Gord and I toured Cardiff Castle last Wednesday afternoon. It's in the city centre…read more The site has been occupied for nearly 2,000 years. The Romans built a fort there around AD 55 to help control the area. Later, they replaced it with a much stronger stone fort and parts of those Roman walls are still standing today. After the Romans left, the Normans arrived following the conquest of England. Around the late 11th century they built a castle inside the old Roman fort. The large grassy mound in the middle and the stone keep on top are from this period. During the Middle Ages, Cardiff Castle became an important stronghold and was involved in various conflicts between Norman lords and Welsh rulers. Over time, it evolved from a military fortress into a grand residence. The castle's most famous makeover happened in the 1800s when the incredibly wealthy John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute hired architect William Burges. Together they transformed it into the spectacular Gothic-style palace you see today, with lavish rooms, murals, towers and intricate decorations. During the Second World War, tunnels beneath the castle walls were used as air-raid shelters for thousands of Cardiff residents. In 1947, the Bute family gave the castle to the city, and today Cardiff Castle is one of Wales's most popular attractions.

A must-see if you are in Cardiff. There is so much history inside these castle walls and it…read moreconveniently located adjacent to the city center. You can opt to go on guided-tours or wander at your leisure. I was there on a rainy day and there were very few visitors, so I really felt like I went back in time. The WWII museum was pretty intense; it might have been the dark, rainy weather or the creepy background music or the dim lights, but I could literally feel the anxiety of those that had been seeking shelter in those tunnels. While the grounds and first floor of the house are wheelchair accessible, the rest of the grounds are not. I was recovering from a broken leg, and I had to take a few steps to do the tunnel tour and I was unable to ascend the MANY stairs that lead up to the fortress at the top of the hill. The visitor center houses ruins of the original Roman wall that dates back to the 1st centaury AD, a gift shop, and a café. The experience is 100% worth the entry fee and I highly recommend if you are visiting Cardiff.

Beautiful spot, just behind the car park for the sand dunes near Merthyr Mawr village - hidden up…read morethe bank and easily missed. Not really a castle but an old fortified manor house built around 14th century and abandoned in 19th century - (why would they do that?? A ye olde pad by one of the biggest sand dune playgrounds in Europe, where scenes from Lawrence of Arabia were filmed??). Anyway, they did leave it and it's now a bit of a ruin but just as fascinating - you can crawl through little crevices, pick your way up a dank staircase and peer into the gloom of the dark cellar room. Shame they've blocked off access to the uppermost walls, that was fun and nicely dangerous - you'll just have to be more inventive. (These health and safety people perhaps should be hung out to dry, maybe from a high window!) Lovely surrounds, green and brown and red woodlands, huge golden sand dunes - bring a picnic (and maybe a thermal blanket) for out door dining needs, excellent.

This a ruined manor house within the woodland set amidst the Merthyr Mawr dunes a couple of miles…read morefrom Bridgend I used to play here as a child and still have very fond memories Worth having a look around if you can spare the time

There's not a lot to see at this site, but it must once have been quite impressive: this was…read moretypical of the many small castles built in this part of Wales after the Norman conquest to maintain control by local lords, but which fell out of use. Penmark Castle was built in the 12th century, overlooking a natural ravine carved by the Waycock River. Originally built in wood by Gilbert de Umfraville, it was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. It passed into the ownership of Oliver de St John when he married the family heiress, Elizabeth Umfraville, in the time of Edward II. First documented in 1307, it was recorded as ruinous by 1622. According to the entry in the Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1849), it was ruined in the early 1400s during Owain Glyndwr's revolt. The remains lie just behind Penmark Church; somewhat overgrown, they comprise a 13th century wall around 1m thick around an oval courtyard area, 58m long by 40m wide, with one circular stone tower intact and the indications of a second. The stone tower has a square latrine block attached. Within the courtyard area are traces of other buildings, including a ruined late 18th century barn. To the west is an outer court with a thinner 16th century wall. To the east are the remains of a filled-in moat and mounds. It is best viewed in winter when the vegetation has died back.

Beautiful old ruined castle on the Welsh Gwyr peninsular…read more Well worth the excursionj

A lovely wide sandy beach and nice place to visit for a walk, paddle, or even a swim or surfing if…read moreyou don't mind braving the cold! Lots of rock pools for children to explore. There are good views across the Bristol Channel towards Somerset too. There's a car park nearby which charges in season (pay and display). To find it, take the B4265 from Bridgend then the B4524 and follow the signs to Ogmore.

