The legendary, recently glowed-up British castle that is one of the UK’s best things to do in 2026

Did you know that Caerphilly Castle is the biggest fortress in Wales, and the second-largest castle in Britain, after Windsor? Not only does the size of this citadel – 30 acres to be exact – make it a banging day out, but it’s also recently undergone a mahoosive renovation. And that’s why Time Out has named it one of the best things to do in the UK in 2026. 

Caerphilly Castle was closed for two years for a mega £8 million renovation until July last year, when it reopened. Cadw (Wales’ answer to the National Trust) brought in stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts to restore the great 13th-century fortress.

The jewel in the newly reno-ed castle’s crown is probably the Great Hall. Not only has the medieval dining room been restored to its former glory, but it’s had digital enhancements added that will transport visitors right back to the gluttonous royal feasts of the 1320s. Caerphilly has also introduced new interactive exhibits spilling the castle’s juiciest secrets. Think: power grabs, betrayals, messy medieval drama, and a nod to the fabulously rich Fourth Marquis of Bute who gave the castle a major makeover in the 1920s.

For more of the greatest things to do in 2026, we’ve also named a world-first stage show; a landmark Edinburgh art exhibition; an unlimited rail pass; a stunning coastal walking trail; and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Bayeux Tapestry as some of the top British attractions this year.

🇬🇧 These are the 16 best new things to do in the UK in 2026.

Did you see that the UK’s first ever dedicated women’s sports bar is opening in Brighton.