. This building is picturesque and perfect for capturing the imagination of young children.
Daily 9.30am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Adults - £8.30
Juniors (age 5-17) - £5.80
Seniors (age 65+) - £7.70
Families - £27.50 (2 adults, 3 children)
CADW members get free entry. English Heritage members get 50% off if they are in their first year and free entry if it is their second year or longer.
Castell Coch is sat on a stretch of woodland on the slopes of the village of Tongwynlais and the River Taff. It is a protected Grade I listed building due to its exceptional architectural and historical interest. The surrounding woods, Fforest Fawr, contain rare plant species and unusual geological features and are protected as a site of special and scientific interest. The Sculpture Trail with wood carvings along the route, passing old mining caves, is ideal for all ages.
Castell Coch is approximately a 20-minute drive from Future Inn Cardiff. You can get to Castell Coch by bus and train, which will take around an hour with changes. Future Inns is a cycle-friendly hotel, or you can use Nextbike, which would take around 54-minutes following the Taff Trail the whole way.
Future Inn Cardiff is an ideal base for the night, offering various sized rooms, including ones that can sleep up to four adults or a family. Perks include free car parking, free wifi and a complimentary robe and slippers. Book direct for the best available rates on our website or by contacting the Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. For every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. Plus, get double points when you dine in the restaurant. Points can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem when you dine in the restaurant (you'll also get double points, too!) and a member's discount rate. It's also completely free to join!
Thomas Restaurant is ideal to fuel up before exploring. The team serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. A homemade Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea is served daily between 1pm-5pm or our set menu offers 3 courses for £25 daily between 5pm-10pm. A large selection of alcoholic and soft drinks is also available, including Welsh beer and spirits, wine by the glass or the bottle, plus 2 for £16 cocktails.
Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online: