Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, at the head of the South Wales Valleys, is celebrating its 200th birthday with £4.5 million funding to undertake urgent conservation work and to help ensure its future for many years to come.

© The Cyfarthfa Foundation

Welsh Government - through its historic environment service Cadw - and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will each contribute £2.25 million to address the deterioration to the oldest part of Cyfarthfa Castle as well as protecting Pont-y-Cafnau bridge, located to the south of the wider Cyfarthfa site - reputedly the oldest iron railway bridge in the world. 

Standing since 1825, Cyfarthfa Castle in Wales was originally constructed as the grand family residence of ironmaster William Crawshay II and it continues to hold a unique place in Welsh and global history to the present day.

© Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery

Together with the other Merthyr ironworks - Dowlais, Penydarren and Plymouth - Cyfarthfa made Merthyr the greatest centre of ironmaking in the world from 1800 to 1860. The Cyfarthfa Industrial Heritage Area contains some of Wales’s most important legacy assets, including the castle, ironworks and bridge.

Today, the castle houses a well-regarded museum, which showcases Merthyr Tydfil's rich heritage from the Roman conquest to the Industrial Revolution, and art galleries which contain important historical and contemporary collections.

© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales

The castle is set in 160 acres of parkland with formal gardens, a lake, accessible woodland walks, a children's play area, and a model railway. The tearoom offers delicious food and outdoor seating - perfect for summer relaxation!

In 2007, Donny Osmond, who traces his family history to Merthyr Tydfil, performed the 'Donny Comes Home' concert in the park grounds. The concert was attended by 15,000 people.

© Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery

The Cyfarthfa Foundation - a charity established to champion the long-term development of Cyfarthfa, aiming to restore the building, expand museum displays and art galleries and develop the 160-acre park for future generations - is working in partnership with the Council to take these extensive projects forward.

The funding, and the work of the Council and the Foundation, also aim to boost the numbers of visitors who come and explore the castle, gardens and lake, enjoy the facilities and participate in various activities offered throughout the grounds.

© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales

Wales’s Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: “Cyfarthfa Castle stands as a monumental piece of Welsh heritage, telling the story of our industrial past and cultural journey. As we mark its 200th anniversary, it’s great to be able to announce this £4.5 million investment to help safeguard its future.”

Chief Executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation, Jess Mahoney, said: “This investment in Cyfarthfa is fantastic news at a key time for the castle and park as it celebrates its bicentenary year, marking 200 years at the very heart of life in Merthyr Tydfil.” 

© Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery

A wide range of celebrations will be taking place in 2025 to celebrate Cyfarthfa Castle’s impressive milestone as part of Merthyr Tydfil’s magnificent historical and cultural past, with a year-long series of community events, art exhibitions, lectures and activities.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made industrial heritage tour of Wales, including a visit to Cyfarthfa Castle, please do contact our friendly team today.