Cardiff Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerdydd) in Wales was founded by the Normans in 1091, on the site of a Roman fort whose remains can still be seen. The castle's most famous occupant was Robert, Duke of Normandy, who was imprisoned there by his younger brother, King Henry I of England, from 1106 until 1134. In 1158 it was the scene for a daring kidnapping carried out by one Ifor Bach (Ivor the Little). The Welsh took it again in 1404, under Owain Glyndŵr. In 1488, it came into the possession of Jasper Tudor.

During the 19th century, a new mock medieval castle was built to the design of William Burges, architect to the third Marquis of Bute, as a fairytale residence. The castle was later given to the city of Cardiff by the Bute family. It is now a popular tourist attraction, and houses a regimental museum in addition to the ruins of the old castle and the Victorian reconstruction.

The castle is set near Cardiff's bustling city centre and sits in the expansive grounds of Bute Park. The city's civic centre, Cathays Park is also nearby. Confusingly, the castle is not located on Castle Street but nearby Duke Street.

Cardiff Castle plays host to Cardiff University's Summer Ball each year. It is also the site of Wales' largest Mardi Gras held every August.

The castle has hosted a number of rock concerts and performances and has the capacity to accommodate over 10,000 people. Notable concerts include the Stereophonics Live at Cardiff Castle in June 1998 and Green Day in 2000.

 Address:

Cardiff Castle
Castle Street
Cardiff CF10 3RB
Wales

 Telephone:

029 2087 8100

 Website:

http://www.cardiffcastle.com

 Admission Charge:-

Grounds and Full Guided Tour of the apartments (approximately 50 minutes):
Adults: £6.95
Children: £4.30
Senior Citizens: £5.40
Students: £5.60 (upon production of a Student Card)
Family Rate: £22.40 (2 adults & 3 children or 1 adult & 4 children)

Grounds only:
Adults: £3.50
Children: £2.20
Senior Citizens: £2.70
Students: £2.95 (upon production of a Student Card)
Family Rate: £11.40

Admission to Grounds includes Norman Keep, Military Museum, Tea Room and Gift Shop.

 Hours:

Cardiff Castle is open every day, all year round, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

March to October: 9.30am to 6 pm (last tour/entry 5pm)

November to February: 9.30am to 5 pm (last tour and last entry 4.00pm)

 Facilities for the Disabled:

Regrettably, the Castle apartments are not accessible for wheelchair users, although the Castle green, tearooms, Education Centre and Welsh Banquets area can be easily reached. Toilet facilities for disabled visitors are also located in the grounds. Touch tours can be arranged for pre-booked groups with visual impairments - please contact them more details.