CAERPHILLY COUNTY

Dominating an impressive 30 acre site, Caerphilly Castle is Wales’ largest and Britain’s second largest castle behind Windsor.

This medieval fortress was built mainly between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert de Clare. Known as Gilbert ‘The Red’ because of his red hair, denoting his Norman heritage, he built the castle to take control of Glamorgan and to prevent the Welsh Prince Llewellyn ap Gruffudd from achieving his southward ambitions. The design of the castle is based on a concentric ring of walls, something not seen in Britain before. It also has an extensive ring of water defences and huge gatehouses. This mammoth stronghold remains a striking testament to the Anglo-Norman domination of the area.

Unearth the hidden history of Caerphilly County Borough at the Winding House Museum, featuring a changing programme of fascinating exhibitions on the local area’s history, heritage and culture. Research your family’s past, discover the Victorian winding engine, eat, drink and purchase memorabilia in the museums gift shop! Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Commemorating the fallen of the 152 mining disasters across Wales, the National Mining Memorial was unveiled on the centenary of the Universal Colliery Disaster in Senghenydd on the 14th of October 2013. The memorial incorporates a bronze statue, wall of remembrance & path of memory within the memorial garden, dedicating a ceramic tile to each disaster.

With an estimated 5000 hectares of open access land available for walkers, exploring the countryside couldn’t be easier.

Whether it’s healthy short walks, intermediate 5-8 mile walks or more strenuous 20+ mile walks, we have a great selection available. Detailed information on walking routes and country parks can be found here.

Cwmcarn Forest offers mountain bikers the very best in adrenaline filled rides. With superb trails of the very highest quality that are not for the faint hearted.