Castell Coch

Castell Coch, also known as the Red Castle, is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle situated on a hillside near Cardiff, Wales. Built on the site of a medieval fortress, it was redesigned in the Victorian era by architect William Burges. The castle’s picturesque exterior and lavish interior make it a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the romanticised medieval past.

The beautiful fabled home of a very wealthy man

While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate us today. High Gothic was the order of the day.

The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied.

Detailed architectural drawings still survive today and following Burges’s death in 1881, colleagues faithfully continued work on the interiors for another ten years. The castle was not suitable for, nor was it intended to be, a permanent residence and the family’s visits were infrequent.

We think Burges would approve of our conservation efforts to date and like him, we are not afraid either to embrace the latest technologies. Multi-sensory resources allow easy exploration of the site using touch screen technology which are of particular benefit to our visitors with sensory or physical disabilities.

As A Wedding Venue

Castell Coch makes a stunning fairytale wedding venue.