Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Grade I listed ironmaster's castle in Merthyr Tydfil with galleries on local industrial and social history, archaeology and art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Cyfarthfa Castle was built in 1825 for the ironmaster William Crawshay II and is regarded as the grandest and best-preserved ironmaster's house in Wales. It stands in about 160 acres of parkland north of Merthyr Tydfil, with formal gardens and a lake.
After the Crawshay family left in the late nineteenth century, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council turned the castle into a museum and art gallery on the ground floor and a school on the upper floors. The museum opened in 1910. The school has since moved out, and the museum continues in the building.
The collection holds more than 18,000 objects. They tell the story of Merthyr as an iron town at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, from the Roman conquest to the present, and include objects from around the world, such as Ancient Egyptian grave goods. Highlights of the art collection include works by William Goscombe John and Sydney Curnow Vosper. A programme of exhibitions, talks and workshops runs throughout the year.
Highlights
- Grade I listed ironmaster's castle of 1825
- Collection of more than 18,000 objects
- Ancient Egyptian coffin lid
- Art collection with works by William Goscombe John
- Instruments of the Cyfarthfa Brass Band
- Founded
- 1910
- Operated by
- Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £3.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by someone over 16. |
| Seniors | £3Visitors aged 60 and over, Fridays only. |
| Students & apprentices | £3 |
Art Pass holders enter free. Tickets are bought on arrival (cash or card, no American Express).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building is historic, so access may be difficult in places. Ground floor galleries are fully accessible; the basement galleries are reached by a chair lift operated by a museum assistant, and some basement floors are uneven. The entrance for wheelchairs and pushchairs is via the central courtyard (use the intercom). A wheelchair can be borrowed. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the museum.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Many galleries and exhibitions have special features for children. The park has a children's play area and a model railway. Children under 16 must be accompanied by someone over 16.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From Merthyr Tydfil bus station take the Pontsticill or Trefechan route to the park gates.
By car
Free parking
General parking is behind the castle near the Bothy; a limited number of Blue Badge spaces are on the forecourt. Coaches use the Lakeside Entrance (CF47 8RD).
- Accessible parking
The park lies north of the town centre on the A470, about a 20 minute walk from the centre. Sat nav postcode for the main entrance: CF47 8PA.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Julie's Castle Tearoom (10:00 to 16:00 daily) and a museum shop. Free public Wi-Fi is listed among the visitor facilities.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Weddings and commercial hire are offered at the castle.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography for personal, non-commercial use is welcome; no flash, tripods or selfie sticks. Professional shoots must be booked in advance. |
| Good to know | Group bookings are made through an enquiry form on the website. |
