Looking for a historic day out that the whole family can enjoy? Well look no further!
Here’s a list of castles you can visit in South Wales and a bit about them.
Caerphilly Castle (Image: NQ)Caerphilly Castle
Starting off strong with Caerphilly Castle. This castle is the second biggest castle in the UK and the largest castle in Wales!
The castle was built in 1268 under orders from the Anglo-Norman Lord Gilbert de Clare.
Its construction acted as powerful symbol of Anglo-Norman rule.
The castle is said to be haunted by de Clare’s wife Alice of Angouleme.
She’s been given the title ‘The Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle’ and is said to have died of a broken heart after de Clare killed her lover Gruffudd the Fair.
Her ghost is reportedly seen around the castle grounds lamenting.
Skenfrith Castle (Image: NQ)Skenfrith Castle
Skenfrith Castle makes up one of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent.’
It was built in the early 12th century under the Norman lord William fitz Osbern.
In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place and in response it was joined together with its sister fortifications of Grosmont and White Castle.
The castle defended the Normans against Welsh attack for several decades.
Raglan Castle (Image: NQ)Raglan Castle
Another castle worth a visit is Raglan Castle.
The castle was constructed between 1435 and 1525 and was built on the site of a Norman motte by Sir William ap Thomas, who was later knighted as the Blue Knight of Gwent.
During the English Civil War Parliamentarians laid siege to Raglan Castle led by Sir Trevor Williams of Llangibby Castle. On April 13th, 1646.
An invasion of 7,400 men took place.
The castle was besieged for 10 weeks and eventually fell to parliamentary forces.
One local legend to come out of this invasion is the ‘Ghost librarian of Raglan Castle.’
Legend says that during the war the librarian hid the valuable books and manuscripts in a secret tunnel beneath the castle.
One of the first acts perpetrated by the enemy was the destruction of Raglan’s magnificent and priceless library.
Apparently, his guardian spirit still watches over the library today.
Cardiff Castle (Image: NQ)Cardiff Castle
Anyone that’s paid a visit a visit to the Welsh capital has seen Cardiff Castle.
However, we often don’t think about the history behind it.
The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort.
The castle is thought to have been built by William the Conqueror or Robert Fitzhamon.
It was attacked several times in the 12th century and stormed in 1404 during the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr.
Local legend claims the castle is haunted by the Second Marquess of Bute, John Crichton-Stuart, and his wife Lady Sophia Rawdon-Hastings.
Lord Bute inherited the castle in 1848 and transformed the site into the lavish Gothic Revival mansion seen today.
The late Marquess is said to haunt the library, while the Marchioness Sophia prefers the Nursery and other rooms that were hers.
Cyfarthfa Castle (Image: NQ)Cyfarthfa Castle
Cyfarthfa Castle located in Merthyr is an example of a modern castle.
The castle was built in 1824-25 by the wealthy Merthyr Ironworks Iron Master William Crawshay II.
Today it is now home to a popular Museum and Art Gallery which is open to the public throughout the year and contains many interesting artefacts and historic items collected over the years.
Including a portrait room and underground museum.
We’ll let you decide which on our list is best.