Cardiff Private Day Tour of South Wales Castles

Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales and only Windsor Castle is larger in the whole of the United Kingdom. Considered to be one of the mightiest medieval castles in Europe, it was built to protect Norman/English interests in the area. Still an impressive sight to behold the Castle was restored by the Marquis of Bute and William Burgess, however, unlike their fantasy castles at Cardiff and Castell Coch, Caerphilly retains much of its medieval military might. Surrounded by a lake (much reduced since its heyday but still impressive) the castle seems to rise out the water with its most impressive element - a tower that leans at an angle greater than the leaning tower of Pisa - a much loved and prominent feature. Restored over 174 years, the castle is a testament to the work that the Marquises of Bute undertook to preserve the history that was contained within the property that they owned.

Castell Coch (or the Red Castle in English) is a unique castle within Wales. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, this Castle could be mistaken for a fairytale court or a fantasy fort and is a real hit with kids both young and old. Indeed the Castell has been used numerous times in films and TV shows for that exact reason! Described by the historian David McLees as "one of the greatest Victorian triumphs of architectural composition" the current Castell was intended as a summer retreat for its owners, who sadly never visited! Designed by William Burgess for the Marquis of Bute, the Castle and its stunning decorations are not to be missed - nor are the breathtaking views of Cardiff, which can be seen from many of the Castell's rooms.

Llandaff is one of the most important Christian sites in Wales. Famous for its stunning cathedral that was heavily damaged by a German landmine during the Second World War, this area of Cardiff is where the author Roald Dahl grew up. As we drive through this quaint area of Cardiff your guide will point out the Cathedral School, where the young Roald Dahl studied, and the site of Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop on Llandaff’s High Street which is said to have inspired several of Dahl's stories including Mathilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Our lunch stop will be at one of the few places in Cardiff that serves traditional Welsh food. From Lamb Cawl (a hearty soup that tastes like the one our guide's grandmother makes) to Shepherds Pie and Welsh Rarebit, this restaurant is a hit with everyone we have taken there.

Cardiff Castle started life as a Roman Fort, evidence of which is still visible today. Indeed the city of Cardiff gets its name from the old Roman fort, as Cardiff or the Welsh version Caerdydd translates into English as "Fort on the river Taff". Developed by the Normans the castle has seen many changes and was once used as a royal prison. Developed further by various English marcher Lords, the castle fell into ruin in the 16th century. Taken over by the Marquis' of Bute in the 17th Century, it wasn't until the 3rd Marquis that the current version of Cardiff Castle came into being. Described as a victorian escapist dream, it is a stunning location for film and TV crews to use and has been seen countless Films and TV Series. Whilst here your guide will show you around the castle, including its most interesting historical features. You will also have time to explore the Firing Line Museum and Second World War Shelters contained within the Castle Walls.

Cathay's Park is one of the finest examples of an early 20th Century Civic Centre. Built on land previously owned by the Bute family, the buildings in this part of Cardiff are constructed using Portland Stone, the same stone as St Pauls Cathedral. Home to Cardiff's Crown Court, Cardiff University, The National Museum Cardiff, and the Welsh National War Memorial we will explore why this area is so important, and how it was built using the wealth brought into the city by the booming coal trade in the 18th - mid 20th century. Whilst exploring the civic centre we will also discuss why Cardiff is now one of the most popular filming locations in the UK, and how this sector of the creative arts industry and the tourism it generates to the South Wales area is filling some of the gaps left by the de-industrialisation of Wales.

The National Museum Cardiff is home to one of the best collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art in the UK. Its collection, which is spread over 15 galleries, includes masterpieces by Monet, Cézanne, includes Renoir's famous Blue Lady 'La Parisienne' and Rodin's 'The Kiss'. Also home to some of the best Welsh art, both modern and historic, it would be easy to spend a whole day in the museum exploring the world-class collection that is on permanent display. Sadly this tour can only offer you a taster of what is on show but promises to get you 'up close and personal' with as many of the most famous artworks. How did the National Museum manage to collect such an impressive range of art? Your guide will explain all, including who to thank, during the tour. Please note that the Museum is closed on Monday's. Tours booked on Monday will be unable to visit the interior of the museum but other locations will be added to the tour by the guide on the day to compensate for this.

St Mary's Street is one of the main shopping/hospitality areas in Cardiff. Named after the now-demolished St Mary's Church, which was destroyed in a typhoon this street contains some of Cardiff's most iconic shops such as James Howell & Co, and Cardiff Market.

Cardiff Market is one of the finest examples of a Victorian covered market in the UK. Famous with locals for its range of products and produce, including delicious cakes, rare vinyl records, second-hand books, and fresh fruit and veg, fans of TV series filmed in Wales may recognise the market from A Discovery of Witches and Torchwood. Considered to be one of the last bastions of 'old Cardiff' this is one of those locations that you would only visit with a local, who knows the secrets that this marvel has to offer including a 100-year-old family business that has traded from the same stall since 1928 and a fishmonger who has traded at Cardiff market since 1866! Once the site of Cardiff's prison or gaol, the market now stands on the site of one of the most famous (or should that be infamous) miscarriages of justice in Wales' (and the UK's) history. But what happened? Find out on this tour!

St John The Baptist Church in Cardiff is one of the oldest buildings left in Cardiff and the only building that remains from the old medieval walled town. Built around 1180 it is one of the few pre-norman building left in this part of Wales, although much of the church was redesigned in the 15th century after Owain Glwndwyr sacked the city in 1404. Famous for its use in the TV series Doctor Who, in the episode "The Runaway Bride" starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate, St John's Church should be known for its beautiful interior decor which includes Victorian stained glass by leading pre-raphaelites including William Morris which will be pointed out to you as part of the tour.

The Urban Tap House, owned by the renowned Tiny Rebel brewing company is one of the best, and newest pubs in Cardiff. From outside the Urban Tap House (please let us know if you are over 18 and would like to stop here for a drink as part of the tour) we will be able to see The Principality Stadium, formally the Millenium Stadium, which is home to Welsh Rugby. From this location, we will talk about the importance of Ruby to the people of Wales, how the Principality Stadium will go down in history as Europe's first stadium with a retractable roof, and how the stadium has also welcomed some of the biggest names in Show biz who have performed in this impressive area.