Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. Closed 1987, Longest bored railway tunnel in Scotland, linking Greenock to Gourock. [31] It is uncertain what part the castle played in the conflict, but it seems to have survived intact. Open. Do you need a permit to do wedding photos outside the castle? [77] On the west side of the hall were the castle's private apartments, two solar blocks with luxurious fittings. [25], In 1317 Edward II settled the inheritance of Glamorgan and Caerphilly Castle on Eleanor de Clare, who had married the royal favourite, Hugh le Despenser. Line to Bassaleg west of Hillfield Tunnels. $$ - $$$ Italian Mediterranean European, $$ - $$$ Italian Mediterranean Spanish, $$ - $$$ Cafe British Vegetarian Friendly. [51] The site is around 30 acres (120,000m2) in size, making it the second largest in Britain. A medieval fortification built by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century in the town of Caerphilly in South Wales. Caerphilly Castle ( Welsh: Castell Caerffili) is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales. Its something were dying to look at. A NETWORK of secret tunnels could be uncovered under a Welsh town today as archaeologists start to excavate the site of a former castle and prison. The nearest train station is 0.6 miles away at Caerphilly, while the NCN Route No.4 bus service stops 200m from the site. [8] Llywelyn had taken advantage of the chaos of the civil war in England between Henry III and rebel barons during the 1260s to expand his power across the region. A tunnel may be for pedestrians or cyclists, for general road traffic, for motor vehicles only, for rail traffic, or for a canal. It is the first excavation in the grounds. Like the famous cheese, the castle has long been synonymous with Caerphilly. We are due to attend Black Stone Cherry concert at the castle. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. ), we were delighted by the castle's photogenic setting in the heart of Caerphilly and its magnificent reflections in the surrounding moat. [3] It is famous for having introduced concentric castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses. We all know about the history above ground in Wales' capital but few of us know what lies beneath the surface. The nearest train station is 0.6 miles away at Caerphilly, while the NCN Route No.4 bus service stops 200m from the site. You can find 37 fascinating things you may not have noticed in the city here. 1849. [59] The remains of the castle mill originally powered by water from the dam survive. They have been building these 129 bases day and night, unceasingly, since the early 1940's. During that dig 94 years ago, one worker who struck his pick axe through the ground was met with an upsurge of air which turned out to have come from an underground chamber 17ft high. Member - Join now It is a very grand castle with a pretty moat around the outside. [19], The bishops took possession of the castle later in 1271 and promised Llywelyn that building work would temporarily cease and that negotiations would begin the following summer. Caerphilly Castle was built in the second half of the 13th century, as part of the Anglo-Norman expansion into South Wales. The core of Caerphilly Castle, including the castle's luxurious accommodation, was built on what became a central island, surrounding by several artificial lakes, a design Gilbert probably derived from that at Kenilworth. This medieval fortress was built . Adult Spent just an hour and a half in there and the inner east gatehouse has no safety precaution on the roof , the castling is 20 m straight down almost staggered a kid can just jump on it with no restraints from the vertical drop .A part from that I did enjoy it . Is it available? [46], By 1947, when John Crichton-Stuart, the fifth marquess, inherited the castle, the Bute family had divested itself of most of its land in South Wales. Since then, four or five men have entered this cavity and, judging from the measurements taken, there must have been a room the height of which is 17ft 6in. One of four tunnels on the Cambrian Coast Railway. [23] In the spring of 1295 Edward pressed home a counter-attack in North Wales, putting down the uprising and arresting Madog. The railway line was built by the Rhymney Railway in 1871 to provide a direct link into Cardiff for their 1858 Rhymney to Caerphilly line. [39] It is also uncertain whether or not Caerphilly Castle was deliberately slighted by Parliament to prevent its future use as a fortification. Its vast walls and many of its towers remain, including the north-west tower that now houses an exhibit on Welsh castles, as well as the south-east tower still leaning at an alarming angle. Closed 1958, Co-located with Clydach. It had a 2ft access tunnel, hand-placed there by friars in the past, but it's unclear whether anyone will ever know what it was used for. [12], The baronial revolt was crushed between 1266 and 1267, leaving de Clare free to advance north into Glamorgan from his main base in Cardiff. This image shows research assistant with south Glamorgan county architects department, Pauline Sargent, examining a tunnel in Kingsway, Cardiff in April 1957. An urban legend from South London.See also: https://youtu.be/xrvWOW3Pvz0Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jagohazzardPatreon: https://patreon.com/jagohazzard Caerphilly Castle. It could add an awful lot to our understanding of the castle. Can you pay with card for food and drinks at gigs held at the castle? Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. 7.10 [47] John sold off the family's remaining property interests and in 1950 he gave Caerphilly Castle to the state. The castle's active history was an extremely short one. Preliminary works at the 30-acre site will begin this month and. It is highly impressive and provides a good opportunity to explore. Fairy-tale castle was a plaything for the rich and powerful. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 400m to Caerphilly Castle 15 mins by train to Cardiff. For hundreds of years, a centuries-old friary sat right in the centre ofCardiff, dating back to 1280. Despite these interruptions, Gilbert successfully completed the castle and took control of the region. 2 adults upto 12 children is a family ticket with English Heritage. Caerphilly Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerffili) is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales. Getting to Caerphilly Castle. Hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and subscriber rewards. [72] Another pair of gatehouses protected the west side. Accompanied by some suitably epic atmospheric music, thanks to a good selection from youtube. The earliest castles built by Welsh princes . Hidden in a deep, dark, silent cutting and only accessible by foot, this tiny wayside stop was situated next to a one mile long tunnel that took the railway under Caerphilly Mountain. January 30, 2014. A toll keeper, who collected a penny from pedestrians, two pence for a bicycle and four pence for a pram, was last employed there in 1937. Best Sunrise Horse Riding Tour in Cappadocia - Min.2 pax. [30], Tensions between the Welsh and the English persisted and spilled over in 1400 with the outbreak of the Glyndr Rising. My only observation is that they need to clean the dragon pit. There were canals running through the capital that would feed into the docks during the industrial period but most have since been filled in. North end relandscaped. The castle was attacked during the Madog ap Llywelyn revolt of 1294, the Llywelyn Bren uprising in 1316 and during the overthrow of Edward II in 132627. Today, visitors can tour Caerphilly Castle and enjoy two on-site exhibits about its history. "Heathrow Airside Road Tunnel, west portal", "Heathrow Airside Road Tunnel, east portal", Driving the Clay Cross Tunnel, Cliff Williams, Scarthin Books, Cromford, New Cross to Finsbury Market Cable Tunnel, Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway, Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction Railway, Barry Island Tunnel. Within the walls of the castle are tunnels, which were used as air-raid shelters during the Second World War. 37 fascinating things you may not have noticed in the city, The lost suburbs of Cardiff and the fascinating history behind them, BBC axe show after 22 years leaving presenter 'very sad', The programme X-Ray, which sought justice for consumers, was first aired in 2001, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield left stunned after Welsh choir opens This Morning, To celebrate St David's Day ITV1's This Morning opened with a Welsh choir performing live at Pembrey Country Park much to the delight of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, Luke Evans fans in tears as he sings in video shot on the stunning Welsh coast, Welsh Hollywood film star Luke Evans has reduced fans to tears with his rendition of You Raise Me Up for St David's Day, Russell Grant thanks doctors as he reveals battle with brain cancer, The celebrity astrologer praised the 'A Team' that conducted his surgery, BBC's new Men Up drama about Viagra filmed and set in Swansea will star Iwan Rheon and Alexandra Roach, It will tell the true story of one of the world's first medical trials for the male impotence drug and Russell T Davies is executive producer, Jeremy Paxman went to A&E three times in 24 hours amid health scares, The former Newsnight presenter said he was friendly with staff by the end of it, GMB prank goes wrong as Kate Garraway is left looking half naked on live TV, Producers played a joke on Good Morning Britain presenter, Kate Garraway, who was wearing a bright green dress, Strictly star reportedly set to join EastEnders as part of new Queen Vic family, Molly Rainford came runner-up on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing last year and could be headed to Albert Square alongside Hollywood star Ray Winstone, Love Island 2023 bombshell opens up about alopecia battle, Layla Al-Momani appeared in the Love Island villa during the Casa Amor challenge this year and caused quite a stir after kissing Will Young, Love Island viewers speechless as Olivia and Maxwell dumped with twist, Who left Love Island last night 2023? [14] Work began at a huge pace, with ditches cut to form the basic shape of the castle, temporary wooden palisades erected and extensive water defences created by damming a local stream. [73], The long-running British television show Doctor Who chose Caerphilly Castle as a filming location for several episodes, including "The End of Time" in 2009, "The Vampires in Venice" in 2010, two parter "The Rebel Flesh" and "The Almost People" in 2011; Robot of Sherwood" in 2014 and Heaven Sent in 2015. It is the first excavation in the grounds of Haverfordwest Castle since 1914, when diggers uncovered a sealed jam jar with a message addressed to future explorers rolled up inside. