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Cardiff Castle History

Pronounced Castell Caerdydd (cast-eth cayer-deeth) in Welsh, Cardiff Castle is in the heart of the city centre and is a world-class heritage attraction.

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance. Found in the heart of the city centre and the grounds of Bute Park. It's been standing since the 11th Century.

Once a Roman fort, Norman stronghold and Victorian Gothic masterpiece, Cardiff Castle’s walls and fairy-tale towers conceal 2,000 years of history. In the 19th century, architect William Burges created a medieval dream world for the 3rd Marquess of Bute - who lived in Cardiff Castle. The results are simply breathtaking. With opulent interiors rich with gilding, elaborate wood carving, murals and stained glass. The clock tower is particularly striking. 

With the exposed Roman wall to view, the medieval keep to climb and the atmospheric Second World War exhibition and air raid shelters to explore, make sure you allow plenty of time for your visit.

Cardiff Castle Events

They have an exciting events calendar, too, with Welsh banquets, family events including the annual Joust and even open-air live music events which have seen The Killers, Stereophonics, Michael Buble, Tom Jones and Queen.

Live Music at Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle Prices 2024

It is recommended that you purchase your Cardiff Castle tickets in advance:

Adults: £15.50
Children (5-16): £10.50
Concessions: £12.50
Under 5s: FREE
Family: from £36.50

Get a Key to the Castle

If you live or work in Cardiff, you can get a FREE castle key. Admission gets you entry to a selection of lavishly decorated rooms in the Castle Apartments, The Norman Keep, Battlement Walk, Wartime Shelters, Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, Interpretation Centre and audio guide (subject to availability) and Cardiff Castle Grounds. The key also gives you discounts on special events and in the gift shop.

Castles in Cardiff

Cardiff has two significant castles, Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch. Both castles showcase Cardiff's rich architectural and cultural heritage. However, there are more castles in Cardiff to discover.

Read More

Stay at Future Inn Cardiff

 

It's incredibly easy to get to Cardiff Castle from Future Inns:

  • It is a 10-minute taxi ride from Future Inn Cardiff to the city centre. There are numerous car parks in the city centre with varying tariffs if you want to drive.
  • Cardiff Bay train station is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and takes you to Cardiff Queen Street station, followed by an 11-minute walk to Cardiff Castle.
  • Several buses go into the city centre from County Hall, across the road from the hotel, taking 16 minutes, or from the Wales Millennium Centre.
  • The Aquabus (water taxi) runs hourly from Cardiff Bay between 1030 and 1630 and stops in Bute Park, in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. Weather permitting. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
  • It would take approximately 35 minutes to walk.
  • As a cycle-friendly hotel, why not ride your bike? It takes 15 minutes to cycle down the Taff Trail to the castle, where there are bike racks. 

Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a laptop safe, complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking, a rare perk in such a central location, as well as the availability of electric car charging.

 

Make a reservation

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.

Book your stay online, with our Reservations Team on 02920 487111 or email reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk 

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Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!


Family-friendly Cardiff Restaurant

 

Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

 

Kids Eat Free

Did we mention that children under 5 eat for free with a paying adult? Children can enjoy an Omelette, Chicken Nuggets, Fish Fingers, Mini Burgers, Roast chicken, and more! Plus, there are lots of delicious desserts and refreshments.

We welcome walk-in's or you can book on 02920 487111, by emailing thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online: 

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