History on Wheels

Pedal through history and discover the legacy left by the Bute family.

Join a ride leader on a beautiful 8km bike ride from the centre of Cardiff to Castell Coch. You’ll cycle along the traffic-free Taff Trail, passing through wooded paths and grassy parks, all while keeping the the rippling river on your left.

A guide will uncover a host of tales from the past, pointing out key sites along the way — you’ll certainly want to have packed a camera!

Remember to keep your eyes peeled for the Melingriffith water pump – a restored 18^th Century water pump designed to raise water to the Glamorganshire Canal.  

Your journey to the site will conclude with a short steep climb towards Burges’ architecural masterpiece, nestled among the trees. 

Upon arrival, enjoy a custodian-led guided tour through the magical Victorian holiday home and learn all about its dazzling décor and luxury furnishings. Why not also enjoy a picnic or a visit to the site’s quaint tearooms for a sandwich or bara brith? Coffee lovers can even order a signature Castell Coch coffee blend.

After an hour or so at the site, you’ll hop back on your bike and head back to the starting point for a well-earned break. A Sunday morning well spent!

Terms and conditions

- Tickets cost £15 per person for standard entry, £7.70 for Cadw members, £10 for children aged 5-17, £5.60 for child Cadw members and are free* for children under 5. A standard family ticket costs £45 and a ticket for those with family membership costs £23.95. Ticket prices include castle entry and a guided tour upon arrival.

- The bike rides are limited to 10 places per session and an individual ticket is required for each participating person.

-  Guests must inform Cadw whether a rental bike is needed when purchasing tickets. Cadw will then provide a code via email which participants must enter into the Nextbike app to redeem a bike. The bikes must be collected from the Llandaff Fields Nextbike station in Pontcanna (station 8325) in advance of the start-time.

- Children under 15 must be accompanied at all times.

- Refunds will be issued for tickets cancelled up to 48 hours in advance of each event.

*£1 booking fee

Tickets must be booked in advance. Visitors are advised to bring their own bikes but Nextbikes will be available upon request.

Nextbikes will be free* to rent but there will be a small charge after two hours.

Meet 10am at Pedal Power, off Dogo Street, Cardiff, CF11 9JJ.

Further dates available. See main ticket page for more information. For any queries, email cadw@equinox.wales

*£1 booking fee