Cardiff Castle
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Cardiff Castle is one of Wales's leading tourist attractions. Situated in the very heart of the capital, alongside city centre shopping and the magnificent Bute Park, the Castle's enchanting fairytale towers conceal an elaborate and splendid interior. Contained within its mighty walls is a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, dating from the coming of the Romans in the first century AD. After the Norman Conquest, the Castle's Keep was built and a number of Medieval fortifications and dwellings followed. The Castle fell into the possession of many noble families, until, in 1766, it passed by marriage to the Bute family. The 2nd Marquess of Bute was responsible for turning Cardiff into the world's greatest coal exporting port. The Castle and the Bute fortune passed to his son John, the 3rd Marquess, who by the 1860's was reputed to be the richest man in the world. From 1866 the 3rd Marquess employed the genius architect William Burges to transform the Castle lodgings. Within gothic towers he created lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. Each breathtaking room has its own special theme, including Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian decoration. As well as visiting the spectacular interiors, visitors can enjoy the Castle grounds, where peacocks, ducks and geese wander freely, and enjoy a break in the Castle Tea Rooms which offers a warm welcome for coffees, light lunches and afternoon tea. Finally, a visit to the gift shop at the main entrance can provide a memento of this unique site. Opening Times and Prices Open every day except 25 December, 26 December and 1 January March - October: 9am - 6pm (last tour 5pm / last entry 5pm) November - February: 9am - 5pm (last tour 4pm / last entry 4pm) Admission Prices 1 January - 31 December 2011 Essential Ticket Your ticket includes:
Adult £11.00 Child (5-16 years) £8.50 Senior / Student £9.50 Children aged 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Premium Ticket Your ticket includes all elements of the Essential Ticket PLUS a 45 minute guided tour of additional Castle apartments with an expert guide Adult £14.00 Child (5-16 years) £10.50 Senior / Student £12.00 Children aged 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. NB: There may be an additional charge for special events. Cardiff Castle Season Ticket Buy one day - get 12 months free Convert your entry ticket to a Cardiff Castle Season Ticket for FREE and keep coming back as often as you like for 12 months! Ask at the Cardiff Castle Ticket Office for more details A Family Friendly Visit Children's Audio Tour Free Family Trail Stay & Play area with hands on exhibits, art and craft activities, puppet theatre and child sized costumes Buggy parking Baby changing facilities Food and milk warming service in cafe Children's meals Highchairs in cafe Pushchair access throughout the site | |||||||||||||||||||||