Caerphilly: Castle, mining history and nature

Roman remains and castle history

Caerphilly Castle was built from 1268 by the Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare. The castle occupies a 30-acre site and is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain after Windsor Castle. Its construction date and scale provide a clear historical context for a visit.

Gelligaer Roman Fort is an auxiliary fort that was first excavated towards the end of the 19th century. Today, its remains lie hidden beneath a covering of grass. Visitor facilities include an interpretation area, roadside parking, a viewpoint and picnic benches; facilities may change. A Discovery Trail has been designed for the whole family. Check the latest information about facilities before your visit.

Mining heritage and local history

The Senghenydd National Mining Memorial commemorates the victims of 152 mining disasters in Wales. Senghenydd Memorial Garden features a bronze statue, a memorial wall and a remembrance path; there is a ceramic tile for each disaster. The Welsh Government officially recognised the garden as the National Mining Disaster Memorial Garden of Wales; this recognition was announced in 2024.

At Aber Valley Heritage Museum, mining-related objects sit alongside photographs, archive films and interactive touchscreens. The screens show people from the valley as well as local landmarks and buildings. The museum focuses particularly on Universal Colliery in Senghenydd and Windsor Colliery in Abertridwr. This offers a way to explore local mining history through both the collection and the people and places mentioned.

Walking Through Time is a three-mile circular walk through Aber Valley, taking in 30 attractions marked with blue plaques. The walk offers a different way to engage with history than the museum exhibits: its stops are located along a route through the valley.

Countryside, views and trails

Habitats for wildlife described at Parc Penallta include woodland, ponds, grassland, orchids, dragonflies and flower-filled meadows. The High Point Observatory offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. A large figurative earth sculpture is also a defining feature of the park: it is 200 metres long and 15 metres high, and is among the largest figurative earth sculptures in the country.

The trails in Cwmcarn Forest vary in length and activity. The Twrch Trail offers 15.5 kilometres of almost continuous singletrack for mountain biking and can be ridden year-round. On foot, the nine-mile 1807 Walk passes historical features, woodland and viewpoints. There is also a 1.2-mile circular trail with 21 special stops that can be found using a discovery map. As walking trail diversions may change, check for updates before travelling.

Culture, markets and activity

Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall was granted Grade II listed status in the 1990s. The community arts and entertainment venue can host plays, stand-up comedy, rock concerts and pantomimes; the programme may change. Caerphilly Audio Tours also offers a self-guided walking tour through the history and legends of Caerphilly. Check the latest arrangements before travelling.

Ffos Caerffili is home to more than 20 independent traders offering, among other things, street food and handmade goods. Free and ticketed events are held there, including craft markets, cider festivals, live comedy, music and quiz nights. The mix of traders and the programme may change. Those interested in cycling can also visit Van Rd Trails in Caerphilly, a free-to-use, non-profit dirt-jump facility. Weekly club nights take place in summer, and an annual dual slalom competition is held in autumn; check the dates before your visit.

Getting here and getting around

Caerphilly Transport Interchange is close to Caerphilly Castle. Trains to Bargoed and Cardiff run approximately every 10 to 20 minutes, while trains to Rhymney run approximately every 30 minutes. As timetables may change, it is worth checking the latest times before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Oakdale, Rhymney, Cwmfelinfach, Crosskeys, Blackwood, Caerphilly, Bedwas, Ceredigion.

Return to the main travel overview: Wales.