Wales is home to some of the most beautiful medieval landmarks in the world, and this September visitors can enjoy many of these locations for free.
Cadw has announced the return of Open Doors this September – an annual festival that unlocks access to Wales’ most remarkable and cherished historical locations. Throughout September, over 200 historic landmarks across Wales will offer visitors an exciting lineup of free events, guided tours, and immersive experiences – some of which have never been accessible to the public before.
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The Open Doors initiative is part of the wider European Heritage Day festival – raising awareness of the richness and cultural diversity across the continent. It will provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the past, experience rich heritage, and uncover the captivating stories that have shaped Wales’ history.
Dolforwyn Castle – photo courtesy Cadw
As part of the festival, 16 of Cadw’s own epic monuments including Laugharne Castle, Denbigh Castle and Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths, will open their doors for free, encouraging visitors to explore what they have to offer.
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“We are excited to welcome visitors back to the many remarkable locations taking part in Open Doors, each of which has its own story to tell,” says Ffion Reynolds, Heritage & Events Manager at Cadw. “The Open Doors event is an opportunity for us to showcase the diversity and resilience of Wales’ historic architecture in a way that’s accessible for all. By opening these places for free, we’re hoping that everyone will have the opportunity to get a taste for our country’s rooted history and culture and become actively involved in safeguarding these locations for present and future generations.”
Here are just some of the locations taking part across Wales:
Visit on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September, various times
Margam Abbey Church. Photo courtesy Cadw
For the very first time, Margam Abbey will open its doors for free and provide guided tours as part of the festival. Its gothic architecture and tranquil surroundings will leave you in awe as you immerse yourself in centuries of history.
And on the same weekend, Cadw will be opening its Margam Stones museum – a treasure trove of over 30 ancient stone carvings dating from the early days of Christianity. Free tours of the museum will offer visitors exciting insights into the age-old relics, including the 14th-century knight dressed in chain mail, and the not-to-be-missed gargoyle.
Visit on Saturday 16th September & Sunday 17th September, 10:00 – 16:00
Uncover the wonders of Denbigh Castle with Open Doors where you’ll be transported back to this pinnacle of medieval wartime with the sounds of horses and marching soldiers echoing through its walls.
Book in advance for 23rd, 24th, and 29th September, various times
St Davids Bishops Palace – Photo courtesy Cadw
Ranked among the most extraordinary medieval structures in the UK, St Davids Cathedral stands as a testament to history. Open Doors presents an opportunity for visitors to explore rarely seen parts of the Cathedral and guests can venture to Cadw’s nearby medieval Bishop’s Palace for mid-afternoon tours, as well as enjoy a Choral Evensong sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir.
For the very first time, an invitation awaits visitors to experience Powis Castle and Garden at no cost, granting them exclusive entry to the historical fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Shrouded in greenery with century-old apple trees and Italianate terraces, you can enjoy views across the Severn Valley or venture indoors to uncover its extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Visit on Saturday 9th September & Sunday 10th September, 10:00 – 16:00
Penrhyn Castle – photo courtesy Cadw
Behind Penrhyn Castle’s formidable stone exterior lies a world of luxurious interiors, fine art, and a history entwined with sugar and slate fortunes. Explore its vast grounds with stunning views of Snowdonia, offering tree-climbing and adventure for little ones.
Visit on Saturday 9th September & Sunday 10th September, 11:00 – 16:00
Join Cadw’s Roman expert for a free guided tour of the Barracks, Fosse and Amphitheatre at Caerleon and discover the vast remains of one of Europe’s largest and most important Roman miliary sites.
Visit on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September, 11:00 – 16:00
Laugharne Castle – photo courtesy Cadw
Discover the majestic ruins of the medieval Laugharne Castle for free with its age-old walls and stunning panoramic views across the town and estuary. See how this mighty stone mansion inspired the famous words of authors Dylan Thomas and Richard Hughes as you take in this impressive relic of ancient times.
Wales is home to some of the most beautiful medieval landmarks in the world, and this September visitors can enjoy many of these locations for free.
Cadw has announced the return of Open Doors this September – an annual festival that unlocks access to Wales’ most remarkable and cherished historical locations. Throughout September, over 200 historic landmarks across Wales will offer visitors an exciting lineup of free events, guided tours, and immersive experiences – some of which have never been accessible to the public before.
The Open Doors initiative is part of the wider European Heritage Day festival – raising awareness of the richness and cultural diversity across the continent. It will provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the past, experience rich heritage, and uncover the captivating stories that have shaped Wales’ history.
As part of the festival, 16 of Cadw’s own epic monuments including Laugharne Castle, Denbigh Castle and Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths, will open their doors for free, encouraging visitors to explore what they have to offer.
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to the many remarkable locations taking part in Open Doors, each of which has its own story to tell,” says Ffion Reynolds, Heritage & Events Manager at Cadw. “The Open Doors event is an opportunity for us to showcase the diversity and resilience of Wales’ historic architecture in a way that’s accessible for all. By opening these places for free, we’re hoping that everyone will have the opportunity to get a taste for our country’s rooted history and culture and become actively involved in safeguarding these locations for present and future generations.”
Here are just some of the locations taking part across Wales:
Margam Abbey and Margam Stones Museum
For the very first time, Margam Abbey will open its doors for free and provide guided tours as part of the festival. Its gothic architecture and tranquil surroundings will leave you in awe as you immerse yourself in centuries of history.
And on the same weekend, Cadw will be opening its Margam Stones museum – a treasure trove of over 30 ancient stone carvings dating from the early days of Christianity. Free tours of the museum will offer visitors exciting insights into the age-old relics, including the 14th-century knight dressed in chain mail, and the not-to-be-missed gargoyle.
Denbigh Castle
Uncover the wonders of Denbigh Castle with Open Doors where you’ll be transported back to this pinnacle of medieval wartime with the sounds of horses and marching soldiers echoing through its walls.
St Davids Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace
Ranked among the most extraordinary medieval structures in the UK, St Davids Cathedral stands as a testament to history. Open Doors presents an opportunity for visitors to explore rarely seen parts of the Cathedral and guests can venture to Cadw’s nearby medieval Bishop’s Palace for mid-afternoon tours, as well as enjoy a Choral Evensong sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir.
Powis Castle and Garden
For the very first time, an invitation awaits visitors to experience Powis Castle and Garden at no cost, granting them exclusive entry to the historical fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Shrouded in greenery with century-old apple trees and Italianate terraces, you can enjoy views across the Severn Valley or venture indoors to uncover its extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Penrhyn Castle
Behind Penrhyn Castle’s formidable stone exterior lies a world of luxurious interiors, fine art, and a history entwined with sugar and slate fortunes. Explore its vast grounds with stunning views of Snowdonia, offering tree-climbing and adventure for little ones.
Caerleon Amphitheatre and Barracks (Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths)
Join Cadw’s Roman expert for a free guided tour of the Barracks, Fosse and Amphitheatre at Caerleon and discover the vast remains of one of Europe’s largest and most important Roman miliary sites.
Laugharne Castle
Discover the majestic ruins of the medieval Laugharne Castle for free with its age-old walls and stunning panoramic views across the town and estuary. See how this mighty stone mansion inspired the famous words of authors Dylan Thomas and Richard Hughes as you take in this impressive relic of ancient times.
Top Image: Denbigh Castle – photo courtesy Cadw
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