Day 18 – A Tale of Two Castles

Today was castle day, and what a majestic day it turned out to be. We explored two very different but equally fascinating castles, giving us a deeper appreciation for Wales’ rich and dramatic history.

In the morning, we visited Cyfarthfa Castle, a 19th-century mansion built by the Crawshay ironmasters on the edge of Merthyr Tydfil. While it may not be medieval, its Gothic Revival architecture and stately appearance are striking, and it’s surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, wild meadows, and peaceful woodlands. Awen and Nessy were in their element, happily trotting through the paths, ears perked and tails wagging. The park was peaceful, and the early sun lit the leaves with a golden glow—perfect for a morning stroll and a few photos.

In the afternoon, we drove to the imposing Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales and one of the most impressive examples of medieval military architecture in Britain. Built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, its massive walls, sprawling moat, and leaning tower (yes, even more tilted than Pisa!) left us in awe. The scale is simply staggering. While dogs can’t go inside the inner buildings, we walked the outer grounds and along the moat, soaking in the views and enjoying the atmosphere.

Each castle had its own unique charm—Cyfarthfa with its manicured serenity and industrial legacy, and Caerphilly with its rugged, battle-worn grandeur.

After a full day of castle-hopping, we returned to our accommodation, where the dogs quickly fell asleep after all the garden and woodland exploring. For us, it was a chance to relax, look over the photos, and reflect on a day spent stepping through centuries of Welsh history.Read more