A major programme of investment is continuing at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park as work progresses to protect one of Wales’ most important heritage sites while improving the visitor experience.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has provided an update on the wide range of improvement works currently underway, supported through funding from Cadw, the council, the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics fund and The Cyfarthfa Foundation.
At Cyfarthfa Castle, essential roof repairs and drainage improvements are currently being carried out to help safeguard the historic building for future generations.
The drainage works are expected to be completed within the next few months, while the roof repairs are scheduled to finish next year.
The council said the projects are vital to protecting the historic fabric of the castle, addressing long term maintenance issues and reducing the risk of more significant deterioration in the future.
Alongside the restoration work, contractors have also delivered a range of community benefits, including apprenticeship opportunities, school visits and engagement activities, attendance at a local construction careers fair and mock interview day, as well as site visits for schools, colleges and community groups.
Despite the ongoing works, Cyfarthfa Park and Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery remain open to visitors. The museum is currently hosting the Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting 2026 exhibition, which runs until 30 August.
Investment through the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics fund has also delivered a number of improvements across both the castle and the wider park.
Within the museum, visitors can now benefit from upgraded toilet facilities, an enhanced reception area, improvements to the shop and café, upgraded Wi-Fi and CCTV systems, and a new audiovisual cinema display.
Across Cyfarthfa Park, new signage and wayfinding have been installed to help visitors navigate the grounds more easily, while new picnic benches and bins have been added to improve accessibility, cleanliness and comfort.
The council said these improvements are designed to strengthen the overall visitor experience and ensure the park remains a high quality destination for both local communities and visitors.
Meanwhile, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and The Cyfarthfa Foundation continue to explore further funding opportunities to support the site’s long term future.
A recent application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund Development Fund was unsuccessful, but the council said the work completed during the application process had helped strengthen and refine the long term vision for Cyfarthfa Castle and Park.
The council and The Cyfarthfa Foundation said they remain committed to securing additional investment and working with partners, stakeholders and funding bodies to deliver the long term ambitions set out in The Cyfarthfa Plan, with further updates expected as the current programme of works continues.
