Wales · Restored
Castell Coch
Castell Coch is a 19th‑century Gothic Revival country retreat rebuilt on the medieval motte at Tongwynlais, north of Cardiff. William Burges reconstructed the ruined red‑sandstone fortification for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, completing the exterior and richly decorated interiors in the late 19th century. The site today is managed by Cadw and sits within beech woods above the Taff valley.
Its prime
1891
Today
Restored
As it stood in 1891
The shape it held in its prime.
A compact hilltop castle of warm red‑brown sandstone with three prominent cylindrical towers capped by steep conical green‑slate roofs and finials. A central gatehouse sits between two massive round towers, reached by a wooden turning‑bridge and flanked by a projecting red timber hoarding above the arched entrance. Small slit windows, coursed stonework and a talus at the motte base define the silhouette; the castle stands on a wooded motte above the Taff valley, complete and intact in its Victorian Gothic form.
Step inside
10 places to explore in 1891.
The record describes 10 distinct spots at Castell Coch — including 5 interiors: gatehouse passage and entrance arch, undercroft below the square hall, hall block / reception room and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.
Create History
See Castell Coch with the fires lit.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1891 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
Recreate Castle to Explore →
