Cadw

Protecting the Past

Castell Coch is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

Cadw is part of the Welsh Government’s Culture, Sport and Tourism Department and is answerable to the Deputy Minister, Lord Dafydd Elis‑Thomas, MS.

Castell Coch ancient monument sign

Cadw is a Welsh word meaning ‘to keep’ or ‘to protect’.

Castell Coch at sunset, 2013
Castell Coch at sunset, 2013 © Cadw, Welsh Assembly Government (Crown Copyright)

History and Heritage

The head of Cadw is Gwilym Hughes who reports to Jason Thomas, Director of Culture, Sport and Tourism.

Cadw manage 130 historic properties on behalf of the Welsh Government.

“We are working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.”

The Fairytale Castle

Cadw have been responsible for managing the castle since 1984.

The site had 50,511 visitors in 2018*.

* Source – Welsh Government

Illustration of old Cadw logo