Caerphilly Castle

This massive 'sleeping giant' of a castle effortlessly dominates the town of Caerphilly. The fortress sprawls over a huge area - 30 acres in all- making it the biggest in Wales and, along with Windsor and Dover, the largest in Britain.

Caerphilly, built in the late 13th century by the Anglo-Norman lord Gilbert de Clare, is a supreme example of the concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence. But water, as well as stone, played a crucial role here. In addition to four formidable gatehouses there are outstanding water defences - which include lakes and three artificial islands - making Caerphilly almost impregnable to siege warfare.

The castle is famous for its 'leaning tower', and has a fascinating display of working replica siege engines.

Access:- A468 (from Newport), A470, A469 (from Cardiff) - Also bus from Cardiff - Railway:- Caerphilly 1/4 mile. -

Telephone:- +44 2920 883143

For further information on Wales's Wealth of historic sites write to:-

Cadw, Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Park Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ, Wales, UK.

Telephone:- +44 1443 33 6000
Fax:- +44 1443 33 6001