Van Travel Guide

Cardiff

Castell y Van This building lies on the eastern edge of Caerphilly and a description of the building located by the entrance gates reads as follow;- Records referring to Van Castle date from 1415, but the dressed stone quoins and faced stones of the lodge, keep and main mansion building carry 12th century mason marks and are from the original Norman castle. In the grounds of Van Castle stood one of the largest medieval columnbrians (dove cotes) in Britain. The round pennant stone building contained over 100 nesting boxes and was described as a truly remarkable building. In 1529 Van Castle became the home of Sir Edward Lewis, descended from the Welsh Prince of Gwarthfoed. The Lewis family controlled vast estates in Wales and England and during the 16th century the Van was described as one of the finest houses in the county. In 1640 in his diary, the writer Symons of the Royalist (Kings) Army states Sir Edward Lewis Esq de Van has an annual income of £5,000pa from the vast Van Estates. The Van Castle and the Vast Lewis family estates in England and Wales passed with the marriage in 1730 of Elizabeth Lewis to the Third Earl of Plymouth. Her infant son other Lewis became the 4th Earl of Plymouth on the death of his father in 1732 and Van Castle remained part of the Plymouth Estate until 1991. The Castle Lodge, Castle Keep and Van Castle Mansion are now three private residences, and are not open to the public.
Castell y Van This building lies on the eastern edge of Caerphilly and a description of the building located by the entrance gates reads as follow;- Records referring to Van Castle date from 1415, but the dressed stone quoins and faced stones of the lodge, keep and main mansion building carry 12th century mason marks and are from the original Norman castle. In the grounds of Van Castle stood one of the largest medieval columnbrians (dove cotes) in Britain. The round pennant stone building contained over 100 nesting boxes and was described as a truly remarkable building. In 1529 Van Castle became the home of Sir Edward Lewis, descended from the Welsh Prince of Gwarthfoed. The Lewis family controlled vast estates in Wales and England and during the 16th century the Van was described as one of the finest houses in the county. In 1640 in his diary, the writer Symons of the Royalist (Kings) Army states Sir Edward Lewis Esq de Van has an annual income of £5,000pa from the vast Van Estates. The Van Castle and the Vast Lewis family estates in England and Wales passed with the marriage in 1730 of Elizabeth Lewis to the Third Earl of Plymouth. Her infant son other Lewis became the 4th Earl of Plymouth on the death of his father in 1732 and Van Castle remained part of the Plymouth Estate until 1991. The Castle Lodge, Castle Keep and Van Castle Mansion are now three private residences, and are not open to the public.
Clos Guto, Van On the Lansbury Park estate, to the north of Caerphilly.
Photo by Roger Cornfoot (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
River Rhymney, Bedwas Looking east.
Photo by Roger Cornfoot (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Road Bridge over River Rhymney
Photo by norman hyett (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Popular places to visit

Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Millennium Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

Catch an event at Principality Stadium during your trip to Cardiff. Discover the area's great live music or seek out its local tours.

Principality Stadium
Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

Cardiff Castle

You can learn about the history of Cardiff when you stop by Cardiff Castle. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene or seek out its local tours.

Cardiff Castle
Barry, South Wales. Vale of Glamorgan. UK

Barry Island Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Barry Island Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Barry. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its churches.

Barry Island Beach
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

Enjoy the student vibe at Cardiff University during your stay in Cardiff. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Cardiff University
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Catch an event at Utilita Arena Cardiff during your trip to Cardiff. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Top hotels in Van

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street Cardiff Wales
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,929 reviews)
Lovely location, friendly staff, comfy bed, could use a bit more of a variety regarding tea and coffee choices in room. Room needed a bit of tlc to get it to a high standard

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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The Angel Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
Meridian Gate Cardiff Wales
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Excellent service

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

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Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff
Cardiff Marriott Hotel

Cardiff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Mill Lane Cardiff Wales
The price is 2.205.456 ₫ per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
2.205.456 ₫
2.646.547 ₫ total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,166 reviews)
Great location, friendly staff. Breakfast and check out times allow you to relax and unwind. Meal in restaurant was excellent too.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Future Inns Cardiff Bay

Future Inns Cardiff Bay

4 out of 5
Hemingway Road Cardiff Bay Cardiff Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 2.066.972 ₫ per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
2.066.972 ₫
2.480.366 ₫ total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,567 reviews)
Room was clean and spacious. TV was a nightmare to operate, so reported to reception whi said that they would send someone to check it out. No-one came!

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Future Inns Cardiff Bay
Village Hotel Cardiff

Village Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
29 Pendwyallt Road, Coryton Cardiff Wales
The price is 2.263.966 ₫ per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
2.263.966 ₫
2.716.759 ₫ total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Fit for purpose.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Village Hotel Cardiff
Clayton Hotel Cardiff

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

4 out of 5
St Mary Street Cardiff Wales
The price is 2.074.322 ₫ per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
2.074.322 ₫
2.489.186 ₫ total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Room was super,and the staff were very welcing

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Clayton Hotel Cardiff
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Van

Hollybush Estate Road - Coryton

Whitchurch

4/5(29 area reviews)

Whitchurch is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Forest Farm Country Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Whitchurch
Cardiff, UK

Gabalfa

Gabalfa is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to Insole Court or Cardiff City Hall.

Gabalfa
Llandaff Cathedral featuring religious elements, heritage elements and interior views

Llandaff

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to Llandaff like its monuments and historical sites, and Insole Court is a sight worth a stop.

Llandaff
DSC_3799

Penylan

Travellers like the restaurants in Penylan, and Teamsport Karting is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Penylan
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cathays

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Cathays is well liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Cardiff area, you might plan a trip to National Museum Cardiff or Cardiff City Hall.

Cathays
Pontcanna Fields. Cardiff

Pontcanna

4.5/5(70 area reviews)

Bars, historical sites and gardens highlight some of the notable features of Pontcanna. Make a stop by Swalec Stadium while you're exploring.

Pontcanna

Van Travel Guide

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