Cardiff | Cardiff Castle | Visitor's Guide 🏰

❶ The Keep Gatehouse Built in the 11th century during the Norman period, this main tower stands on an artificial mound and served both defensive and residential purposes. 🛡️ Now open to the public—climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city! It’s the castle’s most historic core structure. ❷ The House Originally a medieval defensive building, Cardiff Castle was transformed in the 1860s by the Marquess of Bute into an idealized Gothic Revival palace. 💫 The interiors are extravagantly decorated, featuring a gold-domed Arabian Room and an astrological library. 📚✨ ❸ Firing Line Museum Located inside the ticket office and souvenir shop building, this museum uses artifacts and multimedia displays to tell the story of Welsh soldiers over 300 years of warfare. 🎖️ Their bravery and sacrifices—in conflicts like the Boer War, WWI, and WWII—are honored here, including those who were wounded, captured, or suffered psychologically. ❹ Wartime Tunnels Hidden within the castle walls, these secret tunnels sheltered thousands of Cardiff residents during German air raids in WWII. 🚧 Today, preserved with sound effects of explosions, they offer a powerful glimpse into the past. ❺ The Battlement The heart of a medieval castle’s defense system—soldiers once stood guard here, protecting the gates from invaders. 🏹 Visitors can now walk along the walls and experience a defender’s view. You can access the wall after exiting the wartime tunnels. ❻ The Clock Tower This tall tower features four clock faces symbolizing the “Personifications of the Twelve Hours” (e.g., Labor, War, Art, Meditation). ⏰ General admission does not include entry—only available through a guided tour. ❼ The Red Dragon A symbol of Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿—though it’s smaller than you might imagine! 🐉 🕒 Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week Mar-Oct: Weekdays 10 AM–6 PM | Weekends 9 AM–6 PM Nov-Feb: Weekdays 10 AM–5 PM | Weekends 9 AM–5 PM Last entry 1 hour before closing ⚠️ ⏳ Recommended Visit: 1.5 hours (excludes Clock Tower tour) 🎫 Tickets: Adult: £16 Student: £12.50 (Free with Art Pass 🆓) Guided Tour of the Clock Tower: Tours at 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 | Duration: 35 min | £4.5 💷 #CardiffCastle #Cardiff #Wales #UK #Travel #Guide #HistoryExploration