Castell Coch

Visit Castell Coch

The beautiful fabled home of a very wealthy man.

While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate us today. High Gothic was the order of the day.

The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied.

Detailed architectural drawings still survive today and following Burges’s death in 1881, colleagues faithfully continued work on the interiors for another ten years. The castle was not suitable for, nor was it intended to be, a permanent residence and the family’s visits were infrequent.

We think Burges would approve of our conservation efforts to date and like him, we are not afraid either to embrace the latest technologies. Multi-sensory resources allow easy exploration of the site using touch screen technology which are of particular benefit to our visitors with sensory or physical disabilities.

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Tongwynlais Nr Cardiff CF15 7JS
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1 March - 30 June Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm Last admission 30 minutes before closing 1 July - 31 August Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm Last admission 30 minutes before closing 1 September - 31 October Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm Last admission 30 minutes before closing 1 November 2016 - 1 January Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January