Top 6 Castles around Barry
Best castles around Barry offer a journey through centuries of Welsh history, set within the coastal landscape of South Wales. The town itself features Barry Castle, a Grade II* listed ruin that began as a 12th-century ringwall and evolved into a fortified manor house. The broader region provides access to more extensive historical sites, including significant castles that showcase diverse architectural styles. These historical landmarks are often integrated into local walks, combining natural scenery with cultural exploration.
Best castles around Barry
- The most popular castles is Cardiff Castle, a historical site with a 2,000-year history. The site evolved from a Roman fort to a Norman keep and then a stone-built castle.
- Another must-see spot is The Animal Wall, a man-made monument. This wall features stone carvings of various animals, with its creation beginning in the late 1880s.
- Visitors also love St Fagans Castle and Gardens, a Grade I listed building. This Elizabethan manor house is open for public exploration, with its interior reflecting its historical appearance.
- Barry is known for its medieval ruins, fortified manor houses, and Elizabethan estates. Visitors can explore a variety of historical structures, from ancient Roman and Norman foundations to later stone castles.
- The castles around Barry are appreciated by the komoot community, with 50 upvotes and 62 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 16, 2026
The Animal Wall
Highlight • Monument
The carving of the animals began in the late 1880s. Architect William Frame brought the wall to life, based on sketches byarchitect William Burges who was employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute.
The original wall was built in the 1890s directly outside the castle. Original animals included: a pair of lions holding shields, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, a pair of apes and a hyena. You can tell these apart from their later cousins because they have glass eyes.
The wall was moved and relocated west of the Castle in 1923 due to the widening of Duke Street, and six extra animals were added. The six additional animals were the vulture, beaver, leopard, a pair of raccoons, a pelican and an anteater.
bute-park.com/attraction/the-animal-wall
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St Fagans National Museum of History
Highlight • Historical Site
The brainchild of Iorwerth Peate, the museum was modelled on Skansen, the outdoor museum of vernacular Swedish architecture in Stockholm. Most structures re-erected in Skansen were built of wood and are thus easily taken apart and reassembled, but a comparable museum in Wales was going to be more ambitious, as much of the vernacular architecture of Wales is made of masonry.[3][6]
2017 refurbishment
A redeveloped main reception building was opened in July 2017.[8] The six-year, £30-million redevelopment of the site, which was funded by a number of sources, notably the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, was completed in October 2018.[9][10]
The £30-million redevelopment project provided many benefits, including three new galleries showcasing Wales’ history, improvements to buildings such as the Iron Age farmstead, Bryn Eryr, and Medieval Prince’s court and Llys Llywelyn, as well as a refurbished main entrance building and a new restaurant, play area and learning spaces.[11] One of the new buildings, the Gweithdy ('workshop'), features stone age tools and stick chairs.[12]
In June 2019, St Fagans was named UK’s Museum of the Year 2019 by the Art Fund, which commended the facility's "exceptional imagination, innovation and achievement".[13] The Art Fund is a charity which helps to support museums and galleries.[14]
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St Fagans Castle
Highlight • Castle
Sir Edward Lewis of The Van, Caerphilly, bought the house in 1616 and the interior dates partly from then and partly from after 1850, when it became the summer residence of the Windsor-Clive family. The property was part of the estate of the Earls of Plymouth and, in 1833, was inherited by Lady Harriet Clive who proceeded to restore the building. The sequence of terraces in the gardens was created for the Windsor-Clives in 1865–6 and extended in the early 20th century. The house became a convalescent hospital for soldiers during World War I, with the banqueting hall containing a ward of 40 beds.
In 1947 the Windsor-Clives gave the house and grounds to the Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and the grounds subsequently became the site of the Welsh Folk Museum, now St Fagans National Museum of History.
St Fagans Castle became a Grade I listed building in 1977. The lead water cistern in the courtyard of the castle is Grade II* listed, while a number of features in the gardens are listed as Grade II.
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Red Dragon Sculpture at Cardiff Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Llandaff Bishop's Palace Gatehouse
Highlight • Monument
The only substantial remains today are the impressive gatehouse, the rest of the site is now an ornamental park which was developed in the 1970’s.
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Tips from the Community
This wall extends from the castle and has stone carvings of various animals which would have been very exotic when it was created. Much fun 🙂
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The red dragon stands in the castle's courtyard. It symbolizes Welsh national pride.
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Originally a small medieval fortress, it is thought that the palace was first built by William de Braose who became Bishop in 1266. The palace was abandoned as a residence following damage in the Owain Glyndwr rebellion of 1402-05, with the Bishops thereafter preferring their more secure dwelling at Mathern in Monmouthshire. Although the palace seems to have remained intact until at least 1601, it was probably destroyed during the English Civil War when many castles were similarly slighted by Parliamentarian forces. The only substantial remains today are the impressive gatehouse, the rest of the site is now an ornamental park which was developed in the 1970’s.
