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Brimming with heritage and overflowing with character, this fortress has captured the affections of visitors to Wales who have compared its charm to some of the globe's most renowned monuments. Caerphilly Castle is a medieval fortress that traces its origins back to the 13th century and, after two years of restoration work, has reopened its gates to visitors once more. Tourists can now wander through the Great Hall and inner castle courtyard whilst admiring the cutting-edge digital displays within. The structure was originally erected by Gilbert de Clare as part of his strategy to maintain authority over Glamorgan – then Wales's most densely populated and industrialised county. The Prince of Wales's influence was expanding rapidly, requiring swift assertion of his control. With this objective, construction started in 1268 of what became the nation's largest castle and second only to Windsor Castle across the entire UK. Spanning more than 30 acres with massive walls and gatehouses, alongside extensive water defences, his ambitions were certainly realised. One visitor shared their castle experience on TripAdvisor , saying: "A sprawling site that is quite impressive. The large site minimises crowding, so you should be able to enjoy the site at your leisure – we certainly did. Limited amount of interiors remaining but still well worth the visit." To grasp the enormous scale of this fortress, in contemporary terms, it spans three times the area of the Principality Stadium, Wales' rugby headquarters. The castle has attracted numerous comparisons to Italy's renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa, boasting its own tilting tower that adds to its distinctive character. One tourist said: "Caerphilly Castle is like stepping into a giant storybook filled with knights and kings. From the moment you lay eyes on its towering walls, impressive moat and imposing towers, you are transported back in time." Another visitor highlighted the tower as their preferred attraction, adding: "This is one of the most beautiful castles in the UK. It is very pretty, especially the leaning tower." Caerphilly Castle sits in South Wales, positioned just 30 minutes by car from Cardiff city centre. The location proves equally convenient, being less than an hour from Swansea and within 90 minutes of Gloucester. Castle admission remains affordable, with adult tickets costing £11.90 and family passes priced at £38.10, whilst disabled visitors and children under five enjoy free entry. Regarding the admission charge, one guest observed: "I have paid more for far less at other mansion houses, etc, and this was so worth the entrance fee."
