Caerphilly Castle has seen a marked rise in visitor numbers following an extensive conservation programme, according to figures published by Cadw. Between July 2025 and June 2026 the 13th-century stronghold recorded 109,891 visits, placing it among the five most-visited Cadw properties in Wales.
Visitor boost after conservation work
The visit numbers represent a reported 20% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels, a boost Cadw attributes to the reopening of restored areas and ongoing repair works. Last July the castle's Great Hall and medieval watergate were reopened to the public after major stabilisation and conservation work.
Alongside rising footfall, the figures highlight take-up of concessionary access: more than 1,400 people claiming Universal Credit visited the site using the scheme that offers a £1 ticket.
“Seeing more people connect with the site’s history showed why the investment mattered,”
The quotation above reflects Cadw’s assessment of the project’s impact on engagement with the landmark.
Ongoing repairs and skills training
Work continues on the castle’s outer defences. Specialist contractors are using rope access to clear vegetation and repoint stonework on the South Dam and North Dam platforms. Cadw has said these repairs will help retain the surrounding lakes and provide practical training opportunities for its trainee stonemasons.
- Overall visits: 109,891 (July 2025–June 2026)
- Universal Credit visitors: 1,400+
- Reported change: 20% up on pre-pandemic levels
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Visitors (12 months) | 109,891 |
| Universal Credit £1 tickets | 1,400+ |
| Increase vs pre-pandemic | 20% |
Planning has also begun for a second phase of improvements, which will concentrate on refurbishing the visitor entrance and delivering a new visitor centre. The castle project forms part of the wider Caerphilly 2035 regeneration initiative, tying heritage conservation to ambitions for local economic and community development.
For residents and visitors this means continued access to a major local landmark while conservation works proceed. Those planning a visit should check Cadw's website or local notices for any temporary closures linked to the repair work, and can enquire about concessionary tickets and guided visits through Cadw's public information channels.
The boost in numbers will be of interest to town planners and local businesses reliant on tourism, as well as to community groups involved in the Caerphilly 2035 programme, which aims to combine cultural assets with wider regeneration goals.
