Animal Wall

The Animal Wall is a limestone wall along Cardiff Castle's perimeter featuring around 15 carved animal figures with glass eyes. The figures are intricately detailed and display various species including seals, bears, and other creatures.

William Burges designed the wall in 1866 as part of his romantic transformation of the castle. Sculptor Thomas Nicholls created nine figures during the 1890s, while Alexander Carrick later added six more.

The wall displays animals that captured Victorian artists' imagination, including hyenas, wolves, and lions. Today any visitor can observe these stone creatures and study their varied expressions.

The wall stands right beside the castle in the city center and is easily reached from Castle Street. It sits completely outdoors in open view and can be visited at any time of day.

Each animal figure contains original glass eyes that have kept their appearance despite paint weathering over many decades. These glassy gazes give the stone creatures a lifelike presence that surprises many visitors.

Location: Cardiff

Location: Castle

Inception: 19 century

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

GPS coordinates: 51.48110,-3.18302

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45