Wales’ largest castle sees spike in visitor numbers after regeneration

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Visitor numbers at Caerphilly Castle have increased following the completion of the first phase of a major conservation and regeneration programme, as work moves into its second stage.

Nearly 60,000 people visited the site between July and December last year, following more than three years of conservation work at the historic attraction, which is the largest castle in Wales.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has invested £8m in Phase 1 of the project, focusing on improvements to the visitor experience.

The work includes the refurbishment of the 13th-century Great Hall, which has been redecorated to reflect medieval furnishings and architecture, supported by digital technology designed to create a more immersive experience for visitors.

Additional improvements include the installation of underfloor heating, new accessible visitor toilets and interactive digital exhibits positioned throughout the castle to interpret its history.

Cadw has now begun preparatory design work for future phases of the project.

Planned improvements include repairs to the bridges leading into and through the castle, as well as works in the outer ward where a new welcome centre is proposed.

Dr Kathryn Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “The new presentation at the castle will help consolidate its place as an unmissable heritage attraction for visitors to south Wales”.

Jamie Pritchard, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I was delighted to hear that visitors to the castle have increased in the last 6 months. Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in all of Wales, and our residents cherish and celebrate it.

“The Caerphilly Town 2035 engagement project has emphasised the fact that our town has something unique to offer Welsh tourism, and I’m excited to see the developments continue and for us to welcome more visitors to Caerphilly.”