Cardiff Castle is one of the city’s most obvious landmarks, indeed it is so lavish and flamboyant that it would be very difficult to miss!

The history of the original Castle dates back around 2000 years for this is the site where the Romans founded a fort and first settled the area. Some remains of the Roman walls that surrounded the fort can still be seen.

Then in the Norman era Robert Fitzhamon built a motte and bailey style castle, the remains of which can still be seen today in the form of the Castle Keep. Climb to the top for some fantastic views across the city.

However, much of what constitutes Cardiff Castle today is much more recent, dating from the 19th century when it was transformed by the third Lord Bute with the assistance of his favourite architect William Burges.

Both men had a great love of flair and extravegance and were particularly interested in the medieval period, and the result was a spectacular example of whimsy and indulgence.

The interior of the castle is especially splendid, with each room lavishly decorated according to a theme - examples being an Arab room, a North African room and a Mediterranean garden.

Cardiff Castle is situated in Bute Park right in the centre of the city, on the banks of the River Taff. It is open daily but opening hours vary according to season so do check in advance.