**Caerphilly Castle Unveils Dramatic Transformation Ahead of Grand Reopening**
After more than two years of intricate restoration and a multi-million-pound investment, Caerphilly Castle – Wales’s largest fortress – is preparing to welcome the public once again. Scheduled to reopen its gates on Saturday, 19 July, the thirteenth-century stronghold has undergone its most ambitious refurbishment to date, breathing new life into the historic landmark.
Central to the renewal is the castle’s imposing Great Hall, which has been meticulously redecorated to evoke its original medieval splendour. What was once a stark, stone-walled chamber now dazzles visitors with decorations and digital installations designed to recreate the vibrant atmosphere of a royal banquet in the 1320s. Through these enhancements, guests will be offered a vivid sense of stepping back in time, as the echoes of ancient festivities are brought to life.
Teams comprising stonemasons, archaeologists, and conservation professionals have united under the leadership of the Cadw heritage body to both uncover and safeguard the heritage of Caerphilly Castle. The fortress, constructed in 1268 by Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare to defend against the ambitions of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales, has stood as a monument through centuries of conflict and peacetime.
Beyond the restoration of the Great Hall, the renovation has granted the public access to the medieval water-gate passageway—a feature that intricately links the Great Hall to the tranquil southern lake. Significant repairs have also been completed on the Inner East Gatehouse, the imposing entryway that greets visitors entering the castle’s inner ward. This extensive programme has been described as Cadw’s most significant conservation effort to date, ensuring the durability and relevance of the castle for future generations.
Modern accessibility has been a central theme in the redevelopment. New ramps, pathways and a wildflower garden have been incorporated, making the historic site more inclusive for visitors of all ages and abilities. The Great Hall now benefits from underfloor heating and a state-of-the-art kitchen, paving the way for an array of events and weddings in the majestic setting. Upgraded visitor facilities, including new toilets, further enhance the guest experience.
Interactive and digital exhibits now illuminate the castle’s complex history, tracing the lives of the men, women, and children who occupied its walls over the centuries. These displays explore power struggles, betrayals, and alliances, giving special mention to the Fourth Marquis of Bute, who played a pivotal role in the castle’s twentieth-century restoration. Rich storytelling and cutting-edge technology combine to deepen visitors’ understanding of the castle’s role as a guardian over the town of Caerphilly.
In an effort to encourage inclusivity, the Welsh Government has announced that anyone on universal credit can explore the newly unveiled castle for just £1 per ticket. This initiative, available across Cadw-staffed heritage sites (excluding Castell Carreg Cennen and Weobley Castle), aims to open the doors of Welsh history to more families and individuals, with tickets required to be booked in advance and eligibility to be verified upon arrival.
The restoration effort has also inspired local engagement, with pupils from Ysgol Y Castell participating in the festivities by burying a time capsule in the new wildflower garden—a symbolic gesture tying together the past, present, and future of the landmark. The beloved dragons, as well as the southeast tower – perhaps the most iconic features of the castle – have also been carefully attended to, readying the site for eager visitors.
Caerphilly Castle stands as the largest fortress in Wales and the second largest in the United Kingdom, surpassed only by Windsor Castle. The completion of this extensive renewal project not only preserves its history but also ensures its continued position as a focal point for community, tourism, and Welsh heritage in the years to come. As the gates swing open once more, the castle’s enduring walls are set to captivate a new generation of explorers and storytellers.