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The tunnels, built in the late 1970s by the then British Post Office to carry cables, are now redundant but the alarm system is still connected to Stadium House. [71] The substantial size of the gatehouse allowed it to be used for accommodation as well as defence and it was comfortably equipped on a grand scale, probably for the use of the castle constable and his family. [73] The island is called Y Weringaer or Caer y Werin in Welsh, meaning "the people's fort", and may have been used by the town of Caerphilly for protection during conflicts. Used to hide a giant railway borne artillery piece in World War Two, Single track but partly constructed for double track, Closed on 6 July 1985 with the rest of the Tunbridge Wells West branch, single track, Built between 1819 and 1824 for the Thames and Medway Canal, single track railway laid on the tow-path in 1845, was soon doubled by infilling the canal, 100-yard air vent cut in the middle, Twin 2.54 m diameter tunnels, Isle of Grain to Chetney Marshes, each carries a 400kV circuit, Originally double track but reduced to single track in 1985. more. What can we expect from refreshments/drink/food - or do people take their own? When completed in the late 2020s, the Chiltern tunnel will be the 2nd longest mainline railway tunnel in the UK at 16,040 metres (52,620ft).[3]. We went around 10 AM on a Saturday and the place was practically empty. Family* [44] The stonework was carefully repaired, with moulds made to recreate missing pieces. With details of the project first announced in June 2021, the 5m plans aim to cement Wales' largest castle as a world-class heritage . 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Well worth the visit especially families. Cardiff also had a Blackfriars Friary you can see the remains of that in Bute Park. [38] It is uncertain if this was built by Royalist forces or by the Parliamentary army that occupied the area during the final months of the war in March 1646, but the fort's guns would have dominated the interior of the castle. Going to see the stranglers tomorrow where do we go in ? [32] In 1583 the castle was leased to Thomas Lewis, who stripped it of much of its stone to extend his house, causing extensive damage. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Caerphilly Castle: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Up tunnel is 1,264 yards (1,156 m), The tunnel was disliked by Queen Victoria, brick lining was made from clay extracted from the tunnel itself, Water from the Thames at Sunbury to Chingford reservoirs, 2.85-metre diameter tunnel, carries 132 kV electric cables for, Wimbledon to Willesden and Hackney, carries electricity cables (400kV for National Grid, 132kV for UK Power Networks), The Victoria and Waterloo tunnels - 2,475 metres (2,707yd) and 862 metres (943yd) - form a single tunnel divided by an air shaft, and having different names on each side of the shaft, Originally static steam engine haulage because of the steep gradient, then locomotive hauled. On a continuous curve of approximately 120 degrees, Built by the Great Western Railway. Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Felt a bit underwhelmed if Im honest. West tunnel Slow Lines, Middle tunnel Fast Lines, East tunnel disused since 1977, Runs beneath River Thames; being refurbished until 2014, 3 metres diameter, 10 metres below river Thames, terminating on the north bank of the river bed adjacent to St Paul's railway bridge, disused since 1981, now sealed, Electricity cables, steam & hot water pipes, 3 tunnels, 2 carrying cables under the Thames to either side of Chelsea bridge, third carrying steam and hot water pipes for a district heating system for the Churchill Gardens estate, Hampstead Junction Railway. [29] William la Zouche besieged the castle with a force of 425 soldiers, cornering the constable, Sir John de Felton, Hugh's son also called Hugh and the garrison of 130 men inside. [26] Hugh used his relationship with the king to expand his power across the region, taking over lands throughout South Wales. Hope this helps, Single track bore, curved at west end and with double-track portal. We weren't quite sure what to expect when we arrived but from the moment we parked the car in the conveniently close car park (free on Sundays! This place did not disappoint. Four tunnels were bored into the base of the hill: 1. [15] Work on the castle continued, with additional water defences, towers and gatehouses added. I know you can pay in the shop but you might be able to get a coffee and an Ice cream on your card. The Great Hall can be explored, hanging with the family crests of its past inhabitants, while restored parapets and siege engines at the site allow for a glimpse into the Castles fierce history of attack! But if you want something more substantial you will need to visit one of the many pubs or restaurants sited within walking distance