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Cardiff and its region boast a huge number of historic sites. Starting in the capital and travelling through seven nearby counties you will come across some of the most fascinating castles and heritage sites the UK has to offer. Please find below our suggestions for a Roman & Norman Break.

 

Cardiff Castle

 

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Moving north, Castell Coch rests peacefully in the woods behind the village of Tongwynlais. Locally known as a fairytale castle, its round towers and red turrets are similar of those castles along the banks of the Rhine. Originally a Norman Castle, it was rebuilt by the architect William Burges for the third Marquis of Bute during the 19th Century. They were both fond of the medieval period and the Marquis was reputedly the richest man in the world in his day.

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Ten minutes drive away and situated in the town centre lies Caerphilly Castle. Castles don’t come much grander than Caerphilly, this is the second largest castle in Britain, after Windsor. It was built by Gilbert De Clare in the late 13th century and has everything: classic concentric design, high towers, moats, banqueting hall, working replicas of siege engines and even a tower that out leans Pisa.

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Bearing east from Cardiff, just past Newport, is the Roman town of Caerleon (Isca). It is believed that during the Roman occupation Caerleon was one of the most important towns in Britain, one of three major fortresses. A relatively small University town on the outskirts of Newport, Caerleon has the Roman Legionary Museum, an amphitheatre which includes the most complete in Britain and the only remains of a Roman Legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe.

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Following the River Usk north, for about 15 miles (24 kilometres), you will come across another ancient Roman town called Usk (Burrium). This was another large Roman fort with the ruins being uncovered underneath its modern streets. There is also an 11th century Norman Castle where one of the wives of Henry VIII lived. The 15th century Raglan Castle is sited 4 miles north of Usk, is one of the most spectacular castles in the UK. Despite demolition attempts by Cromwell’s forces during the Civil War, much of the Castle, in particular the Great Tower and state apartments, survives.

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Moving towards the breathtaking scenery of the Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey sits 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of Cardiff. Founded in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th & 14th century it struggled through the Black Death and continued to operate until the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII in 1536. The abbey is in remarkable condition and has been attracting visitors since the 18th Century, who have been entranced by the beauty of the site and its surroundings. Following the beautiful River Wye south is the market town of Chepstow. This ancient walled town is overlooked by the inspiring Norman Castle, the first stone built castle in Wales. This was a significant base for the Norman conquest of South Wales and was originally built to guard the border between England and Wales.