The guided tour takes you to several extra rooms as well as the main hall and library which you can see on your own.

If you take the tour and take the time to look at the original Roman wall foundations, no more than 2 hours.

I pre-booked. Not sure it is required but the website states, “Please note that Castle Key and Annual Pass holders do not need to book tickets.”

You can purchase it online or purchase tickets there itself. Entry to the gardens is free anyways.

Hi there, The full tour has a lot of steps but just to enjoy the central courtyard is free and has no steps. You could then decide on what you wanted to do. Enjoy

I actually arrived by train, from Bath Spa Train Station, and walked ( approximately 10 minutes or so ) to the castle. Their website recommends the following “Please use the city centre car parks or on-street meter parking”. Hope this is useful. Happy travels!

Sorry, can't help. We bought our entrance tickets 'at the door'.

Hello kittykate ...heaps, depending on how far you want to walk. Cardiff Hilton and The Angel Hotel are the closest ( but ate on different sides of the castle), then the Holiday Inn just along from the Angel...opposite Bute Park (fabulous spot for a walk!) If you google hotels near cardiff castle, you should get a map that will show where they are, and also a flag giving their prices (which i presume if the rack rate for their basic room). Hope this helps....enjoy your visit.