Pedal back in time to Wales’s fairy-tale castle
This July, visitors can pedal through history and discover the legacy left by the noble Bute family.
Joined by a knowledgeable ride leader, event-goers will be led on a historic adventure from Cardiff City Centre to the enchanting Castell Coch,
Upon arrival, a Cadw tour guide will be on hand to take event-goers on an historic adventure around the site, before wishing them a safe ride back to their starting point in the centre of Wales’s capital city.
Plus, event goers on 14 July will have the chance to meet Cardiff’s very own Victorian aristocrats, Lord and Lady Bute!
Cardiff to Castell Coch
Sunday, 07 July and Sunday, 14 July
10 am – 2 pm
Tickets available to purchase here.
Step into the world of Steampunk at a Victorian Ironworks
This quirky event will highlight the influence of Victorian Britain on the modern world, exploring everything from industry to fashion and art to comedy.
All taking place within the heart of Blaenavon Ironworks, the event will feature tea duelling and the Steampunk Olympics, as well as talks, raps and crafts.
Saturday, 13 July – Sunday, 14 July
10am – 4pm
General site admissions apply. More information available here.
Legends Live! at Castell Coch
Saturday, 13 and Sunday, 14 July
11am – 4pm
The year is 1891 and Lord and Lady Bute are proudly showing visitors around their newly completed fairy-tale holiday home, Castell Coch. Lord and Lady Bute will be reminiscing about their late friend, the eccentric architect of this medieval fantasy William Burges. No doubt the Bute’s French cook will give his decided opinion on the new equipment and layout of the kitchen.
No booking required. General site admission applies.
Get festival ready and craft your very own flower crown
Flower lovers and music festival goers alike are invited to attend a Fizz and Flowers session at Oxwich Castle this summer.
Event goers will learn how to craft stunning floral wreaths using seasonal summer blooms — all with a glass of fizz to enjoy throughout the super ‘Instagrammable’ session.
Alcohol-free drinks will also be available.
Oxwich Castle
Saturday, 20 July
2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets available to purchase here.
Stargaze in the light of day as a planetarium comes to Wales’s biggest Castle
The first moon landing was fifty years ago this year and to mark this momentous occasion, Caerphilly Castle is offering an epic planetarium experience within the magnificent monument’s Great Hall.
Ticketed sessions will run on the hour throughout the weekend, with booking available on the day only.
Caerphilly Castle
Saturday, 20 July – Sunday 21 July
10am – 4pm
More information available here.
Legends Live! at Caerphilly Castle
Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 21 July
11am – 4pm
Caerphilly Castle’s 13th-century owner, Gilbert de Clare, has returned to his old stomping ground in a bid to keep his mighty fortress safe from any unwanted intruders!
It is 1290 and the Earl of Gloucester is in high spirits. He has recently married the daughter of King Edward I, Joan of Acre, and is celebrating his new status as a royal son-in-law, with more land and titles given to him by the King. But all is not rosy – the King is annoyed that Gilbert has taken his beloved daughter away from court.
Gilbert will enthral visitors with fascinating stories of his trials and tribulations and seek volunteers to re-create ceremonies of court at the Castle. His wife of the time, Joan of Acre, will join him to raise a toast to their recent marriage and prepare for their first crusade to the holy land.
Hunt for the Famous Five at Cilgerran Castle
Families are invited to hunt high and low for clues around the grounds of Cilgerran castle this July, with the identities of five famous visitors hidden among the ruins.
Look carefully, as those who succeed on their quest will win a prize!
Cilgerran Castle — Saturday 20 July
10am – 5pm
More information here
Enjoy theatre at dusk as the fantastical Gothic world of Notre Dame de Paris comes to Tintern Abbey
This July, Paul Liengaard and Company will introduce five late-evening performances of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ within the grounds of this breath-taking Cistercian abbey.
Staged in a traditional Circus ring, the performance will showcase a narrative woven from circus and equestrian hippodrama, high trapeze, classical music, theatre and dance.
The story explores issues of universal relevance, including exclusion, class and the abuse of power, exposing the best and the worst of human nature.
Tintern Abbey
23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 July
9pm – 11.30pm
Tickets and information available here.
Get crafty at a grand medieval Abbey
A jam-packed ‘Summer Crafternoon’ will return to Strata Florida Abbey this July, as inspired by the spectacular range of birds that live in and around the spectacular monument.
To celebrate the site’s feathered friends, guests can try their hand at making their very own owl mask, or even painting a beautiful bird feeder for the garden. Why not bring a pair of binoculars, too, for a touch of bird-spotting?
Strata Florida Abbey — Wednesday 24 July
1pm – 4:30pm
More information here
Step back in time at Laugharne Castle
This July, families are invited to experience two days of medieval mayhem at Laugharne Castle — a picturesque ruin which has inspired artists and poets for centuries.
From medieval culture to armour and weaponry displays, this event promises to keep the whole family entertained with a jam-packed schedule of re-enactments taking place across the weekend.
Laugharne Castle — Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 July
11am — 4pm
More information here
Race a remote control chariot around a Roman Fortress
Legends Live! at Chepstow Castle
Saturday, 27 and Sunday, 28 July
11am – 4pm
The year is 1189 and the handsome, strong and courageous Lord William Marshal is celebrating his marriage to the lovely Lady Isabel de Clare.
Guests are cordially invited to step back into medieval Wales and attend the celebrity couple’s lavish celebrations — to include courtly dances and medieval tournaments galore. Visitors are reminded that Lord Marshal and Lady Isabel will expect all guests to pay their respects with a curtsey or bow on arrival – and of course, wedding gifts are very welcome…
No booking required. General site admission applies.
Race a remote control chariot around a Roman Fortress
Visitors of all ages are invited to channel their inner Ben-Hur whilst piloting a remote-controlled Roman chariot around Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths.
Certificates will be awarded to all participants, with the fastest racers given the chance to have their lap times added to the site’s giant leader board!
Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths — Tuesday 30 July – Wednesday 31 July
10am — 4pm
More information here
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