Private Day Tour Of South Wales, Including Cardiff & Caerphilly Castle

The journey, in full

Caerphilly Castle – A Giant of Medieval Power Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales, and second only to Windsor Castle in the entire United Kingdom. Widely regarded as one of the mightiest medieval fortresses in Europe, it was built to protect Norman (and later English) interests during a turbulent period of Welsh history. Still hugely impressive today, the castle retains much of its original military character. Restoration work carried out by the Marquises of Bute and architect William Burges focused on preservation rather than fantasy—unlike their work at Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch. Surrounded by extensive water defences, Caerphilly appears to rise from the lake itself. Its most famous feature is the dramatically leaning tower—tilting at a greater angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa—which has become one of Wales’ most recognisable landmarks. Restored over more than 170 years, the castle stands as a testament to the Bute family’s commitment to preserving Welsh history. Castell Coch – A Victorian Fairytale Castell Coch, meaning “Red Castle,” is one of the most distinctive castles in Wales. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it looks more like a fairytale palace than a defensive fortress and has become a firm favourite with visitors of all ages. Its storybook appearance has also made it a popular location for film and television. Described by historian David McLees as “one of the greatest Victorian triumphs of architectural composition,” Castell Coch was designed by William Burges for the Marquis of Bute as a summer retreat—ironically, one the family never actually used. Inside, the richly decorated rooms are breathtaking, and from many of them you’ll enjoy sweeping views across Cardiff and the surrounding countryside. The Welsh House – Lunch with Tradition Lunch will be taken at The Welsh House, one of the few restaurants in the city dedicated to traditional Welsh cuisine. Dishes such as lamb cawl (a hearty soup with a comforting, homemade flavour), shepherd’s pie, and Welsh rarebit make this stop consistently popular with guests. Cardiff Castle – From Roman Fort to Victorian Vision Cardiff Castle began life as a Roman fort, traces of which are still visible today. The city’s name itself—Cardiff, or Caerdydd—translates as “Fort on the River Taff.” Developed by the Normans and later English marcher lords, the castle was used at various times as a royal prison before falling into ruin in the 16th century. Acquired by the Bute family in the 17th century, it was under the 3rd Marquis of Bute that the castle was transformed into the extraordinary structure we see today. Often described as a Victorian escapist dream, Cardiff Castle is now both a Welsh national treasure and a popular filming location. Your guide will show you its most fascinating historic features, and you will also have time to explore the Firing Line Museum and the Second World War shelters hidden within the castle walls. Cathays Park – The Civic Heart of Wales Cathays Park is one of the finest examples of an early 20th-century civic centre in the UK. Built on land formerly owned by the Bute family, its grand buildings are constructed from Portland stone—the same material used for St Paul’s Cathedral. Home to Cardiff University, the Crown Court, the Welsh National War Memorial, and the National Museum Cardiff, this area reflects the wealth brought to the city by the booming coal trade from the 18th to the mid-20th century. Here, your guide will also discuss how Cardiff has reinvented itself as one of the UK’s most popular filming locations, and how the creative industries and tourism are helping to reshape post-industrial Wales. National Museum Cardiff – Art of International Standing The National Museum Cardiff houses one of the finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the UK. Spread across 15 galleries, highlights include works by Monet and Cézanne, Renoir’s La Parisienne (“The Blue Lady”), and Rodin’s The Kiss. Alongside its international masterpieces, the museum also displays outstanding Welsh art, both historic and modern. While a single tour can only offer a taster, your guide will ensure you get up close to many of the most celebrated works—and explain how such an extraordinary collection came to be assembled, and who made it possible. Please note: the museum is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday, alternative locations will be included to compensate. Cardiff Market – Old Cardiff Revealed Cardiff Market is one of the finest Victorian covered markets in the UK and a firm favourite with locals. Within its walls you’ll find everything from exceptional cakes and fresh produce to rare vinyl records and second-hand books. Fans of film and television may recognise the market from A Discovery of Witches and Torchwood. Often described as one of the last strongholds of “old Cardiff,” it’s a place best explored with a local. Your guide will point out hidden gems, including a family business trading from the same stall since 1928 and a fishmonger operating here since 1866. Built on the site of Cardiff’s former gaol, the market also stands at the centre of one of the most infamous miscarriages of justice in Welsh—and British—history. What happened here? You’ll find out during the tour. St John the Baptist City Parish Church – Cardiff’s Medieval Survivor St John the Baptist Church is the oldest surviving building in Cardiff and the only remaining structure from the city’s medieval walled town. Built around 1180, it is one of the few pre-Norman structures left in this part of Wales. Much of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century following the sack of Cardiff by Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. While famous today as a filming location for Doctor Who—particularly “The Runaway Bride” starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate—its true treasures lie in its interior. Your guide will highlight the stunning decorative features, including Victorian stained glass created by leading Pre-Raphaelite artists such as William Morris.