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Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance, walk through our gates and you will discover a story 2,000 years in the making.
From the Roman occupation of Britain to the Norman Conquest, through civil war turbulence, a Victorian transformation and even the terrors of World War 2, these walls have seen it all.
Wales is world-renowned for its castles but, here in Cardiff, we’re proud to be a little different; having not only survived the centuries but evolved with them in a fashion few others can claim.
CHANGES TO OPENING HOURS ON 2025 CONCERT DAYS
An incredible summer of live music at Cardiff Castle is taking place from Thu 12 June until Mon 25 August 2025. On concert days, some changes to the Castle’s regular opening hours will be necessary, with either early or full closures scheduled. If you are planning a visit to Cardiff Castle during the concert season, please click the link below to find out more...
VISITING CARDIFF CASTLE
Cardiff Castle is open daily from 10:00 on weekdays and 9:00 on weekends. Castle Tickets can be booked in advance, or on the day from the Ticket Office, if there are tickets available. To upgrade on the day to one of our guided tours, please enquire at our ticket office.
STAY IN TOUCH
UPCOMING EVENTS...
GET FREE ENTRY WITH A CASTLE KEY
Cardiff Castle is visited by thousands of people each year but we still want local residents to come and enjoy their castle as much as they can. If you currently live or work in Cardiff then you are entitled to your very own Key to the Castle with FREE admission to this world-class heritage attraction for 3 years.
2000 YEARS OF HISTORY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
It all started in the 1st century AD by the Romans who built the first in a series of forts. In the 11th century, the Normans constructed the Keep that still dominates the Castle Green to this day. The medieval Lords of Glamorgan began work on the House during the 15th century.
The Bute family left their mark on the entire city in the 19th century, they also transformed the House into the opulent Victorian Gothic home it is today. During World War II the walls which surround the Castle were used as air raid shelters; a place of safety for thousands of Cardiff citizens. A reconstruction of the shelters has been opened for visitors to explore.