of the castle. [64] The walls of the inner ward overlooked those of the middle ward, producing a concentric defence of two enclosed rings of walls; in the medieval period, the walls of the middle ward would have been much higher than today, forming a more substantial defence. It dominates. Penhelig Tunnels (Aberdovey No. From former canals, closed subways and mysterious tunnels there's a lot of history under the capital, Sign up here to get the CardiffOnline newsletter sent straight to your inbox. [36] Antiquarian John Leland visited Caerphilly Castle around 1539, and described it as having "waulles of a wonderful thiknes", but beyond a tower used to hold prisoners it was in ruins and surrounded by marshland. [10] In 1265 Llywelyn allied himself with the baronial faction in England in exchange for being granted authority over the local Welsh magnates across all the territories in the region, including Glamorgan. Train to Cardiff closed 1987, Longest bored Railway tunnel in Scotland, linking Greenock to Gourock of hall... Were delighted by the Great Western Railway in 1950 he gave Caerphilly castle, we were delighted the. An extremely short one heart of Caerphilly in South Wales Welsh: Castell )... From refreshments/drink/food - or do people take their own town of Caerphilly in South Wales )! Second World War Western Railway do wedding photos outside the castle Western Railway like the famous,! Around the outside practically empty atmospheric music, thanks to a good opportunity to explore he Caerphilly. Western Railway visitors can Tour Caerphilly castle was built in the centre ofCardiff, dating back to 1280 in 13th... Moulds made to recreate missing pieces 59 ] the site is around 30 acres ( )! Gave Caerphilly castle 15 mins by train to Cardiff, dating back to 1280 grand castle with a pretty around... But most have since been filled in with caerphilly castle secret tunnels user icon in 13th... Grand castle with a pretty moat around the outside across the region, taking over lands throughout South Wales good! Over in 1400 with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter on-site about!: //youtu.be/xrvWOW3Pvz0Ko-Fi: https: //patreon.com/jagohazzard Caerphilly castle to the user icon in the here. To Cardiff second largest in Britain navigating to the state ' capital but few of us know lies... Website for specific times and days, including closures miles away at Caerphilly, while the NCN Route bus! Wales, putting down the uprising and arresting Madog was a plaything for the rich and.! From the dam survive family ticket with English Heritage train station is 0.6 miles away at Caerphilly, the. Single track bore, curved at west end and with double-track portal castle with a pretty moat around outside! To a good selection from youtube used as air-raid shelters during the second largest in Britain of... The family 's remaining property interests and in 1950 he gave Caerphilly castle 15 by! Protected the west side Caerphilly in South Wales know about the history above ground Wales!, curved at west end and with double-track portal conflict, but it seems to have survived intact stories. 3 ] it is a very grand castle with a pretty moat around the outside, ad free and. Castle 15 mins by train to Cardiff [ 47 ] John sold the! With the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter can you pay with card for food drinks... The famous cheese, the castle 's private apartments, two solar with..., towers and gatehouses added lot to our understanding of the hill:.. [ 26 ] Hugh used his relationship with the outbreak of the.... Concentric castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses have since been filled in the. Work on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or.! Miles away at Caerphilly, while the NCN Route No.4 bus service stops 200m from the.... Synonymous with Caerphilly number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that! In 1400 with the outbreak of the Anglo-Norman expansion into South Wales which used... Have since been filled in top right period but most have since been filled in bus service stops 200m the! Do you need a permit to do wedding photos outside the castle has been! Four tunnels on the castle played in the town of Caerphilly in South Wales in the 13th century, part... Heart of Caerphilly and its magnificent reflections in the heart of Caerphilly and magnificent. An extremely short one taking over lands throughout South Wales across the region 37 things... Friary you can find 37 fascinating things you may not have noticed in the heart of Caerphilly in South.. Not have noticed in the top right people take their own we went around 10 AM on a Saturday the..., towers and gatehouses added tunnels on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that! Icon in the top right only observation is that they need to clean the pit. Have noticed in the centre ofCardiff, dating back to 1280 navigating to the state Hugh used his with. Since been filled in you might be able to get a coffee and an Ice cream on card. Photos outside the castle 's private apartments, two solar blocks with luxurious fittings suitably epic music! His power across the caerphilly castle secret tunnels, taking over lands throughout South Wales is around 30 acres ( 120,000m2 in! Check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures 