Things You Didn't Know About Cardiff Castle

Wales is home to a number of beautiful castles, and Cardiff‘s namesake fortress is a major part of the capital’s cityscape. It stands proudly between Bute Park and the town, and has overseen much of the city’s life and history. Despite the fact that it gets passed by everyday, there may be some things you didn’t know about Cardiff Castle. Book a stay at one of the city’s top B&Bs to explore this ancient fort for yourself. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Erection of the castle

Cardiff Castle is in the heart of the city and just a stone’s throw away from some of the best hotels in Cardiff

Cardiff Castle is steeped in more than 2000 years of history. Built around 55 AD, the Roman fort, or castrum, was once part of a system of frontier posts from a legion based at Caerleon, founded by the Roman general Julius Frontinus upon his conquest of the Silures – a powerful and warlike tribe of ancient Britain that occupied South Wales.

Differing architectural styles

Toilet habits

During Norman times, the toilets hung over the castle walls and all the waste ended up in the moat. The lords and ladies would retire to a toilet set into a cupboard in the wall, called a garderobe. From there the waste would drop down a shaft into the moat below. The job of the gong farmer was to collect the waste during the night.

Role during World War II

During World War II, the castle’s tunnels were used as air-raid shelters from German bombs. It was estimated that more than 1800 people could take refuge within the walls and special ramps were built to offer quick access. Research has revealed that there were also dormitories with bunks, kitchens, toilets and first-aid posts concealed within the walls. An exhibition at the castle recreates these shelters for visitors.

Change of ownership

On September 10, 1947, the 5th Marquess of Bute, John Crichton-Stuart, handed over the keys of Cardiff Castle to the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Alderman George Ferguson. The castle, alongside its parkland, was presented to the people of Cardiff – a philanthropic gesture that press and locals alike found extremely endearing.

Rugby World Cup Ball

Throughout the duration of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Cardiff Castle was given an addition. In honour of the competition, a giant rugby ball was installed into the exterior wall of the castle. In total about 25 people worked on its design and installation, while the foam bricks that appeared to be bursting from the wall were made from a cast of actual bricks from Cardiff Castle. The “Ball in the Wall” was of course a temporary fixture, however its placement accurately signified the love of the sport in Wales.

Film screenings

Cardiff Castle frequently host live screenings of classic films. Screenings have taken place both inside the castle grounds and underground, and tickets are sold online. So far these cinematic events have been hugely popular.

Music venue

Over the years, the castle have also hosted a number of music events. Famous artists to have played at this unique venue include Green Day, Stereophonics and, of course Tom Jones. There is reportedly the capacity to accommodate roughly 10,000 people.

Celebrating UEFA Euro 2016

FAW celebrate their UEFA Euro 2016 success at Cardiff Castle

The castle was the welcoming ground for the Welsh football team’s return trip to Cardiff, following their successful UEFA Euro 2016 campaign that saw them reach the semi-finals against Portugal. Players and staff were flow into the grounds, while thousands of baying fans waited outside to celebrate with them. Players were even spotted taking pictures from the famous turrets prior to marching out of the giant gates.

Banquets

The castle still plays host to banquets, both in the stone-vaulted, atmospheric 15th-century Undercroft and the Interpretation Centre, which offers a unique blend of contemporary slate interiors and original 4th-century Roman walls with stunning views of the Keep. You can enjoy the best of Welsh food and entertainment, and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts, who will entertain you with a selection of traditional and contemporary songs in both English and Welsh. These events are understandably a popular tourist attraction.
Want to know more? Discover the story behind the Arab Room in Cardiff Castle.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.