Cardiff Castle
Quick Facts
- Location
- UK, Cardiff
- Category
- Historic Ruins & Heritage
- Duration
- 1.5-2 hours through the apartments and keep, 3 with the park and walls
- Opening Hours
- Monday 10:00-18:00 · Tuesday 10:00-18:00 · Wednesday 10:00-18:00 · Thursday 10:00-18:00 · Friday 10:00-18:00 · Saturday 09:00-18:00 · Sunday 09:00-18:00 · From the opening-times page on cardiffcastle.com (checked 5 November 2026): the castle is open to visitors seven days a week all year, closing only on 25 and 26 December and 1 January. In the summer band from March to October weekday doors open at 10:00 and weekend doors at 09:00, with last entry at 17:00 and closing at 18:00; in the winter band from November to February the same openings apply but last entry moves to 16:00 and closing to 17:00. The page notes these times also hold on bank holidays and during school holidays, that final admission for paying visitors is one hour before closing while some attractions inside shut earlier, and that special event days can change the pattern.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: The Castle Ticket costs 16.50 pounds for adults · Student: A concession rate of 13 pounds is offered · The Castle Ticket is free roam for the whole day and allows leaving and returning, covering the Roman remains and Chariot Corner, the Norman keep and battlement walks, the decorated Castle Apartments, the War of the Roses display and the roofs, with sale online and at the ticket office.
- Address
- Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, UK
- Coordinates
- 51.4819, -3.1811
Introduction
Cardiff Castle layers a Roman fort, a Norman motte-and-bailey and lavish Victorian Gothic Revival interiors. In the 19th century the Marquess of Bute and architect William Burges turned the medieval walls into dazzling rooms of gilt, heraldry and myth — the most colourful chapter of Wales's capital.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00-18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-18:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-18:00 |
From the opening-times page on cardiffcastle.com (checked 5 November 2026): the castle is open to visitors seven days a week all year, closing only on 25 and 26 December and 1 January. In the summer band from March to October weekday doors open at 10:00 and weekend doors at 09:00, with last entry at 17:00 and closing at 18:00; in the winter band from November to February the same openings apply but last entry moves to 16:00 and closing to 17:00. The page notes these times also hold on bank holidays and during school holidays, that final admission for paying visitors is one hour before closing while some attractions inside shut earlier, and that special event days can change the pattern.
Ticket Information
| Adult | The Castle Ticket costs 16.50 pounds for adults |
|---|---|
| Student | A concession rate of 13 pounds is offered |
| Child | Children aged 5 to 16 pay 11 pounds and must come with an adult |
| Senior | Each disabled ticket carries one carer free |
| Free Admission | Castle Key and annual pass holders do not need to book |
The Castle Ticket is free roam for the whole day and allows leaving and returning, covering the Roman remains and Chariot Corner, the Norman keep and battlement walks, the decorated Castle Apartments, the War of the Roses display and the roofs, with sale online and at the ticket office.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Cardiff Castle?
Monday: 10:00-18:00; Tuesday: 10:00-18:00; Wednesday: 10:00-18:00; Thursday: 10:00-18:00; Friday: 10:00-18:00; Saturday: 09:00-18:00; Sunday: 09:00-18:00; From the opening-times page on cardiffcastle.com (checked 5 November 2026): the castle is open to visitors seven days a week all year, closing only on 25 and 26 December and 1 January. In the summer band from March to October weekday doors open at 10:00 and weekend doors at 09:00, with last entry at 17:00 and closing at 18:00; in the winter band from November to February the same openings apply but last entry moves to 16:00 and closing to 17:00. The page notes these times also hold on bank holidays and during school holidays, that final admission for paying visitors is one hour before closing while some attractions inside shut earlier, and that special event days can change the pattern.
How much is the admission for Cardiff Castle?
Adult: The Castle Ticket costs 16.50 pounds for adults; Student: A concession rate of 13 pounds is offered; Child: Children aged 5 to 16 pay 11 pounds and must come with an adult; Senior: Each disabled ticket carries one carer free; Free Admission: Castle Key and annual pass holders do not need to book; The Castle Ticket is free roam for the whole day and allows leaving and returning, covering the Roman remains and Chariot Corner, the Norman keep and battlement walks, the decorated Castle Apartments, the War of the Roses display and the roofs, with sale online and at the ticket office.
Any practical tips for visiting Cardiff Castle?
Allow About 2 hours for the visit and try to avoid peak hours. Opening ~9:00–18:00 (reference; subject to official notice); do verify the latest schedule before you set out.
How long should I spend at Cardiff Castle?
A typical visit takes 1.5-2 hours through the apartments and keep, 3 with the park and walls.
