Caerphilly Castle has recorded a marked increase in visitors in the year since the restoration of its Great Hall, as conservation teams continue work to safeguard the monument’s outer defences and lakes.
Revived Great Hall draws more visitors
The Great Hall reopened in July 2025 following a first phase of improvements led by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The programme, which carried a price tag of £8 million, also improved accessibility, enhanced the inner east gatehouse and reopened the castle’s medieval water‑gate passageway to the public.
In the twelve months since the reopening, the site has welcomed numbers that are roughly 20% higher than those recorded in years before the COVID‑19 pandemic. That rise has helped place Caerphilly among Cadw’s five most visited historic properties this year.
“Caerphilly Castle is such a special place to many, and these past twelve months have shown just how much people value having such a magnificent monument restored and brought back to life,” said Heledd Fychan, Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Sport.
Ongoing conservation and local training
Work has progressed this summer on the stone walls that form the castle’s outer defences and on structures that retain the extensive artificial lakes. Specialist contractors have been using rope‑access techniques to remove vegetation and repoint stonework with traditional lime mortar.
From early July, Cadw’s in‑house conservation unit, Cadwraeth, began work on the North Dam platform wall. The project also provides hands‑on experience for one of Cadw’s newly appointed trainee stonemasons, offering a rare opportunity to develop practical conservation skills on one of Wales’ most important medieval monuments.
- Reopening of the Great Hall: July 2025
- Increase in visitor numbers: approx. 20% vs pre‑pandemic
- Current focus: South and North Dam platform walls and lakeside stonework
| Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Great Hall | Restored and reopened (July 2025) |
| Inner east gatehouse & water‑gate | Improved and reopened |
| Outer defences (South/North dam) | Active conservation works |
Cadw has also highlighted the positive effect of its £1 ticket scheme, which aims to broaden access to historic sites regardless of visitors’ circumstances. Local families and communities have been singled out as among those rediscovering the castle’s medieval stories following the refurbishment.
For residents and visitors planning a trip, the castle remains open while conservation continues; visitors can often observe conservation teams at work, and ongoing works are being carried out using methods intended to be as unobtrusive as possible.
The increase in footfall underlines Caerphilly Castle’s role as both a heritage asset and a local attraction, and the current phase of repairs will be central to preserving its fabric and setting for future generations.
