A summer for the history books: 5 ways for families to step back in time at south Wales castles, Abbeys, and ironworks

The historical monuments of Wales will come to life this summer — with thanks to Cadw’s epic calendar of family-friendly events.

With events spanning across August, families can soak up the sights, smells and sounds of medieval Wales at Tintern Abbey, and even step into the 1940s, with thanks to a WW2 living history event at Blaenavon Ironworks.

Including all of the above, here are 5 of the best ways to unearth the treasures of Welsh history this summer, across South Wales. To see Cadw’s full line-up of family-friendly events visit cadw.gov.wales.

For those who fancy making the most of the events on offer, Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 130 historic sites across Wales.

1. Attend silly knight school at Kidwelly Castle

Visitors can jump in and get silly as Juggling Jim brings a mix of circus workshops and silly knight school sessions to Kidwelly Castle.

Alongside opportunities to try juggling, diablo and plate spinning, visitors will be challenged to complete zany tasks to become an official ‘silly knight’.

Juggling Jim at Kidwelly Castle

Wednesday 24 August – Thursday 25 August, 11:00 am – 4:00pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available here

1. Discover the defence of Blaenavon during WW2

Blaenavon Ironworks is welcoming visitors to experience the sights and sounds of World War Two, in an immersive weekend event transporting travellers back to the 1940s.

Visitors can watch history unfold with re-enactments, storytelling, music, and living history displays — as WW2 returns to Wales for one weekend only. 

Saturday 6 August – Sunday 7 August, 11:00 am – 4:00pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available here

1. Witness the Wings of Wales at Tretower Court and Castle

Visitors to this event at Tretower Court and Castle can spend the day marvelling at magnificent birds of prey — with opportunities to learn about the history of hawking and see the birds in flight.

Wings of Wales Falconry at Tretower Court and Castle

Saturday 13 August – Sunday 14 August 2022: 11:00am – 4:00pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available here

1. Live history through the ages at Raglan Castle

Visitors can walk through centuries of Welsh history this summer — as a weekend of multi-historical living heritage arrives at Raglan Castle.

Featuring living history groups from many eras, visitors can marvel as the characters go about their daily lives and watch re-enactments and displays in an immersive, experiential day out for the whole family.

Raglan Castle Odyssey – Living History through the Ages

Sunday 28 August – Monday 29 August, 11:00 am – 4:00pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available here

1. Meet the Greatest Knight at Tintern Abbey

In a day out filled with historical fun and medieval drama, Tintern Abbey welcomes visitors to celebrate the life of one of Tintern Abbey’s greatest patrons — Isabel Marshal and her husband, the Great Knight, William Marshal.

With living history re-enactments, music and horse displays, visitors will be transported back to the abbey’s earliest days — marking the 801^st anniversary of Isabel’s death.

The Greatest Knight at Tintern Abbey

Saturday 27 August – Monday 29 August: 11:00am – 4:00pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available here

To see Cadw’s full Summer 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 summer 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.