Just a 22-minute drive from Cardiff, a fairytale castle hidden in ancient woodland has been described as one of the 'seven wonders of Wales' by Condé Nast Traveller. Castell Coch, a striking red 19th-century Gothic castle, towers above the village of Tongwynlais and was originally built in 1081 by the Normans to guard the newly conquered Cardiff and monitor the River Taff.
The castle underwent significant transformation in 1848 when John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, inherited the estate. One of Britain's wealthiest individuals at the time, he commissioned renowned architect William Burges to reconstruct the castle with lavish interiors and opulent furnishings. Burges died in 1881 after catching a chill during a visit, and William Frame completed the interiors by 1891.
Despite its magnificence, the Marquess seldom visited the castle after its completion. Following his death in 1900, the castle remained under his wife's ownership before passing to another descendant. In 1950, it came under the guardianship of the Ministry of Works, and it achieved listed building status in 1963. Today, Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, manages the site.
Open to the public, Castell Coch regularly receives votes as one of Wales's most beloved buildings. Visitors have praised it on TripAdvisor, calling it a 'true fairy tale castle' and noting its 'amazing' interior decorations. Visiting hours vary by season, with adult admission at £10.40 and children's tickets at £7.20.
