Castell Coch

Heritage Site in Glamorgan

Wales

Castell Coch

Block of flats on Pendwyallt Road
Block of flats on Pendwyallt Road Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Castell Coch, also known as the Red Castle, is a stunning heritage site located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Perched on a hillside in the dense forest of Tongwynlais, the castle is a picturesque example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Originally, Castell Coch was built in the 13th century as a simple defensive structure. However, in the 19th century, the castle was transformed into a lavish residence by the influential architect William Burges. He designed the castle to resemble a fairy-tale palace, with its distinctive red walls, intricate details, and tall turrets.

The castle's interior is equally impressive, featuring ornate woodwork, intricate stained glass windows, and beautiful painted ceilings. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms, including the Drawing Room, the Banqueting Hall, and the bedrooms, which have been meticulously restored to their original grandeur.

The castle is surrounded by enchanting woodland, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. There are also well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore the beauty of the area.

Today, Castell Coch is managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who are captivated by its unique architecture and rich history. The castle also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, providing visitors with a deeper insight into its past.

In summary, Castell Coch is a magnificent heritage site that beautifully showcases the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Its fairy-tale appearance, stunning interior, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

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Castell Coch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.536/-3.2549 or Grid Reference ST1382. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Block of flats on Pendwyallt Road
Block of flats on Pendwyallt Road
Cae Lewis, Tongwynlais
Cae Lewis, Tongwynlais
St Michael and All Angels, Tongwynlais
St Michael and All Angels, Tongwynlais
Retail units, Tongwynlais,
Retail units, Tongwynlais,
The Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais,
The Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais,
Class 150 Multiple Unit at Taffs Well Class 150 Diesel Multiple Unit 150284 ready to depart north from Taffs Well. Taffs Well receives a frequent service of 6 trains per hour in each direction, being served by trains between Cardiff Central and three Valley Lines termini - Treherbert, Aberdare, and Merthyr Tydfil.
Class 150 Multiple Unit at Taffs Well
Class 150 Diesel Multiple Unit 150284 ready to depart north from Taffs Well. Taffs Well receives a frequent service of 6 trains per hour in each direction, being served by trains between Cardiff Central and three Valley Lines termini - Treherbert, Aberdare, and Merthyr Tydfil.
Castell Coch Castell Coch, Glamorgan
Castell Coch
Castell Coch, Glamorgan
Radyr The Weir on river Taff, near Radyr
Radyr
The Weir on river Taff, near Radyr
Radyr Weir (Cored Radur) The weir was constructed in 1774 to supply water to the long gone Melingriffith Tin Plate Works. In 2015 a hydroelectric power facility was developed alongside the weir to make use of the fast flowing River Taff to generate electricity via two Archimedes screw turbines. The facility became fully operational from April 2016. 
Radyr Weir (Cored Radur)
The weir was constructed in 1774 to supply water to the long gone Melingriffith Tin Plate Works. In 2015 a hydroelectric power facility was developed alongside the weir to make use of the fast flowing River Taff to generate electricity via two Archimedes screw turbines. The facility became fully operational from April 2016. 
Red Castle - Castell Coch Surrounded by the woods of Fforest Fawr, the castle was constructed upon the remains of a 13th Century castle which was used as a hunting lodge by Gilbert de Clare. In 1871 the third Marquess of Bute commissioned William Burges (Architect and Designer) to restore and create a medieval fantasy incorporating the two great towers.
Red Castle - Castell Coch
Surrounded by the woods of Fforest Fawr, the castle was constructed upon the remains of a 13th Century castle which was used as a hunting lodge by Gilbert de Clare. In 1871 the third Marquess of Bute commissioned William Burges (Architect and Designer) to restore and create a medieval fantasy incorporating the two great towers.
Golden path through Fforest Fawr
Golden path through Fforest Fawr
Snow fungus - Tremella fuciformis
Snow fungus - Tremella fuciformis
Beech leaves
Beech leaves
Fungus and beech A waxy white fungus on a fallen beech branch.
Fungus and beech
A waxy white fungus on a fallen beech branch.
Autumn colours on Lesser Garth Hill
Autumn colours on Lesser Garth Hill
Autumn colours on Lesser Garth Hill
Autumn colours on Lesser Garth Hill
Autumn colours on Lesser Garth Hill
Autumn colours on Lesser Garth Hill
Sunken path through woodland in autumn
Sunken path through woodland in autumn
Show me another place!