A broken down ruin this has nonetheless got some very interesting history attached to it…read more Reputed to have been the place where King Arthur gathered his forces prior to marching up to Mount Badon (Mynydd Baedon) a couple of miles away, it even has a memorial stone granting land to a nearby church by Arthur himself Worth an excursion if you like hidden Welsh history

Wow! what a beautiful place in an i-sore of an industrial town. Once hailed the largest town in…read moreWales, Merthyr Tydfil is now the home to the Gurnos estate, the highest number of benefit claimers and the good old Merthyr Martyrs. But, its also home to Carfartha Castle,previous home to the Crawshay's, the owners of the Merthyr Ironworks. Set in luscious green grass the castle stands proud on the mountainside visible from quite a few angles in Merthyr. The park itself is something to behold with the cute little lake and acres of grass to loll about in. A nice park for the kiddie winkles and in the summer there's a small, yet freezing cold little paddling pool. Hey,it cant have it all can it? The castle itself plays host to a museum which is free to enter and plays home to a small tea room where the grub is top notch! You can get married here too, and even if you don't many couples opt to have their wedding pictures here, so the best time to visit, if your an old romantic like yours truly, is a Saturday during the summer months. Well worth a little hour out, whether to feed the ducks, have a little wander, learn some valuable, rugged, Welsh history or have a wee wedding perv!

Situated on the outskirts of Merthyr Tydfil Cyfartha Castle is well worth a visit. The castle was…read morethe home of the Crawshay family, the owners of the Merthyr Ironworks, which played a pivotal role in the history of the industrial revolution. Part of the building which is set in large parkland is the local comprehensive school but there is also a fascinating museum/art gallery, in part of the Crawshay's former home. There are a number of re-creations illustrating the rich and varied history of Merthyr as well as several galleries housing paintings, precious artefacts, and natural history and collections. The museum which is free entry, has a well stocked shop with books, and a variety of souvenirs and a small tea room. Be warned though, on the day I visited, the tea room was closed at 3pm despite the website stating 4pm so visiting later in the day may be worth having your cup of tea before exploring the museum. The grounds of the castle are well worth exploring and in summer months often host concerts, one held by Donny Osmond some years ago being particularly remembered (though not by myself, I hasten to add).

I really and truly cannot express my love of this place enough!…read more St. Donats Arts Centre is situated near on the South Wales coastline in the grounds of a medieval castle (complete with jousting field), which is now an International College. Imagine a Hogwarts by the sea, and you're mostly there. They offer a large bar area with outstanding views, a gallery and cinema, and theatrical and musical performances go on in the traditional Tythe Barn. This is also the venue for the critically acclaimed Beyond the Border storytelling festival, which takes place every year. Although this venue is small, the staff are friendly and eager to please, and the regular clientele are an amazing mix of locals. The only downside to the centre is its distance from most major areas. But it is certainly well worth the trip, just make sure you check out their website before going down, as there are not events happening each day, and you certainly don't want to turn up and be disappointed!

Within the grounds of St Donat's Castle lies the enchanting St Donat's Arts Centre, housed in a…read more14th century Tithe barn which has been converted into a fully-equipped theatre. Another modern addition to the barn is the completely new and contrasting 'Glass Room' on one side. The publicly-funded centre puts on a high quality arts programme throughout the year in this unique setting, which has wonderful views right across the sea towards Exmoor. The barn itself is widely considered be be one of the most inspired public buildings in Wales. The centre provides a really diverse programme of children's theatre, craft classes, dance sessions, cinema, exhibitions, world music events, jazz in the Glassroom. festivals, choir rehearsals, workshops and live shows. It also hosts the internationally renowned Beyond the Border storytelling festival, and it's the perfect, enchanting venue for this lovely event (with outreach storytelling in venues elsewhere in the area, too). The Box Office and Gallery are open 10am - 4pm on weekdays, plus evenings and weekends when there are performances taking place. Check the website for upcoming events, and keep your fingers crossed that the weather is fine when you visit so you can also enjoy far-reaching views out to sea.

I always forget how much I enjoy this place, then I go back and manage to be pleasantly surprised…read moreevery single time. Cosmeston Medieval Village is a fantastic place to visit with family and friends. The reconstructed village is in situated in Cosmeston Park, near their visitor centre and cafe, so you really can make the trip a whole day if you want to (I recommend wholeheartedly), but it can also only be a few hours. The tour takes you around a village, complete with barns, bakeries and roaming chickens. The guides are fun and informative, and there's a multitude of people all wearing bright Medieval garb. There is also, of course, a chance to dress up, if so required. This day is great fun and informative; a wonderful way to get kids and adults alike involved with history.

The reconstructed medieval village at Cosmeston has been put together really well, and is both…read moreeducational and good fun for children and adults. You wander around the 14th century Welsh village visiting different medieval houses and buildings, and encountering costumed people along the way, going about their daily routines - whether it's cooking, farming, or making crafts. In this way, you kind of step back in time and enter medieval village life. There are also a range of animals such as chickens, ducks and pigs that would have been kept in villages during that period. There are lots of special events taking place at the village throughout the year, too - from medieval fairs where you can buy crafts, play games, see falconry displays and have a go at archery, to Halloween at Cosmeston when you can experience the dark side of medieval life.