Living in Caerphilly
Caerphilly is a historic town in South Wales, known for its impressive castle, rich heritage, and scenic surroundings. With strong transport links to Cardiff, it offers a blend of modern living and traditional charm. The town features diverse schools, vibrant markets, and numerous parks, making it ideal for families and first-time buyers. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby mountains and valleys, while a variety of restaurants and local events reflect the community spirit and cultural vibrancy of Caerphilly.
History of the area
Caerphilly is known for Caerphilly Castle, built in 1268 by Gilbert de Clare to secure his claim against Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. The castle, with its massive moat and defences, is one of the largest in Britain and played a key role in medieval conflicts. Caerphilly’s strategic location helped it grow through coal mining in the 19th century. It’s also famous for Caerphilly cheese, a crumbly white cheese first made by local farmers. Today, Caerphilly’s rich heritage and iconic leaning castle tower attract visitors from around the world.
The property market
New build homes
New-build homes in Caerphilly offer modern, energy-efficient living in a historic Welsh setting. Developments range from family houses to starter homes and apartments, often featuring contemporary designs with sustainable materials and high energy ratings. Located close to Cardiff, these homes appeal to commuters seeking a blend of town amenities and countryside charm. Many new builds are within easy reach of Caerphilly’s schools, parks, and transport links, providing convenience alongside green spaces.
First time buyers
First-time buyers in Caerphilly benefit from the area’s affordability compared to nearby Cardiff, making it a popular choice for young professionals and families. The town offers a mix of new builds and older homes, often priced attractively for entry-level buyers. Government schemes like Help to Buy provide financial support, making homeownership more accessible. First-time buyers here enjoy a balance of modern amenities, historic charm, and the beautiful Welsh countryside, making it an appealing location to start a home journey.
Schools and education
Caerphilly offers a range of educational options, including well-regarded primary and secondary schools, such as St. Cenydd School and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, which provide Welsh-medium education. The town supports diverse learning needs with public and private options, along with specialized support for additional needs. For higher education, Cardiff’s universities are easily accessible, allowing students to commute. With a focus on academic achievement, cultural awareness, and bilingual education, Caerphilly’s schools foster a supportive environment that encourages both academic and personal growth.
Transport links
Caerphilly boasts strong transport links, making it ideal for commuters and residents alike. Regular train services connect the town to Cardiff in under 20 minutes, with links extending to Newport and other South Wales areas. Bus networks provide extensive local and regional coverage, while the nearby A470 and M4 motorways offer convenient road access to Cardiff, Newport, and beyond. Active travel routes, including walking and cycling paths, make it easy to navigate within Caerphilly. With its blend of efficient public transport and road access, Caerphilly is well-connected for work, leisure, and exploration across South Wales.
Lifestyle and leisure
Places to see
Caerphilly’s highlights include the impressive Caerphilly Castle, Britain’s second-largest castle with its iconic leaning tower and surrounding moat. The town also offers scenic views from Caerphilly Mountain, ideal for walking and picnics. Visitors enjoy the Caerphilly Visitor Centre and shopping at local markets. Nearby, Morgan Jones Park provides green spaces and a children’s play area. Rich in history and natural beauty, Caerphilly offers plenty to explore for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Things to do
In Caerphilly, you can enjoy the vibrant weekly markets for local produce and crafts or explore the Caerphilly Leisure Centre, offering sports facilities and swimming. The annual Caerphilly Big Cheese Festival celebrates Welsh culture with food stalls, live music, and medieval re-enactments. Try out local golf courses or take part in scenic cycling routes around the town. These activities provide a taste of Caerphilly’s community spirit, outdoor adventures, and local flavour.
Where to eat
Caerphilly has a range of dining options, from cosy pubs like The Black Cock Inn, offering classic British fare, to Casa Mia, a favourite for Italian cuisine. For a relaxed café vibe, Glanmor's Bakery offers delicious cakes and pastries. Y Galeri Bar & Bistro provides a mix of Welsh and global dishes, making Caerphilly’s dining scene diverse and flavourful.
The surrounding area
Surrounding Caerphilly, the Rhymney Valley features picturesque villages like Bedwas and Machen, offering scenic countryside and historic sites. Northward lies the town of Ystrad Mynach, known for its community parks and shops. To the south, Llanishen and Lisvane in Cardiff offer suburban living with easy city access. The beautiful Taff Valley and areas like Nantgarw offer hiking trails and cultural sites, while nearby Pontypridd is famous for its markets and Victorian architecture.
Thinking of living in Caerphilly?
Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, or selling to buy something bigger, Darlows can help you find the right property for you. Browse our properties for sale in Caerphilly online, or contact our local agents today. You can fill in our online form, give us a call or visit us in-person.
