Perched on a hillside to
the North of Cardiff is Castell
Coch. It is sometimes referred to as the Fairytale
Castle, (if you've seen it, you'll know why) but in fact the name
translates as Red Castle.
The location of the castle means that it has some magnificent
views from its turrets over the city and on to the Bristol
Channel. Dating from the 1870s it was originally built as a
summer house for the third Marquess of Bute, at one point the
richest man in the world. As with his main home, Cardiff
Castle, the decoration is extravagant and ornate thanks to the work
of his architect William Burgess.
Today the castle is one of the most photographed in Wales and is a
popular stopping off point for walkers and cyclists on the Taff
Trail which runs nearby.
