Arts and crafts in Caerphilly

Caerphilly is in South Wales. It has a population of around 178,000 and covers approximately 28,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen.

The county borough of Caerphilly (Caerffili in Welsh) was created in 1996 when a number of former districts were merged. The largest town in the county is Caerphilly, which is home to many people who work in the nearby town of Newport or the city of Cardiff. The picturesque landscape of the landlocked county, which is surrounded by mountains, attracts many people who enjoy taking part in activities such as hill walking, canoeing and horse riding. Built during the 13th century, Caerphilly Castle is among the counties top visitor attractions and is the largest castle in Wales. Surrounded by a moat, the great stone fortress was the scene of a number of conflicts though by the 16th century it had declined. Restored during the 19th and 20th centuries, Caerphilly Castle is now run by Cadw, the Welsh Government historic environment service and the impressive great hall has been used to host a range of cultural and social events. Also located in the town of Caerphilly is Y Galeri, an art gallery which opened in 2012 to provide a space where Welsh artists can show their work and local people can meet and have the opportunity to get involved in creative activities. The gallery runs workshops and exhibitions where visitors can see a range of arts and crafts work such as paintings, sculptures and jewellery.

Llancaiach Fawr is a Manor house built in the village of Nelson during the 16th century, when its thick stone walls provided a fortified home during periods of conflict. The Tudor manor house is now owned by Caerphilly council and run as a living museum, designed to help visitors learn about local heritage and what it was like to live and work there during the 17th century. To help recreate the sense of history, staff wear period costumes and the restored interior is decorated with reproduction furnishings. The house has also been used as a setting for the filming of a number of movies and television shows. Located in the village of New Tredegar, the Winding House is the county museum and has run exhibitions and events, drawing upon local history from the Iron Age, Roman and medieval through to the Industrial Revolution, Victorian period and 20th century. The old winding engine is run on some days and the museum has also hosted a range of activities including arts and crafts events and film shows. The famous Caerphilly cheese originates in the area and inspired an event called The Big Cheese, a festival held in the grounds of Caerphilly Castle where thousands of people come to enjoy the produce of exhibitors running stalls selling a range of foods and drinks. The event also celebrates local heritage through performing arts such as folk dancing, street entertainment and traditional music.