Visit Caerphilly Castle and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

• Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
• Visit as many castle as you want
• Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
• Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.

Wandering dragons and castles on islands

You know a castle is unique when instead of a moat surrounding its walls, it's more accurate to call it a lake.

Caerphilly Castle has been standing since the 13^th century on an island in the middle of the Welsh town.

It’s impossible not to take a peek over the rails as you cross the drawbridge.

Watching the gentle waters is a peaceful way to start your adventure.

But let your imagination wander for a moment and the myths of crocodiles prowling the moats of castles can become frighteningly real.

Or more likely in the case of Caerphilly Castle, perhaps it’s the dragons you ought to be keeping an eye out for.

Entering Caerphilly Castle

Gatehouses loom above one after the other as you first enter the castle and it’s hard to believe that any enemy could breach these mighty defences. But they did.

Soon after it was constructed, attacks on the castle began.

But even now after all these centuries have gone by, Caerphilly Castle still stands as the biggest in Wales and only second in Britain to Windsor Castle.

A lot of the castle was restored by the fourth Marquess of Bute in the first half of the 20^th century and you'll notice that as you’re stood within the inner walls.

The inner east gate looks as though it hasn’t seen a day go by since the 13^th century.

But look the other way and the ruined walls of the inner west gate remind you of the war-torn history and age of the castle.

You might even spot the marquess himself, holding up the South-East leaning tower.

It’s a fascinating combination - the restored parts allow you to picture the castle just as it was when knights trotted through the grounds on horseback and Welsh lords plotted their next attacks.

Whereas the ruins hold the stories from all that time ago and seem to radiate a sense of age and wisdom throughout the whole place.

Events to keep an eye out for

History isn’t the only discovery to be made at Caerphilly Castle.

Events ranging from dragon visits to rock and DJ gigs often make their home within the castle walls so be sure to keep an eye out for any upcoming ones.

Exploring the castle is a great way to spend your day.

Whether you’re bringing the kids along or just fancy a wander around the castle walls yourself, we’re sure this won’t be your last visit to Caerphilly Castle.

You’ll be back searching for dragons and roaming the great hall before you know it.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass? 

• Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
• Blaenavon Ironworks, Torfaen
• Caerleon Roman Baths, Newport
• Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
• Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
• Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Castell Coch, Cardiff
• Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
• Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Conwy Castle, Conwy
• Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd
• Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire
• Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
• Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Oxwich Castle, Swansea - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy
• Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
• Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire
• Rug Chapel, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
• Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
• Tretower Court and Castle, Powys
• Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Weobley Castle, Swansea