Castell Coch Guide
A Fairytale Castle: Explore the Victorian Splendor of Castell Coch Guide
Discover Castell Coch, a captivating fairytale castle nestled in the woods above the village of Tongwynlais, near Cardiff. This stunning Victorian masterpiece, with its conical roofs and opulent interiors, is a must-see for anyone visiting South Wales. Prepare to be transported to a world of fantasy and romance as you explore its lavishly decorated rooms and learn about its fascinating history. The site of Castell Coch has a long and varied 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, which also fell into ruin. The current castle is largely the creation of William Burges, a renowned Victorian architect, who was commissioned by the 3rd Marquess of Bute in the 1870s to rebuild the castle in a flamboyant Gothic Revival style. Burges's vision was to create a castle that was both historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing, and the result is a truly unique and unforgettable building. Visitors to Castell Coch can explore the castle's opulent interiors, including the Drawing Room, the Banqueting Hall, and the bedrooms, each decorated with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and rich fabrics. You can also climb the towers for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly linked to the castle, the nearby village of Tongwynlais offers a range of pubs and restaurants serving traditional Welsh fare.
Transportation
From Cardiff Central Station, take a train to Taffs Well. From Taffs Well station, it's approximately a 30-minute walk uphill to Castell Coch. Alternatively, take bus 26 from Cardiff Central Bus Station to Tongwynlais, then walk uphill to the castle.