Visitors to Cadw sites can explore hundreds of years of Welsh history this Easter (08 – 25 April 2022), as castles, abbeys and historic houses across the country host an array of family-friendly events.
From meeting a medieval monk at Tintern Abbey to knight school classes at Kidwelly Castle, here are 6 of the best ways families can experience the sights, sounds and smells of historic Wales this Easter.
For those who fancy making the most of the events on offer, Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 100 historical sites across Wales.
- Watch a medieval fashion show at Raglan Castle
A weekend of medieval mayhem will come to Raglan Castle this Easter weekend — courtesy of living history group, Historia Normannis, and award-winning falconers, Wings of Wales.
From archery and armoury demonstrations to medieval fashion shows and breath-taking falconry displays, this jam-packed event will offer an unforgettable day of fun for all the family.
Historia Normannis: Life in the Marches at Raglan Castle
Saturday 16 April – Monday 18 April, 10:00 am – 4:00pm.
Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
More information available here
- Enrol at Kidwelly Castle’s silly knight school
Visitors to this larger-than-life event can have a go at everything from juggling to diabolo and plate spinning — courtesy of Juggling Jim. Following this, silly knight school students will be challenged to complete three fun challenges to become a knight.
Juggling Jim at Kidwelly Castle
Tuesday 19 April and Wednesday 20 April, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
More information available here
- Meet Brother Thomas at Tintern Abbey
As the cellarer of Tintern Abbey, Brother Thomas knows all there is to know about monastic life — and he’ll be sharing all the secrets with visitors to this unique event. You will learn about everything from the monks’ duties to their hygiene and eating habits.
Brother Thomas the Cellarer at Tintern Abbey
Saturday 09 April: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
More information available here.
- Fly high with Falconry at Laugharne Castle
Discover falcons, eagles and even vultures at this fascinating event — which will explain the role that birds of prey played in medieval Wales, complete with flying displays throughout the day.
Birds of Prey at Laugharne Castle
Friday 15 April and Saturday 23 April, 11:00 am – 4:00pm.
Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
More information available here
- Uncover the deliciously rich history of Chepstow Castle
Families are invited to discover what the medieval residents of Chepstow Castle would have cooked and eaten — as the site prepares for a very important, noble visitor. Attendees will be drafted in to help the Castle stewards assemble ingredients and set the grandiose table ahead of the feast.
What’s more, the 900-year-old site will host a game of Easter Bingo every day from 09-24 April, with families invited to search the entire Castle for clues.
Let’s Discover… Medieval Food at Chepstow Castle
Wednesday 13 April 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
More information available here
- Meet the Marchers at Tretower Court and Castle
Visitors to this event will discover a day in the life of the 17th century — with the Marcher Stuarts on hand to teach modern visitors about everything from dining etiquette to the best ways of keeping your powder dry. Plus, families can follow Rhys the Rabbit’s Easter Trail around the grounds of the medieval fortified manor — for a chance to win a chocolatey surprise.
Meet the Marchers at Tretower Court and Castle
Saturday 16 April – Monday 18 April 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
More information available here
To see Cadw’s full Easter events programme, please visit cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/find-a-cadw-event, follow @CadwWales on Twitter or search Cadw on Facebook.
Cadw membership includes entrance to this fantastic programme of Easter events, as well as Cadw’s full suite of 100+ historical sites — from as little as £1.50 a month. Join via cadwmembership.service.gov.wales.
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