Cyfarthfa Castle
Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Photo: Keith Willoughby, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: User:Perceval, Public domain · John Lord, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Grounds only
- Nearest station
- Merthyr Tydfil, 1.0 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- 1824 ironmaster's castle; museum shut for restoration, park open
Pinpoint
Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Rd, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RE
Telephone 01685 727371
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Built in 1824 for the ironmasters who made Merthyr Tydfil the iron capital of the world, sitting on a hill above the park and lake it looks down on. The museum inside has been closed for restoration, so at the time of writing this is a grounds visit - the hilltop position and views over the town are still worth the walk.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The view over Merthyr Tydfil and the park from the castle's hilltop position.
Before you go
Check whether the museum has reopened before visiting, since access has been grounds-only during restoration work; the park itself is large enough for a proper walk regardless.
What visitors say
Cyfarthfa Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 2,537 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently find Cyfarthfa Castle good value for its modest entry fee, with the museum, hillside views over the park, and on-site cafe all praised.
A couple of visitors happened to catch it during building work or a royal visit that disrupted their normal experience, but even then the history and grounds were still enjoyed.
The general consensus is a worthwhile, low-cost day out.
“The castle and grounds are,stunning so many lovely walks and a lovely cafe where you can sit on the deck looking over the garden's, you only see a small part of the castle but it's very interesting”- Dee Gatrell, visitor review
Within reach of Cardiff (21 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Weddings at Cyfarthfa Castle
Cyfarthfa Castle is on our wedding roll because Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Wales, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
William Crawshay II · 1824
William Crawshay II, an ironmaster made wealthy by Merthyr Tydfil's boom, built this castellated mansion in 1824 overlooking his works. The building style reflected his prosperity rather than defensive need, serving as a residence for the industrial elite.
Drawn from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “Nonetheless, the museum was really interesting and the staff were very helpful, and there is also a really cool cafe on site.” - Eric Butcher
Common questions about Cyfarthfa Castle
Where is Cyfarthfa Castle?
Cyfarthfa Castle is in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, at Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Rd, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RE.
Can you go inside Cyfarthfa Castle?
At Cyfarthfa Castle the grounds are open to visit but the castle interior generally isn't, under Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. Check the official site for current access before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Cyfarthfa Castle?
The view over Merthyr Tydfil and the park from the castle's hilltop position.
Is Cyfarthfa Castle a ruin or still intact?
Cyfarthfa Castle is largely intact - 1824 ironmaster's castle; museum shut for restoration, park open.
