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Caerphilly dates back to the Romans, who built a fort on the site of the castle around AD75. After the Norman invasion the area remained in Welsh hands until it fell to the English nobleman Gilbert de Clare in 1266, who started to build Caerphilly Castle in 1268. The castle remains a pure example of 13th century architecture, and is the second largest in Britain, after Windsor Castle.
The town was around the castle. It became a market town and later grew as the coal industry took hold of the surrounding valleys.
The town has many notable sons and daughters including:
- Dancer, Amy Dowden
- Footballer, Aaron Ramsey
- Comedian and magician, Tommy Cooper. There is a statue of Tommy overlooking the castle in Twyn Square.
Of course, the town is also famed for Caerphilly Cheese - which you can buy at Coffi Vista.
| Town Attractions |
Caerphilly Castle - the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in the UK (after Windsor Castle) Essential Caerphilly - Explore the Town's Legends and History - audio tour Coffi Vista - and Visitor Centre The town also has a good range of independent shops to explore. |
| Nearby Attractions (within approximately 7.5 miles) |
Welsh National and Universal Mining Memorial Garden, Senghenydd The Meadows Farm Village Retreat Parc Penallta - which includes the amazing earth art "Sultan the Pit Pony". Nantgarw China Works and Museum Caerphilly Mountain - and the famous Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar |
| Events |
Caerphilly hosts events throughout the year including the annual Big Cheese Festival held around the castle each September and the Christmas River of Light Parade and Fireworks display each December. There are also regular Farmers Markets and Craft Markets. |
| Hotels |
There are 2 Premier Inn and a Travelodge in Caerphilly town. Other hotels nearby include Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa and Llechwen Hall Hotel. Caerphilly is around a 20 minute drive from the centre of Cardiff and there is a direct train line so the hotels in the capital city are also good options for groups visiting Caerphilly. |
| Cafes and Restaurants |
Caerphilly has many great bars, cafes and restaurants - the staff at Coffi Vista - and Visitor Centre can help you find the best match to your needs. Here are a few suggestions:
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| Walks | Caerphilly Mountain is a great place for a walk - with stunning views across the Bristol Channel and into Wales. |
| Length of Stay | Caerphilly is a great half day destination. |
| Coach Parking | Coach Drop Off: Castle Court Shopping Centre, Caerphilly CF83 1NU (opposite the Castle) Coach Parking: Crescent Road, Caerphilly CF83 1XY |
| Toilets | There are public toilets in Morgan Jones Park, below Coffi Vista and in Caerphilly Library. |
| Tourist Information and contact for more information | Tourist Information is available at the Coffi Vista - and Visitor Centre |
| Other Information |
