After two years behind scaffolding and stone dust, one of Britain’s most majestic fortresses is ready to dazzle again. Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, officially reopens to the public on 19 July 2025 — and it’s never looked better.
If you’ve ever wandered past Caerphilly Castle’s iconic leaning tower and dreamt of stepping back into the 1300s, now’s your chance.
After a meticulous £8 million conservation and transformation project, this medieval stronghold isn’t just restored — it’s reimagined. The project, led by Cadw (Wales’s historic environment service), brings new life to the Great Hall, improves accessibility across the site, and introduces interactive storytelling experiences that let you feel the weight of centuries under your feet.
But it’s not all polished stone and echoing chambers. There’s heart here. “… and along with digital enhancements, visitors will be transported back to the 1320’s when a mighty royal feast was hosted there.” said a Cadw in their press release.
What’s New at Caerphilly Castle?
Here’s what you can expect from the reborn fortress:
- 🏛️ The Great Hall Restored: The heart of the castle is now accessible again, with its soaring ceilings and majestic scale shining like never before.
- ♿ Accessibility Matters: Ramps, improved pathways, and underfloor heating help make the site more welcoming in every season — and for every visitor.
- 🖼️ Immersive Exhibits: Through digital projections and sensory spaces, visitors now experience medieval Caerphilly with more than just their eyes. Expect knights, sieges, and courtly whispers brought to life.
- 🌉 Floating Walkways: New viewpoints allow you to appreciate the castle’s dramatic moats and famously tilted South-East Tower from fresh perspectives.
The team behind the restoration took care to preserve original materials wherever possible, blending the new with the old in a way that feels seamless — not sterile.
A Fortress with Flair and History
Built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, Caerphilly Castle was a bold statement of Anglo-Norman power — and a military marvel. With massive concentric walls and expansive moats, it was a prototype for fortress design in Britain.
But it’s not just military brains. Caerphilly also has soul.
The famous leaning tower (some say Wales’s answer to Pisa), the legends of sieges and betrayal, the romantic views of the surrounding countryside — it’s all here, humming with atmosphere.
Why This Reopening Matters
This isn’t just about stones and scaffolding.
The Caerphilly Castle project reflects a growing movement across Europe to make medieval sites not just viewable, but experienceable. Castles like this aren’t relics — they’re community anchors, educational playgrounds, and inspiration machines.
And let’s not ignore the timing. With renewed interest in domestic travel and cultural tourism, Caerphilly is poised to welcome a wave of curious visitors. The reopening is a statement that Wales is investing in its stories — and in the future of its past.
Plan Your Visit
- 🎟️ Tickets: Entry starts at £12.40 for adults, £8.60 for children. Free for Cadw members. Always check the official website for the most current info before your visit.
- 📍 Location: Just a 25-minute train ride north of Cardiff.
- 🕰️ Events: The reopening weekend includes live reenactments, falconry displays, and a medieval market.
- 🌐 Official website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caerphilly-castle
Want to feel like a knight, a courtier, or a wide-eyed traveler? Caerphilly is waiting.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest — some castles feel like silent stones. But Caerphilly Castle is alive again. With a history that refuses to stay quiet and a new face that invites every kind of visitor, it’s not just Wales’s biggest castle — it might just be its boldest.
Have you visited Caerphilly Castle recently or remember it from childhood? Share your stories in the comments or tag us @CastleQuestChronicles on Instagram.
