The castle
The landmark, Britain's first concentric fortification, was built to protect the area from the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, who did not recognise the king at the time, Edward I. However, Llywelyn was defeated in 1282, and the castle soon became an important administrative centre for the wealthy de Clare family.
Although work began on the castle in the 13th century, the building suffered gradual deterioration in subsequent centuries, and began to subside by the Georgian period. Fortunately, after it was acquired by the affluent Bute family in 1776, the building benefited from a careful restoration, and was eventually sold off to the state after the Second World War. One of the castle's most intriguing features is its enormous moat system, which is spread across an area of 30 acres and gives the building tremendous prominence
The town
Caerphilly has actually existed since at least the second century, although the settlement remained sparsely populated until the Industrial Revolution, when it became a busier market town and an important exporting centre for coal. Overlooking the community is the 271-metre Caerphilly Mountain, which is part of the Tour of Britain cycling route and offers great views of the surrounding landscapes.
Restaurants in Caerphilly
For superb British-themed dishes in a laid-back setting, head to the Wingfield Hotel and Sports Bar, or dine at Pagoda restaurant for some great Chinese flavours. For top-notch Italian dishes, visit the Balla-Capri restaurant, or choose the Castle Gate Indian Restaurant for other delicious Asian recipes.
Where to stay in the area
For affordable, contemporary Caerphilly hotels, choose the Premier Inn Caerphilly Corbetts Lane or the Premier Inn Caerphilly Crossways. If you're hoping to stay in nearby Cardiff, you could consider the stylish, value-for-money Holiday Inn Cardiff North - M4, Jct. 32, or the chic and charismatic BEST WESTERN Plus New House Country Hotel.
