Castell Coch Guide
Castell Coch: The Red Castle - A Fairytale Fortress Guide
Step into a fairytale at Castell Coch, a stunning Victorian castle perched on a wooded hillside just north of Cardiff. This enchanting castle, with its conical towers and elaborate interiors, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Explore its opulent rooms, admire its intricate carvings, and imagine life within its walls. Castell Coch offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors of all ages. The site of Castell Coch has a long and fascinating history. A Norman castle was first built here in the 11th century, but it was later destroyed. In the 13th century, the de Clare family built a stone castle on the site, but it fell into ruin by the 16th century. In the 19th century, John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, commissioned the architect William Burges to rebuild the castle in a lavish Victorian Gothic style. Burges's vision was to create a fantasy castle, and he spared no expense in its design and decoration. Visitors to Castell Coch can explore the castle's opulent interiors, including the Drawing Room, the Banqueting Hall, and the bedrooms. Admire the intricate carvings, the colorful murals, and the stained-glass windows. Climb to the top of the towers for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle also hosts various events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, concerts, and family activities. While Castell Coch doesn't have a specific culinary tradition, the nearby village of Tongwynlais offers a selection of pubs and restaurants.
Transportation
* **Train:** Take a train from Cardiff Central to Taffs Well station. From there, it's approximately a 30-minute walk uphill to the castle. * **Bus:** * **Bus 26:** From Cardiff Central Bus Station, this bus travels towards Upper Boat, stopping near Tongwynlais, a short walk from Castell Coch.