Living in Caerphilly

Caerphilly is a county borough in south east Wales, lying between Cardiff and the upper South Wales Valleys. The area is defined by a varied landscape of hills, valleys and open countryside, which has shaped the development of its towns and communities over time. Its position close to the capital has also influenced patterns of commuting and growth, while much of the area retains a strong local identity.

The county borough includes towns such as Caerphilly, Blackwood, Ystrad Mynach and Bargoed, many of which expanded during the industrial period through coal mining and related industries. While those industries have declined, their legacy remains visible in the built environment and community structure. Today, Caerphilly supports a mix of local services, education and employment, with regeneration playing an important role in its ongoing development.

Caerphilly is particularly associated with its historic landmarks, most notably Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest castles in Wales. Beyond its heritage, the area offers access to walking routes, parks and open hillsides, providing opportunities for outdoor activity. Overall, Caerphilly presents a grounded mix of valley landscape, historic interest and everyday community life, giving it a steady and recognisable character within south east Wales.

Largest Towns in Caerphilly 11

Newport
60.9K
Caerphilly
55.3K
Pontypridd
38.3K
Blackwood
33.8K
Tredegar
22.1K
Hengoed
20.2K
Abertillery
20.1K
Cardiff
18K
Bargoed
16.3K
Treharris
14.3K
New Tredegar
5K

Location

Elevation & Terrain

Lowest point Draethen — 131 ft (40 m)
Highest point Manmoel — 1,266 ft (386 m)
Average across towns 646 ft (197 m)
Elevation range 1,135 ft (346 m)

Caerphilly stretches from 131 ft at Draethen up to 1,266 ft at Manmoel, a span of 1,135 ft across 121 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.

Places in Caerphilly 121

A B C D E F G H K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Postcode Areas in Caerphilly 2

Caerphilly is served by 2 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.

Neighbouring Counties 6