Brimming with heritage and overflowing with character, this fortress has captured the affections of Welsh visitors who liken its magnificence to some of the globe’s most renowned monuments.

Caerphilly Castle is a medieval fortress that traces its origins back to the 13th century and, after two years of restoration work, has reopened its gates to the public once more. Visitors can now wander through the Great Hall and inner castle courtyard whilst admiring the cutting-edge digital displays within.

The structure was originally built by Gilbert de Clare as part of his strategy to maintain authority over Glamorgan – which was Wales’s most densely populated and industrialised county at the time. The Prince of Wales’s influence was expanding rapidly, and he required to establish his authority swiftly.

With this objective, construction started in 1268 of what became the nation’s largest castle and second only to Windsor Castle across the entire UK. Spanning more than 30 acres with massive walls and gatehouses, alongside extensive water defences, it’s evident his ambitions were realised.

One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, saying: “A sprawling site that is quite impressive. The large site minimises crowding, so you should be able to enjoy the site at your leisure – we certainly did. Limited amount of interiors remaining but still well worth the visit.”

To give you an idea of the sheer scale of the place, it’s three times the size of the Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh Rugby. It’s even been compared to Italy’s world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its own ‘wonky’ tower, adding a unique charm.

One awestruck visitor wrote: “Caerphilly Castle is like stepping into a giant storybook filled with knights and kings. From the moment you lay eyes on its towering walls, impressive moat and imposing towers, you are transported back in time.”

Another visitor was particularly taken with the tower, saying: “This is one of the most beautiful castles in the UK. It is very pretty, especially the leaning tower.”

Located in South Wales, Caerphilly Castle is just a 30-minute drive from Cardiff city centre. It’s also conveniently less than an hour from Swansea and within an hour and a half of Gloucester.

Visiting the castle is easy, with adult entry priced at £11.90 and a family ticket costing £38.10. Disabled visitors and children under five can enter for free.

One visitor commented on the entrance fee, saying: “I have paid more for far less at other mansion houses, etc, and this was so worth the entrance fee.”