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St Fagans is an affluent village situated to the west of Cardiff in South Wales. The village is home to St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales' most popular heritage attraction that beautifully showcases the history of Welsh life. Whilst in St Fagans, a visit to the museum is a must. There are endless fascinating places to discover inside the grounds, including an old sweet shop, a chapel, a Workmen's Institute, a set of traditional cottages laid out in their original style, and a late 16th-century manor house and gardens. It is free to enter the grounds, and you can check out the opening times here https://museum.wales/stfagans/visit/
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Located in the courtyard. In any case, inform in advance whether events such as concerts are taking place. Then the inner courtyard is closed
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Totally cool wall - unfortunately a bit too close to the street
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The best view of the the Animal Wall is at the southern boundary of the park from Castle Street. The carving of the animals began in the late 1880s. Architect William Frame brought the wall to life, based on sketches byarchitect William Burges who was employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The original wall was built in the 1890s directly outside the castle. Original animals included: a pair of lions holding shields, a lioness, a lynx, a bear, a sea lion, a wolf, a pair of apes and a hyena. You can tell these apart from their later cousins because they have glass eyes. The wall was moved and relocated west of the Castle in 1923 due to the widening of Duke Street, and six extra animals were added. The six additional animals were the vulture, beaver, leopard, a pair of raccoons, a pelican and an anteater. https://bute-park.com/attraction/the-animal-wall
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A FANTASTIC DAY OUT .Wear COMFORTABLE SHOES 👞. AS A LOT OF WALKING INVOLVED.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of Barry Castle?
Barry Castle, a Grade II* listed ruin, began as a wooden ringwall in the 12th century by the de Barry family. By the 14th century, it evolved into a fortified manor house with a notable two-storey gatehouse and hall. It offers a glimpse into the medieval history and architectural evolution of fortified manor houses in Wales. You can find more details about its history on Wikipedia.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Barry?
Yes, several castles and historical sites near Barry are great for families. Cardiff Castle is a popular choice, offering a rich 2,000-year history. St Fagans Castle and Gardens, located within the grounds of St Fagans National Museum of History, is also highly recommended for families, allowing exploration of an Elizabethan manor house and its historical setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Barry and its castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'The Knap – Jackson Bay loop' or 'Porthkerry Viaduct – Rhoose Point loop'. There are also gravel biking opportunities, including challenging routes like 'Caerphilly mountain loop from Cardiff'. For more details on routes, explore the hiking guide or the gravel biking guide for Barry.
Are there walking routes that incorporate Barry Castle?
Yes, Barry Castle can be incorporated into walks around the tranquil Porthkerry Country Park, combining nature with history. For specific running routes that pass by, consider the 'Barry Castle – View From Bus Near Roundabout loop' which is a moderate 6.9 km run. You can find more running trails in the running guide for Barry.
How far are the main castles from Barry?
Barry Castle is located directly within Barry. Other significant castles like Cardiff Castle and St Fagans Castle and Gardens are located in the broader South Wales region, typically a short drive from Barry, making them accessible for day trips.
What is unique about St Fagans Castle and Gardens?
St Fagans Castle and Gardens is a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house. It's unique because its interior is designed to reflect its historical appearance, offering visitors a genuine look into the past. It's also part of the larger St Fagans National Museum of History, which showcases Welsh life and heritage.
Can I visit historical sites other than castles near Barry?
Absolutely. While castles are prominent, the region offers other historical sites. St Fagans National Museum of History, for instance, is Wales' most popular heritage attraction, featuring an old sweet shop, a chapel, traditional cottages, and the Elizabethan manor house itself. It's free to enter and provides a comprehensive look at Welsh life.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Barry?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty of the castles. For example, Cardiff Castle is praised for its 2,000-year history and great views. The Animal Wall at Cardiff Castle is also a popular feature, with its unique stone carvings of exotic animals, offering a fun and quirky historical element.
Are there any hidden gems or unique features to look out for?
Beyond the main structures, look for unique details. At Cardiff Castle, the Animal Wall, with its stone carvings of various animals, is a distinctive feature. The Red Dragon Sculpture in Cardiff Castle's courtyard is another unique highlight, symbolizing Welsh national pride.
What is the best time of year to visit castles near Barry?
While specific opening times vary, visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and grounds without the peak summer crowds. Many castles, including Barry Castle, are open year-round, but it's always advisable to check specific opening hours for indoor attractions, especially during winter months, on their official websites.
Are there public transport options to reach castles from Barry?
Barry is well-connected by public transport. You can typically reach major sites like Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History (which includes St Fagans Castle) by train or bus from Barry. For detailed travel information, it's best to consult local transport schedules or the official websites of the attractions.
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