Visit Castell Coch 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.

A fairy-tale castle

Take a walk around the 19th-century Castell Coch, known in English as the 'Red Castle' in the hills above the village of Tongwynlais.

You can easily get here on the train from Cardiff - it's only a 15-minute journey to Taffs Well.

You'll be able to see the magical unmistakable turrets from the window of the train as they poke their heads out from the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr.

Breathe in the earthy smell of the forest and hear the wind rustling the leaves as you make the 30-minute walk up to this beautiful site.

The original castle built here was constructed by the Normans after 1081. The reason why? To defend Cardiff - a town they'd recently conquered - and manage the route along the Taff Gorge.

You'll be astonished when you see the appearance of the more recent castle in its place - the result of mixing an architect with a vast imagination and a powerful client with unlimited wealth.

The excitement rises as you step inside the building, built in the 1870s - it's sure to capture your heart.

The classic Victorian furniture

You'll notice the stones of the castle are red which is where the name Castell Coch comes from - the red sandstone is local to the area.

Head inside to see the beauty of different designs in each room designed by William Burges.

You can see his passion for the place when you step into the beautifully decorated Drawing Room.

Admire the strong talent of the artists when you see paintings of plants and animals, such as the mural of Aesop's Fables.

It's hard to believe Castell Coch has been the 2nd home for the wealthy and influential for over 700 years.

Surprisingly, the Marquess of Bute never spent much time in this country residence but we know you'll fall in love with the unique intricacies in this wonderful castle.

You'll be returning again soon to make more magical memories at the stunning Castell Coch.

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