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Castell Coch
Visited May 2013
| Location | Tongwynglais, Glamorgan |
| Entrance Fee | Yes |
| Railway Station Nearby | Yes-Taffs Well |
| Parking | Yes |
| Facilities | Tearoom, Shop, Toilets |
| Map |  |
Castell Coch (or Red Castle in English) is a typical example of a fairy tale castle, complete with conical roofed towers which would please even the most discerning princess. Built high up on a wooded hillside, it was intended to be used as a summer residence for the wealthy Lord Bute, who bankrolled the creation of both this Victorian folly and the restoration of nearby Cardiff Castle, his main residence.
St Donats Castle
Visited August 2011
| Location | St Donats, Vale of Glamorgan |
| Entrance Fee | Yes- visits on public open days only |
| Railway Station Nearby | Llantwit Major- approx. 2 miles |
| Parking | Yes |
| Facilities | Cafe,Toilets |
| Map | |
St. Donats is a rare example of a twelfth century castle, with later additions, which has been fully restored and is in fact still in use today as an International College. It is a good example of how ancient buildings can be adapted and used for modern purposes, if the money and inclination is there. However, the downside is that when castles are privately owned it is up to to the owners to decide on public access. At St. Donats the public can use the facilities of the small Arts Centre & Cafe on site, or as we did, by booking onto one of the guided tours which are offered during the college summer holidays.
Newcastle (Bridgend)
Visited July 2010
| Location | Central Bridgend |
| Entrance Fee | No |
| Railway Station | Bridgend 1/4 Mile |
| Parking | Yes - Limited |
| Facilities | None |
| Map | |
Cyfarthfa Castle
Visited June 2011
| Location | Merthyr Tydfil |
| Entrance Fee | No |
| Railway Station | Merthyr Tydfil- approx. 1/2 mile |
| Parking | Yes |
| Facilities | Toilet, Shop, Cafe, Museum, Play Area |
| Map | |
Given that Wales is crammed full of medieval castles, it would seem that the last thing anyone would want to build is a mock castle. But that is exactly what the Crawshay family of local Ironmasters built in 1824, as a showpiece to for their wealth and prosperity. Cyfarthfa Castle is a castellated manor set in large parklands- the perfect residence for wealthy mine owners who once provided the main source of employment for many of the families in 19th century Merthyr.
Coity Castle
Visited July 2010
| Location | Bridgend,Wales |
| Entrance Fee | No |
| Railway Station | Brigend,approx.4 miles |
| Parking | Yes |
| Facilities | None, but a small play park opposite |
| Map | |