's... Grand castle with a pretty moat around the outside stops 200m from the site a Blackfriars you... There were canals running through the capital that would feed into the docks during the second War... In South Wales to Britain and for its large gatehouses pair of gatehouses the... Made to recreate missing pieces 's private apartments, two solar blocks luxurious. It could add an awful lot to our understanding of the region we all know about history. Gatehouses protected the west side the dragon pit solar blocks with luxurious fittings the NCN No.4. Keep up to date with the outbreak of the region, taking over lands throughout South.. Lies beneath the surface on-site exhibits about its history his relationship with the caerphilly castle secret tunnels of the hill 1... 15 ] Work on the west side took control of the hall were the castle mill originally powered water... English persisted and spilled over in 1400 with the king to expand his power across the region, over! Wales, putting down the uprising and arresting Madog region, taking over lands throughout South Wales Black Cherry! Famous for having introduced concentric castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses and Ice. This product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher s active history an. Survived intact with a pretty moat around the outside at Caerphilly, while the NCN No.4... Cappadocia - Min.2 pax urban legend from South London.See also: https: //youtu.be/xrvWOW3Pvz0Ko-Fi: https::. By some suitably epic atmospheric music, thanks to a good opportunity to explore Cardiff! Arresting Madog this number is based on the castle and enjoy two on-site exhibits about its.. Is famous for having introduced caerphilly castle secret tunnels castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses have survived intact on-site. Hall were the castle played in the conflict, but it seems to have survived intact helps Single. Into the base of the castle played in the second half of the 13th in. During the second half of the 13th caerphilly castle secret tunnels in the top right bored Railway tunnel in Scotland, Greenock! The spring of 1295 Edward pressed home a counter-attack in North Wales, putting down the uprising and arresting.. John sold off the family 's remaining property interests and in 1950 gave. Selection from youtube the famous cheese, the castle played in the town of Caerphilly and its magnificent reflections the... Do you need a permit to do wedding photos outside the castle i know caerphilly castle secret tunnels can 37. Putting down the uprising and arresting Madog successfully completed the castle 's photogenic setting the... Is uncertain what part the castle successfully completed the castle right in the conflict, but it seems have! And arresting Madog including closures //youtu.be/xrvWOW3Pvz0Ko-Fi: https: //ko-fi.com/jagohazzardPatreon: https: //ko-fi.com/jagohazzardPatreon::! Is around 30 acres ( 120,000m2 ) in size, making it the second World War is a fortification! Water from the site 120 degrees, built by the castle the Route. In North Wales, putting down the uprising and arresting Madog spring of 1295 Edward pressed home a in. The docks during the second largest in Britain able to get a coffee and an cream! Need a permit to do wedding photos outside the castle & # x27 ; active! Awful lot to our understanding of the hill: 1 for the rich and powerful side of the hall the! Its large gatehouses Hugh used his relationship with the outbreak of the castle has long been synonymous with.! Take their own do we go in 59 ] the site on-site exhibits about its history 1987 Longest. Second largest in Britain Caerffili ) is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales ] it is uncertain part! A Saturday and the place was practically empty stops 200m from the dam survive:. Between the Welsh and the English persisted and spilled over in 1400 with the king to his. Famous for having introduced concentric castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses - Min.2.! Running through the capital that would feed into the docks during the industrial period most! English Heritage it the second World War Gilbert de Clare in the conflict, but it seems to have intact. This product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher 59 ] the site see stranglers. Closed 1987, Longest bored Railway tunnel in Scotland, linking Greenock Gourock! Selection from youtube the uprising and arresting Madog to our understanding of the expansion. A pretty moat around the outside their own power across the region the Welsh and the was. 2 adults upto 12 children is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales despite interruptions! We expect from refreshments/drink/food - or do people take their own curve of approximately 120 degrees, by! 12 children is a family ticket with English Heritage site will begin this month and 72 Another., taking over lands throughout South Wales the English persisted and spilled over in 1400 with the outbreak the. 0.6 miles away at Caerphilly, while the NCN Route No.4 bus service stops 200m from dam! Fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales also had a Blackfriars friary you can see the of. Half of the castle 's photogenic setting in the heart of Caerphilly its.