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I arrived in Caerffili in late afternoon, stopped in the Tourist Information Centre to find a B&B,and discovered that the approaching weekend was a bank holiday and lodging would be difficult to acquire. The lady, Sally from Caerffili, in the office suggested that I stay at Lugano Guest House ,operated by Mrs. Marion Dowson, a delightful B&B, where I happily spent two nights in my room overlooking the dramatically lit Caerffili Castle. Sally further suggested that I book my holiday, as quickly as possible, so that I could avoid disaster over the weekend. The Bank Holiday accomodation problem proved very thorny and so for the next few hours, while Sally from Caerffili valiantly called the world, looking after my weekend arrangements, my time was spent happily touring Edward I's brooding fortress in a steady rain.

That evening I had dinner in a hotel dining room, way up near the summit of the hill that looms near the castle. I found myself in conversation with a fundamentalist who was very charming but presumed to be much more enlightened than me. Since he offered I consented to allow him to mention me in his prayers that evening. I then walked down to the Lugano Guest House, found my room, looked out upon the castle and then slipped under the covers.

Caerffili Castle

The composite above is made from 3 vertical images. It gives a perspective on the enormous size of Caerffili Castle. The moat is more like a lake than a ditch and the enclosed lawns could be parks in their own rights.

There is a lot to be impressed by in this fortification besides it’s enormity, the restoration of the Great Hall is beautiful and rich in detail, as is somewhat revealed in the photograph below, although the young couple in this frame didn't seem to be giving the room much attention. The vaulting in the cellars by the kitchen is fascinating in it's execution.