Cardiff Castle is a part-medieval, part-Victorian castle in Cardiff city centre, Wales. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 and reflects the current £16 adult ticket price, resolving out-of-date pricing found in older guides.
Quick facts about Cardiff Castle
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 10:00 to 18:00 (Mon-Fri, Summer), 09:00 to 18:00 (Weekends, Summer). Shorter hours in Winter. |
| Ticket prices | Adult £16, Child £10.50, Concessions £12.50, Family £42.50, Under 5s free. |
| Address | Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, United Kingdom. |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Cardiff Central railway station (10-minute walk); NCP Westgate Street (parking). |
| Typical time needed to visit | 90 minutes to 2 hours (up to 3 hours with guided house tour). |
Cardiff Castle opening hours
Cardiff Castle opening hours run from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays between March and October. Final admission is one hour before closing.
During winter (November to February), the site opens from 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 17:00 on weekends. The site closes on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Cardiff Castle ticket prices
A standard adult ticket to Cardiff Castle costs £16, and a child ticket (ages 5 to 16) is £10.50. Seniors, students, and disabled visitors enter for £12.50, and under-fives enter free. Family tickets cost £42.50.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026. Cardiff Castle is not included in any city pass scheme (such as Go City or CityPass), as Cardiff does not currently operate one.
How to get to Cardiff Castle
To get to Cardiff Castle, head to Castle Street in the Cardiff city centre. It is easily accessible on foot from central hotels and transport hubs.
Cardiff Central railway station is a 10-minute walk from the entrance. Local bus routes stop directly outside the castle walls.
Parking at Cardiff Castle
There is no dedicated on-site parking at Cardiff Castle. Visitors travelling by car must use nearby public car parks.
The closest options are the NCP car parks on Westgate Street and Pellett Street, both a five-minute walk away. St David’s shopping centre provides paid parking 10 minutes away.
How long to spend at Cardiff Castle
Visitors typically need 90 minutes to two hours to view the grounds and the Norman Keep. This allows time to read interpretation panels and walk the battlements.
Adding a guided tour of the house requires at least three hours. Tickets are valid all day.
Accessibility at Cardiff Castle
The visitor centre, public square, and museum are fully accessible for wheelchair users. Accessible toilets and an induction loop are available.
The Norman Keep and house upper levels of this European castle are not accessible to those with reduced mobility due to steep stone steps. Assistance dogs are permitted indoors.
Inside / what to see at Cardiff Castle
The Norman Keep sits on a mound in the centre of the grounds and requires climbing 50 stone steps. It provides elevated views across the city and the surrounding parkland.
The Castle Apartments contain Victorian Gothic revival interiors designed by architect William Burges. These rooms feature physical wood carvings, painted murals, and stained glass windows.
The Firing Line museum is located underground and covers the history of the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and the Royal Welsh. It displays military artefacts, uniforms, and historical documents.
The Wartime Shelters are situated within the outer walls and demonstrate how the structure was used to protect civilians during World War II air raids. The corridors include audio elements replicating wartime broadcasts.
The Roman Wall exhibits the 2,000-year-old foundations of the original Roman fort. These structural remains were discovered in the 19th century and are visible alongside the modern visitor facilities.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive at 09:00 on weekends to view the Keep before peak crowds arrive. |
| Crowds | The site is busiest during school holidays, so morning visits are recommended. |
| Layout | The site is largely outdoors, meaning weather conditions will impact your visit. |
| Entry process | Buying Cardiff Castle tickets online allows you to bypass the ticket desk queue upon arrival. |
| On-site logistics | There are uneven surfaces throughout the historic sections, requiring sturdy footwear. |
Frequently asked questions about Cardiff Castle
| Question | Answer |
| Is Cardiff Castle suitable for children? | Yes, children are welcome, though pushchairs cannot access the Keep or upper house levels. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Cardiff Castle? | No, but booking online guarantees entry and skips the purchase queue. |
| Is Cardiff Castle open on Sundays? | Yes, it opens on Sundays year-round, starting at 09:00. |
| Are bags allowed at Cardiff Castle? | Yes, day bags are allowed, but large luggage is restricted and there are no lockers. |
Things to do near Cardiff Castle
- Principality Stadium Tours: Guided tours of the national stadium of Wales.
- Techniquest: An interactive science centre located in Cardiff Bay.
- Cardiff Bay Boat Tours: Sightseeing boat trips departing from Bute Park.
- Escape Rooms Cardiff: An indoor puzzle attraction located close to the castle walls.
- National Museum Cardiff: A major museum in the civic centre (free entry, but special exhibitions carry a fee).
