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30 November 2009
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Castles

Fireworks over Caerphilly Castle

Thanks for your suggestions - these are archive messages. We're now inviting you to share your views on our main message board.


your comments

We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.

Pat Hall Tongwnlais (now In Australia)
I was born in Tongwnlais. Castell Coch has always been special for me, and I would love to see it on more sites.

Beth from Caerphilly
I originally come from Cardiff and enjoyed looking at Cardiff Castle every day on my journey to and from work. Two and a half years ago I moved to Caerphilly, and now get to enjoy its beautiful castle and fayres incorporated within it. If you've never been to The Big Cheese, come along. Both have different qualities but Castle Coch now reminds me of home. My fiance and I had our first date there. I think many of us forget how lucky we are to have all this history and culture upon our doorsteps. I'll never move!

Melissa from Melbourne, Australia
I haven't been to Wales but my dad is from Cardiff and he told me all about Cardiff Castle. It sounds awesome and I can't wait to go.

Marcia Stephens France
I think Chepstow castle has a wonderful location on the river, and is very impressive when lit up at night. Walking in the dell and absorbing all that history is one of life's pleasures.

Lucy McCarthy
The best castle I have ever been to is definetly Caerphilly castle, I really enjoyed my day out there with my family it has plenty to do and is a lovely and enjoyoble place to be. If I had the chance to go now I would.

cathy jones from israel
i love the sootys castle or as everyone slde calls it castle coch

Kim Baker from Somerset
Castell Coch is the best castle in Wales. The fairytale structure and its beautiful surrounding make it absolutely perfect in my eyes. I will always remember my first visit there and I took many photographs to remember it by, I think of it fondly and look forward to returning in the future.

Betha Jones from Tondu
The castle which captures everyone's imagination has to be Castle Coch. As it was built on remains of a medieval castle and built according to plans from norman times it is NOT a fake castle. Nowhere else does your jaw drop as much as when you enter and gaze at the wonderful artwork which is in every nook and cranny. For me it is a welcome sight when returning from England, or indeed anywhere, to see this castle loom into view. It was used as well for the opening scenes for the worst witch and you can see why.

newport - lander
Newport Castle is the worst!

Sophie May from Coity
My favorite castle is Coity castle in Bridgend - it is the best castle I have ever seen. I hope to go there again soon.

Kate Pugh from Caldicot
People seem to overlook Caldicot castle, a place that is still the centre of the community and absolutely beautiful. One of the lesser known ones, but if you grew up there, you would know.

Jo from Cardiff
David from Caerphilly - what r u on about? Of course Castell Coch is a real castle. Just because it isn't as big as Caerphilly or Cardiff Castles doesn't mean it's a fake. Bigger doesn't always mean better.

Zarrion Walker from Penpedairheol
The castles of Wales outstand great culture and show more history than ever. I find them interesting and exciting and I love the local castles around our environment. Great and fantastic!

David from Caerphilly
Laura, that's exactly what I mean about Caerphilly Castle - it's amazing!

Gary Frampton from Utah
As a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1975 I had the privilage of being in Caerphilly for 9 months. I used to walk passed the castle everyday and think just how fortunate the people of this community were to have such an awesome piece of history right here. I want to return there someday....

Annie, Chicago USA
Raglan Castle! This was the most incredible thing I have ever seen. Walking up to the flag tower, the sight was something I will never forget. Thank you Wales for giving a big city girl from Chicago one of the best vacations of her life.

Laura, Newport
As a young 22 yr old I often get questioned about my love for castles. I have to admitt that my fav is Caerphilly. It's outstanding beauty is overwhelming and the fact that it relates to my family history helps it stand out as my all time fav. If you've never been you should go have a look. Sit in the main hall and you can imagine being sat at a banquet with an orchestra playing on the balcony... Glorious.

Saeb Hinawy from Jerusalem
I want to see some of the old castles being as used as hotels.

David from Caerphilly
Elinor what the are you on about? Castle Coch is not a real castle - it's a fake! If you want to see a real castle then come and see Caerphilly Castle!

Elinor in Aberystwyth
I grew up in Taffs Well, the village minutes away from Castell Coch, so this small yet beautiful castle would get my vote. Nestled between the trees, the castle’s two round towers are hard to miss. The sight brings back many great memories of South Wales. So, every time I pass through Cardiff, on the A470, I am reminded of home. Every season brings the delicate (and even chateau-like) castle to life, creating perfect photographic opportunities. Overall, the domesticated ‘Red Castle’ rests very well in the Welsh hills.

Andy Ball in Illinois, USA
Ei, Raglan's definitely worth a visit.

Dave
It's not a castle, but Tintern Abbey is one of the most beautiful places I've been. Many a time I've taken a girlfriend for long walks up to the Devil's Pulpit and back, and also through the Forest of Dean. You have got to visit this place. It's something else.

Philip, Tonbridge
So many to choose from, each with its own outstanding points - Chepstow, Coch, Raglan, White, Cardiff, Kidwelly ... I could go on. On the down side, it's a pity that so little of the magnificent Caerphilly is open to the public. A further question for your readers - which castle do you most regret the partial or total destruction of? Builth and Aberystwyth get my votes.

Alan, Newport
Chepstow Castle in the summer - idyllic!!!

Sheikha from Cardiff
I like Ogmore Castle because of its small, beautiful river and the small pebbles in it. It's worth capturing in your camera.

See a panoramic view of Ogmore Castle

George from Carphilly
I love Caerphilly Castle. When I was young, my mum used to take me there to feed the ducks.

See a panoramic view of Caerphilly Castle

Keith Collins in Pennsylvania, formerly of Newport
For me Raglan was built by or for a person who wanted the latest designs for living and of course to defend. Its situation is imposing from the east yet the most tranquil with picturesque views from anywhere in the castle. I believe that many of the refinements of the castle were taken to Badminton Hall.

Colin Fowler, Perth, Western Australia
I was born and brought up in Caerphilly and as a kid I used to play in the grounds before they done it up.

Andy Ball in Illinois, USA
They found a good spot for Chepstow Castle. :-)

Trevor in Melbourne
Coity Castle in Mid-Glamorgan, a mile or so north of Bridgend. Fantastic courtyard, you can still see the stonemasons marks on the carved lintels.

Bethanny from Indiana, USA
My favorite castle is Castle Coch. It's cosy, yet elaborate and beautiful. It has a great history and since it was so close to school, my friends and I visited it several times.

Philip from Porthcawl
I love Tretower court & castle situated between Crickhowel & Bwlch.

Anonymous
Ogmore Castle is the greatest. I love the stepping stones across the river, most picturesque.

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