Things to do in Cardiff Castle

There's a huge amount of Welsh history packed into Cardiff Castle, spanning around 2000 years in all.

The castle has its origins in Roman times, but had an astonishing Gothic transformation that took place during the 19th century. Hire a portable audio guide when you first get to the castle if you're not going on a guided tour. They are available in 10 languages, with a children’s version too, and they help you get the most out of your visit. Alternatively, you can download the Cardiff Castle App on your smartphone (hop on the free wi-fi service).

One of the many fascinating secrets of Cardiff that you unlock when you visit Cardiff Castle is the network of underground tunnels. These pathways, which were used as air-raid shelters during World War II, lie between the ground floor level and the battlement level, with room for around 2,000 people from the city centre.

Above ground, Cardiff Castle as you now see it is the result of an extraordinary transformation carried out in the late 19th century by the eccentric architect William Burges. He created some of the most lavish interiors in Britain, inspired by Gothic, Mediterranean and Arabian styles. They have to be seen to be believed.

There’s so much history and detail that it’s worth taking a Castle House tour. The expert guides have intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny, and you'll get to visit 10 spectacular rooms.

The great Clock Tower Tour, which runs throughout summer, lets visitors climb up a long spiral staircase to the Clock Tower and Summer Smoking Room. Both are remarkable representations of Burges’ fertile imagination for elaborate, colourful interior design. From the top of the tower, pause to take in fantastic views across the city.

If you're overwhelmed by the opulence (or the 101 steps), stop for a cuppa at The Keep Terrace kitchen and bar. It has views of the Norman Keep and the Castle across an outdoor terrace, so you can watch others explore the wonders of the castle.

The Firing Line is the Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier. It tells stories and displays memorabilia from over 300 years of service by two Welsh regiments, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh. Entry to the Firing Line Museum is included with your ticket to visit the castle.

Afterwards, pop into the gift shop for a souvenir, then stroll around Bute Park. Recognised as a Grade 1 historic designed landscape, it has nearly 150 acres of green space that surrounds the castle and trees from all around the world.

Cardiff Castle is a hive of activity throughout the year, with all kinds of events taking place. They have many Welsh banquets every year, where visitors can enjoy a night of traditional Welsh food and entertainment. Look out for special open days featuring medieval battle reenactments, storytelling, minstrels and jousting competitions. There are also outdoor cinema nights and live concerts from big names in music.

Tafwyl, held during the spring or summer each year, is a week-long celebration of the Welsh language, accessible to Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers. Its main event – a weekend showcase of Welsh arts, culture, sport and street food – takes place in the castle grounds.