Things to do in Caerphilly

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of Caerphilly castle in summer, Wales
Aerial view of Caerphilly castle in summer, Wales
Aerial view of Caerphilly castle in summer, Wales
This 13th-century island castle is a fun visit despite its dark and gloomy exterior. The castle is important for having introduced concentric defences to Britain, as well as being a filming location for several episodes of Doctor Who.
Crooked tower
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Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Opened in June 1999 complete with the first fully retractable roof in the UK, it has hosted some of the world’s most famous sporting events as well as concerts featuring the biggest entertainers in show business, from Take That, One Direction and Oasis to Madonna, Rihanna and Beyoncé.
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Millennium Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

The park is made up of 519 square miles of mountain ranges, river valleys, rolling hills, forests, lakes, waterfalls and hidden caves. In among this stunning natural beauty, you will also find some of Wales’ most colourful towns, pubs, farmers’ markets and Michelin-starred restaurants. The quaint village of Llanddewi Skirrid near Abergavenny is particularly worth a visit.
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Brecon Beacons National Park which includes a waterfall, a lake or waterhole and rainforest

3. Cardiff Castle

A 12-sided medieval keep offering panoramic views across the city from a platform at its top is at the castle’s heart, but the site is also full of later additions that capture the imagination. Fabulous mock-Gothic features, including an extravagant banqueting hall and clock tower, were added during the Victorian era.
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Cardiff Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

4. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
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Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

5. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
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Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

6. Caerphilly Castle

The second distinctive feature is the system of defences, built in large part surrounded by a system of large artificial lakes. Caerphilly Castle was originally constructed in the 13th Century, which makes the engineering behind the construction of the dams and sluice gates required to create the water defences even more impressive.
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This castle is amazing. A must see! And Caerphilly is an excellent place all around.

What to do in Caerphilly

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadiumin Cardiff is one of the most famous sporting arenas on the planet, envied the world over for its cauldron-like atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

Cardiff Castle

Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most important cultural attractions. A rich history spanning 2,000 years is contained within its walls and fairytale-style towers.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, signage and modern architecture

Wales Millennium Centre

An architectural masterpiece, the Wales Millennium Centre is at the heart of Cardiff Bay, a wonderfully regenerated area full of striking buildings, wide open spaces and intriguing pieces of public art.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Tintern Abbey

The monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey are nestled in the heart of the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty and can boast 900 years of history in their walls. This was the first Cistercian abbey built in Wales and only the second in Britain, and despite now being exposed to the elements, it remains one of the most stunning surviving examples of gothic architecture in the country.

Tintern Abbey
Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

Learn about the local history of Cardiff with a stop at Cardiff Bay Waterfront. Discover the area's fascinating museums, or seek out its local tours.

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

Frequently asked questions

Is Caerphilly worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to experience the cultural attractions and local charm or try regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Caerphilly.
How do I spend a day in Caerphilly?
Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay Waterfront are two good places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Caerphilly while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Caerphilly?
You can't go home without checking out Cardiff Castle, ranked the top tourist attraction in Caerphilly.
Is three days enough to stay in Caerphilly?
Three days in Caerphilly is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Castell Coch, Insole Court and St. Fagan's Castle are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Cardiff.
Is Caerphilly a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in Caerphilly. Several top attractions, such as Castell Coch and Ogmore Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Caerphilly's neighborhoods, Tongwynlais is 5 kilometers away from downtown, while Van is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Caerphilly with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Caerphilly with kids.

What to do in Caerphilly for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Caerphilly for adults including Cardiff City Hall and The Senedd.
Are there free things to do in Caerphilly?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Caerphilly is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. St. Fagan's Castle is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.