Magical castle has a country park, tearoom and you don't need a car to get there
Over the centuries, this magnificent castle has had various owners, undergone multiple modifications and renovations, and been transformed from a defensive fortress into a sumptuous residence
Caldicot Castle was built on a site recognised for its strategic value
(Image: Getty)
Wales is known as the "land of castles" and has more than 600 of them to choose from for a historic day out. You can see the 29 most impressive castles in Wales here. One particular castle you should add to your bucket list is Caldicot Castle. This large stone medieval castle is in the town of Caldicot, Monmouthshire, and it became a Grade I listed building in 1953.
Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home, the castle has a long history dating back over 900 years and is set within 55 acres of parkland overlooking the river Nedern.
Caldicot Castle was built on a site recognised for its strategic value. The Romans used the area in the early centuries AD, when Caldicot stood on the Via Julia roadway to Caerwent.
The Normans also recognised its useful location as early as 1086, and they built a motte with two baileys and a deep surrounding ditch to control this area of south Wales. In 1221, a curtain wall and two corner towers were also added.
Over the centuries, this magnificent castle has had various owners, undergone multiple modifications and renovations, and been transformed from a defensive fortress into a sumptuous residence.
The castle was eventually purchased by the antiquarian JR Cobb in 1855. Cobb restored Caldicot to its medieval grandeur, and today, it's one of Wales' heritage treasures and a magnificent wedding venue.
Wander the castle and grounds to see a blend of medieval and Tudor styles, explore the imposing gatehouse, the great hall, and the remains of the inner bailey, which once housed the castle's inhabitants.
Over the centuries, this magnificent castle has had various owners, undergone multiple modifications and renovations, and been transformed from a defensive fortress into a sumptuous residence.
(Image: shrinkinviolet/Flickr)
You can also see the 12-pounder muzzle-loading HMS Foudroyant's cannon in the courtyard or step inside the dark, chilling castle dungeon.
If you want to learn more about the castle's history and unique architecture, join a guided tour on the last Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m.
You can now discover Caldicot Castle and Country Park with the Castle's new convenient bike hire service. Booking is required, and the payment and hire agreement are completed in the tearoom. A photographic ID is required upon payment. Bookings can be made by emailing the castle.
The event will take place at Caldicot Castle, which has been hosting Street Food Circus' The Big Banquet for the kast three years
(Image: Street Food Circus)
After strolling the grounds or exploring on two wheels, swing by the Caldicot Castle Tea Room for a brew and a cake. There's also wine and beer if you fancy a tipple. Unwind, chat to friendly staff, and pick up a lovely memento from the on-site gift shop.
Love a good scare? Caldicot Castle is reputed to be haunted by several spooks and hosts ghost hunting events for the brave!
According to Haunted Happenings, who run the special events, this historic castle has a sinister and dark past, and many have left feeling absolutely terrified.
On their next ghostly event, you can search for spirits alongside their experienced paranormal investigators. You'll have the opportunity to become an intrepid ghost hunter within this 12th-century castle.
During the dark of night, you will be broken into smaller groups to investigate spooky parts of the castle.Guided by experienced and knowledgeable ghost hunters, you'll have the chance to perform Ouija boards, glass divination and table tipping to encounter those who once walked the secret passageways. You can book here.
The castle hosts lots of events
(Image: Mark Lewis)
If ghost hunting isn't your thing, the free-to-enter castle is also well-known for hosting medieval banquet evenings, concerts, and foodie events.
Next month, award-winning Hang Fire BBQ is making a return to Wales for a street food festival inside the castle, in collaboration with Street Food Circus.
The new annual fire-cooking festival, titled Mabon, aims to celebrate feasting, fire and folklore associated with the autumn equinox in September.
The event will take place from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28. On each of the foodie-focused event days, the Hang Fire four-course feasts will be held.
At the fiery event, attendees will see chefs cooking outdoors around a central dining space under a large canopy. Sam and Shauna will host an exclusive four-course fire feast and be joined by guest chefs.
The first release of tickets is on sale now, which you can find on the Mabon website here. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here .
There will also be theatrical performances and storytelling around communal fire pits, as well as Smoke & Fire Demo stage.
Street Food Circus has confirmed that there will also be a programme of food talks from chefs, producers, and writers, all curated by restaurateur Simon Wright.
Caldicot Castle
(Image: Vic Frankowski)
The castle also hosts some of the most important days you can imagine - weddings. It's well known as a dreamy fairy-tale wedding venue where loads of happy couples have said "I do" in a gorgeous castle setting.
Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the magnificent courtyard and charming gatehouse banqueting hall will not fail to impress.
While parking is free, the castle is accessible by public transport, so you don't need a car to have a historic day out. Caldicot Bus Stops are located within 0.4 miles along the B4245 and 0.4 miles from the castle on Caldicot Cross. Caldicot Rail Station is situated just over 1.2 miles away.
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Further information regarding transport to Caldicot can be found here and here.
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