After many years of restoration Cardigan Castle is finally set to open its doors on 15th April. Having driven past the castle for years, with its contractors signs, cordoned off road lane and restricted access, I’m really looking forward to having a nose around on the inside! In addition to the restored castle itself there are gardens, an open-air theatre and a restaurant and of course, the best view of the river Tefi in town.
According to a recent the Daily Mail article,
“It has been a multi-million pound rescue mission lasting 12 years, but 900-year-old Cardigan Castle, in Wales, is set open its doors to visitors once more in April.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the historic castle, to see the results of the Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust project.
It is set to be a lavish affair, with 3,000 daffodils and 1,700 rolls of turf planted in celebration of the occasion.”
And they add,
“The new lease of life for the castle includes the recreation of the paths and lawns of the regency gardens, a glass restaurant with panoramic views over the River Teifi, and the restoration of the whalebone arch – a popular feature for early 19th Century gardens.
The impressive landmark has a fascinating history, from being build as a wooden Iron Age settlement by Gilbert de Clare in 1100, to enduring medieval battles between Normans and Welsh rebels, and hosting Wales’ first Eisteddfod in 1176.
The last inhabitant was Barbara Wood, who sold the castle in 2001 after residing there for almost 60 years.”
The full Daily Mail article can be read here.