Castell Coch is located at Grid Ref: ST1382 (Lat: 51.536, Lng: -3.2549)

Unitary Authority: Cardiff

Police Authority: South Wales

What 3 Words

///rear.zealous.venues. Near Radyr, Cardiff

Related Wikis

Castell Coch

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.536,-3.2549
Motorway Junction
Taff's Well Interchange
Lat/Long: 51.5342748/-3.2565369
Motorway Junction
Taff's Well Interchange
Lat/Long: 51.5385771/-3.2606612
Position 501
Ele: 89.3
Lat/Long: 51.5370022/-3.2495754
Position 506
Ele: 86.4
Lat/Long: 51.5373248/-3.2495113
Position 512
Ele: 93.0
Lat/Long: 51.5377625/-3.2492163
Position 516
Ele: 108.9
Lat/Long: 51.5381318/-3.2490189
Position 583
Ele: 152.6
Lat/Long: 51.5403506/-3.253247
Position 589
Ele: 147.5
Lat/Long: 51.5402227/-3.253276
Position 600
Ele: 139.4
Lat/Long: 51.5400471/-3.2532502
Position 607
Ele: 142.9
Lat/Long: 51.5398047/-3.2531975
Position 608
Ele: 167.0
Lat/Long: 51.539386/-3.2531012
Position 614
Ele: 160.7
Lat/Long: 51.5389044/-3.2530551
Pub
The Lewis Arms
Addr City: Tongwynlais
Addr Housenumber: 1
Addr Postcode: CF15 7JP
Addr Street: Mill Road
Brand: Brains
Brand Wikidata: Q3107294
Brand Wikipedia: en:Brains Brewery
Brewery: brains
Fhrs Id: 1437478
Name En: Lewis Arms
Opening Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-23:00
Operator: Marstons
Website: https://www.lewisarmspubcardiff.co.uk/
Wikidata: Q80584552
Lat/Long: 51.5322588/-3.2517405
Note: 20 mph speed limit sign southbound
Lat/Long: 51.5332963/-3.2543932
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Island: no
Tactile Paving: no
Lat/Long: 51.5368184/-3.2590008
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.5341352/-3.2599138
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.5330874/-3.2602384
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.5353315/-3.2608392
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 4
Check Date Capacity: 2023-06-24
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 51.5321415/-3.2515539
Bicycle Parking
Castell Coch
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 6
Covered: no
Operator: CADW
Lat/Long: 51.5361472/-3.2545596
Cafe
Plan2Ride cycle cafe
Addr City: Tongwynlais
Addr Housename: Rear of
Addr Housenumber: 51
Addr Postcode: CF15 7LG
Addr Street: Merthyr Road
Bicycle Parking: rack
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Description: Bicycle Cafe
Fhrs Id: 970858
Opening Hours: Mo,Tu 08:30-13:00; We-Fr 08:30-17:30; Sa 09:30-12:30
Phone: +44 29 2081 0868
Service Bicycle Repair: yes
Website: https://www.plan2ride.co.uk
Lat/Long: 51.5320079/-3.2518753
Bicycle Parking
Lewis Arms
Access: yes
Bicycle Parking: wall_loops
Capacity: 3
Covered: no
Operator: Marstons
Operator Type: business
Lat/Long: 51.5322966/-3.2516223
Camera Direction: 100
Camera Mount: building
Camera Type: fixed
Check Date: 2024-02-24
Man Made: surveillance
Operator: Sphere Solutions Construction Recruitment
Surveillance: outdoor
Surveillance Type: camera
Surveillance Zone: street
Lat/Long: 51.5322126/-3.2584771
Taffs well
Sport: climbing
Lat/Long: 51.5368063/-3.2576637
Direction: 215
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 16
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5333896/-3.2532111
Direction: 175
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 26
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5320855/-3.2514338
Direction: 215
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 8
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5332125/-3.2518338
Direction: 215
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 10
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5330213/-3.2520222
Direction: 125
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 4
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5330298/-3.2519518
Direction: 105
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 18
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5330774/-3.2498302
Direction: 105
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 8
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.533253/-3.2492689
Direction: 285
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 8
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.533268/-3.2493433
Cafe
Lew's
Cuisine: cake;coffee_shop;sandwich;tea
Lat/Long: 51.535815/-3.254652
Shop: gift
Lat/Long: 51.5357864/-3.2547946
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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