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Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly South Wales
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales
This massive 'sleeping giant' of a castle effortlessly dominates the town of Caerphilly. The fortress sprawls over a huge area - 30 acres in all- making it the biggest in Wales and, along with Windsor and Dover, the largest in Britain.
Caerphilly, built in the late 13th century by the Anglo-Norman lord Gilbert de Clare, is a supreme example of the concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence. But water, as well as stone, played a crucial role here. In addition to four formidable gatehouses there are outstanding water defences - which include lakes and three artificial islands - making Caerphilly almost impregnable to siege warfare.
The castle is famous for its 'leaning tower', and has a fascinating display of working replica siege engines.
Access:- A468 (from Newport - 12 miles), A470, A469 (from Cardiff - 9 miles) - Also bus from Cardiff - Railway:- Caerphilly 1/4 mile.
Telephone:- +44 2920 883143
Website:- http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/
Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments. Crown Copyright.
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