A Welsh market town near Cardiff, known for its 13th-century castle - the largest in Wales - and creamy white cheese that originated here in 1831.
Caerphilly sits 7 miles north of Cardiff in South Wales. You can explore one of Britain's largest medieval fortresses, taste the town's famous crumbly cheese at local markets, and walk up Caerphilly Mountain for views stretching to the Bristol Channel. The castle's southeastern tower leans at a 10-degree angle - more than the Tower of Pisa.
The Mighty Caerphilly Castle
You can explore 30 acres of medieval architecture at Caerphilly Castle, the second-largest castle in Britain after Windsor. Walk up the southeastern tower, which leans at a 10-degree angle from Civil War damage or ground movement. Two lakes surround the castle, forming its original moat system. Climb the towers for town views, walk through the Great Hall with its medieval furniture, and watch interactive displays about life in the 1200s.
Local Food Scene and Markets
Caerphilly's white, crumbly cheese remains the town's most famous export. Visit Castle Court Craft and Food Market, held monthly beside the castle, where local farmers and producers sell fresh cheese, bread, and Welsh foods. Each summer, the Big Cheese Festival fills the castle grounds with food vendors, live music, and actors recreating medieval scenes.
Walking Routes and Natural Areas
Walk to Caerphilly Mountain's summit for clear views of Cardiff, its docks, and the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. The Rhymney Riverside Walk stretches 32 miles along the valley from the river's source to Cardiff. Take children to Morgan Jones Park's summer splash pad, or explore Penallta Park's walking paths and wildlife spots on land reclaimed from a former coal tip.
Coal Mining History
Visit the Aber Valley Museum in Senghenydd to see mining equipment, historical photographs, and read stories from local miners. The East Winding House at Elliot Colliery, now protected as a Grade II building, shows how the coal industry employed over 3,000 local workers. Watch theater shows and community events at Blackwood Miners' Institute, built with money from miners' wages.
Getting Around
Three train stations connect Caerphilly to Cardiff Queen Street, with a 13-minute journey time. Drive the A469 road south to Cardiff or north to the Heads of the Valleys Road. Catch buses from Caerphilly Interchange, located next to the main railway station.
