Having never been to this castle before I knew I had to attend! Hearing great things from family and friends my expectations were high. Easily signposted and only around a 35-minute drive from Cardiff. When we arrived parking is a bit sporadic and its every car for themselves. Also, take into account there are no allocated disabled parking spaces.
I and my mum went with some other family who had previously been with them being Cadw members. For ourselves, though it was free being part of the open doors events. Normally the price would be £6.50 for an adult and last entry is at 4.30. To enter you have to go through the gift shop before getting onto the castle grounds. Any kids blindfold them to get through the toys.
The first thing you notice about the castle is that it has an actual moat filled with water. Although for safety reason the edge parts to it are closed off. As we walked across the now stationary drawbridge we entered the main forecourt. Here you could see the true beauty that once stood. The layout of windows, the intricate stonework on the arches and the unfortunate erosion of the castle its self.
As we walked in we took a climb up the stairs to the great tower. These stairs can be very busy and narrow so be careful. Luckily there are stages in which you can stop to let people pace. This means you can also pace your climb if like me your fitness levels are not up to scratch. The climb is totally worth it for the views. Looking down and seeing the castle from lots of angles. Though if you are scared of heights do avoid it as it is quite far up.
Once we had gotten to ground level we found our self a picnic bench to stop for lunch. There are only a few benches but if you time it right you should be able to find one. Do take into account that there does seem to be no bins on sight so do take all your rubbish home with you.
The time came to carry on exploring the castle with its hidden nooks and crannies. Throughout the castle are interactive items for kids and adults alike. These connect to the Cadw app if you wish to explore. Such things as the chair pictured above, a treasure chest and some musical keys.
Although overtime what stood once in Tudor times has now been erased, there are still small signs of what was there. For example the kitchen, with obvious signs of where an oven would have been as well as the waste shoot. Also, the cellar where the wine was stored, a huge room below ground. You just picture the amount of alcohol that used to be stored there.
When you enter a leaflet is given to you but there is only limited information. Next time I return and I have a fully functioning phone I will defiantly be using the Cadw app. Hopefully giving me a better insight into the history of Raglan castle.