Following two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment, Caerphilly Castle, the biggest castle in Wales, has reopened to visitors, bringing back to life the Great Hall, inner castle ward and unveiling state-of-the-art digital exhibits.

The beautifully restored Great Hall at Caerphilly Castle

Tracing its beginnings back to 1268, Caerphilly Castle was a fortress for the Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare who built the formidable castle to protect himself from the rise of the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd.

The new Watergate viewing platform looking up to the castle

The iconic Great Hall, built in the 13th century, is just one of many historic buildings within the castle which has benefited from painstaking investigation and conservation works by a team of specialists, including stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts.

The Great Hall as it might have appeared in its medieval heyday

Its refurbishment sees the giant space decorated to reflect the grandeur of how it might have appeared in its medieval heyday, and along with digital enhancements, visitors will be transported back to the 1320s, when a mighty royal feast was hosted there.

Interpretation installation in the Inner East Gatehouse

The new interactive exhibits tell the many stories of the castle and the men, women and children who lived in it over the centuries. They detail power struggles, betrayals and liaisons of people who built and fought over the castle, as well as introducing visitors to the Fourth Marquis of Bute who funded its reconstruction in the 1920s.

Stairs to the watergate, looking up from the Great Hall

Over £8 million has been invested at Caerphilly since plans for developing the castle were first proposed by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Cadw, in 2021.

In addition to the works to the Great Hall, Cadw has conserved and opened for public access the medieval watergate passageway which connects the hall to the southern lake. They also carried out major repairs to the Inner East Gatehouse that dominates the approach to the castle’s inner ward.

The new wildflower garden around the base of the south west tower

Accessibility has been improved too, with new paths and ramps and a wildflower garden to better ensure everyone can enjoy the beautiful setting.

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “This remarkable restoration project has revived many important areas of Caerphilly Castle, bringing to life the history and heritage of the castle for future generations, with state-of-the-art digital technology and thoughtful improvements to accessibility. It is well worth a visit!”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Caerphilly Castle on a tailor-made Heritage Tour of Wales, please contact our friendly team today!

All images © Crown copyright (2025) Cadw.