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Visitor Experience fit for a king at Caerphilly Castle

Marcon Fit Out explains £8 million project includes Great Hall centrepiece and newly opened Inner East Gatehouse with interactive displays.

After two years of conservation and refurbishment, Caerphilly Castle – Wales’ largest and one of its most iconic medieval landmarks has reopened its doors.

Tracing its beginnings back to 1268, Caerphilly Castle was a fortress for the Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare who built the formidable castle to protect himself from the rise of the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd.

As exhibition fit-out contractor, Marcon were responsible for the delivery of bespoke joinery, furniture, graphics, interactives and worked closely with Jam Creative Studios who provided the immersive AV projections that now bring this 13th-century fortress to life for a new generation of visitors.
The interactive exhibits tell the many stories of the castle and the men, women, and children who lived in it over the centuries. They detail power struggles, betrayals, and liaisons of people who built and fought over the castle as well as introducing visitors to the Fourth Marquis of Bute who funded its reconstruction in the 1920s.

The centrepiece of the transformation is the Great Hall – once a plain, austere space, now restored to the splendour of its medieval heyday. Marcon’s craftsmanship can be seen around the walls as well the bespoke seating and state-of-the-art technology transports visitors back to the 1320s, recreating the atmosphere of a mighty royal feast with rich decoration and immersive digital scenes.

Working alongside Cadw, John Ryland, Designers Bright and conservation experts, Marcon integrated cutting-edge technology and hand-crafted furniture with centuries-old architecture, ensuring each exhibit item complemented and enhanced the castle’s original features.

Beyond the Great Hall, Marcon’s fit out works extend into newly opened areas, such as the Inner East Gatehouse, which visitors can now explore through interactive exhibits, tactile displays and immersive projections, all designed to deepen engagement while preserving the castle’s integrity.

The £8 million project doesn’t just conserve an architectural masterpiece – it connects communities with their heritage and stories that spans over 750 years, enhancing Wales’ cultural tourism offering.

“Working on a project of this scale and historical importance has been a privilege,” said Martin McErlean, Contract Manager at Marcon. “The aim was to blend traditional craftsmanship within the Great Hall with innovative technology to create a visitor experience worthy of Caerphilly Castle’s extraordinary past – and we’re proud to see it ready to inspire for generations to come.”

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