Residents are being urged to claim their free entry pass to Caerphilly Castle.
People living in Caerphilly town, Llanbradach, Senghenydd, Abertridwr, Penyrheol and Nelson can apply for their pass to gain free entry to the 13th Century building.
Historically, the castle used to be the responsibility of the old Caerphilly Urban District Council until it was disbanded in 1974.
As part of that reorganisation, responsibility for Caerphilly Castle was passed onto the UK Government’s Ministry of Works, which later transferred it to Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government.
As part of the terms and conditions of the handover, it was agreed that people living within the old boundary of Caerphilly Urban District Council would continue to benefit from free access to the castle.
The passes, which cost an administration fee of £2, are produced by Cadw and are issued by Caerphilly County Borough Council at the Visit Caerphilly Centre in Caerphilly town every Sunday.
To apply, residents are required to provide a proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or driving licence, and a passport-sized photograph.
Martin Cook, Manager of the Visit Caerphilly Centre, said: “This is a great opportunity for local residents to take advantage of and learn more about the cultural history of the town.”
Caerphilly Castle was built by Gilbert de Clare and later restored by the third Marquess of Bute, son of Lord Bute.
Last year Cadw spent £260,000 of European Union money installing new “interpretation experiences” at the castle, which included interactive touchscreen displays and a wooden sculpture of the Marquess of Bute.
• For more information about the scheme call the Visit Caerphilly Centre on 02920 880011.
For those who live within the old CUDC boundry this is £2 very well spent. The castle is of course interesting historically but is also a wonderful place to sit or stroll on a lazy day. The views from the top of the towers open to the public are also worth the climb up the spiral stairs. I don’t use my pass as much as I ought but enjoy several visits per year.
I got my grandson and myself a pass each when we visiting the castle we were told we had to have another and they took our laminated passes away and replaced with plain cards. I had paid for passport photos at a local machine and they were taken from us. Now you ask people for passport photos? I need to get for my other two grandchildren but I’m a pensioner this is going to be expensive! Can you please advise and what do I need to register a child now as they don’t have utility bills etc. Kind regards Ms Marion Russell
please let me know who is sponsor of the 2 pounds entrance fee
No sponsorship involved so far as I know. This is a traditional thank you to the people of the CUDC area for their financial support of the castle over many years. For instance the Town Council was paying the electricity bill until recent years. The £2 charge is not an entrance fee but pays the administrative cost of providing a pass. These last for three years.
so no money comes out of the ccbc coffers, is that correct
Correct Ed, the castle is not owned by the council, which causes some confusion. The castle was owned by the Marquis of Bute until 1949, when it was donated to the government. This was the old Ministry of Works and it was passed on through govenment departments until this day. The owners are now CADW which is the historic building arm of the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff.
The residents passes are made by ‘Visit Caerffili’ which stands alone financially and is expected to meet its running costs by sale of coffee, gifts and so on.
Hi, is free entry still applicable for people in receipt of disability (PIP) benefit, and if so ,what proof has to be shown on entry, along with my husband, who is my registered carer, other than my blue badge, as this is required to be left in the car, for parking ?
I am also a resident of Caerphilly.
Thank you