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Welsh heritage sites begin reopening

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has now begun reopening many of its historic sites, including it famous medieval castles, which have been closed for the last few months because of the coronavirus.

Earlier this month, Cadw reopened 43 of its unstaffed, free-entry monuments, and this week began a phased reopening for selected staffed sites in its care. The news follows the Welsh government’s recent announcement that indoor visitor attractions in Wales are now able to reopen under social distancing regulations and guidelines.

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With a new online ticketing system in place, Cadw intends to re-open 18 of its staffed heritage sites in phases this summer, starting with Blaenavon Ironworks, Plas Mawr Elizabethan Townhouse in Conwy and the castles of Denbigh, Laugharne, Raglan, Harlech and Caerphilly, which will open during the first week of August.

Chepstow Castle in south Wales, as well as World Heritage Sites, Conwy and Beaumaris Castles in north Wales are next in line to reopen, with custodians preparing to welcome visitors from early August. Tintern Abbey and Caernarfon Castle also plan to reopen their doors to visitors during August, with a final date yet to be confirmed due to capital investment work being carried out at both sites. It is hoped that St David’s Bishops Palace, Caerleon Roman Baths, Castell Coch, Kidwelly Castle, Criccieth Castle, Tretower Court and Castle will reopen their doors in September.

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Once the sites reopen, compulsory pre-purchased tickets for site entry will be available to book via the Cadw website, with general visitors needing to purchase time-allotted tickets and Cadw and partner organisation members needing to reserve free time-allotted tickets in advance of their visit. Members will also need to bring their cards as proof of membership to gain site access.

All staffed sites are set to reopen with a reduced visitor capacity, which will allow Cadw to effectively manage the number of visitors at any given time, ensuring a safe and socially distanced on-site experience for staff and visitors alike. In addition, the sites will only be open five days a week.

“The coronavirus pandemic has proved hugely challenging for everyone involved in the heritage and tourism industry in Wales, including Cadw,” says Lord Elis-Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism. “So, it goes without saying that we are hugely thankful to our Cadw members and visitors for all of the patience and support they have shown us over the last few months.

“As we begin a phased reopening of Cadw’s staffed sites from the beginning of August, our main priority is the safety of our employees, members, visitors and the wider communities of Wales — all of whom we are pleased to be welcoming back.”

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Cadw members and visitors are encouraged to visit the Cadw website and social media channels for further announcements about the reopening of staffed sites in the coming weeks, including information on the specific dates that each site will reopen, as well as the date that tickets will go on sale.

Top Image: Caerphilly Castle in Wales – photo by DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons

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