Cadw Open Doors heritage festival returns to West Wales

More than 200 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems will offer visitors free entry this September on select dates — as the Open Doors festival returns for 2022.

Funded and organised by Cadw, the ever-popular festival of Wales’ built heritage will encourage Welsh residents and visitors alike to explore some of the country’s lesser-known sites ― several of which are usually closed to the public.

In West Wales, the 2022 programme features a range of historic venues, including Castell y Bere in Tywyn and Aberglasney Gardens in Llangathen.

Across Wales, 17 Cadw sites in total will be opening their doors to visitors during September, as part of the celebration of Welsh heritage.

6 staffed Cadw sites, including two of Wales’ iconic medieval sites ― Neath Abbey and Laugharne Castle in West Wales ― will be offering members of the public free site access during the month-long heritage celebration on select dates. 

Meanwhile, 11 of Cadw’s unstaffed sites, many of which are usually closed to the public, will also offer guided tours for free on select dates in September – giving visitors the opportunity to uncover Wales’ hidden history. 

Non-Cadw sites such as St Davids Cathedral are also offering tours of areas usually closed to the public – with visitors to the site of Wales’ patron saint welcomed into the Old Lapidarium, which hasn’t been open to the public for several years.

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw and Deputy Director in Welsh Government said: “We warmly welcome the return of Open Doors ― Wales’ annual contribution to European Heritage Days ― running throughout September.

“Not only is it a celebration of the rich and fascinating history Wales has to offer, but an opportunity for more people than ever before to inspire a life-long love of history and culture ― especially our younger generations. 

“And by opening these West Wales sites for free, we hope to provide an equal opportunity for all to explore, enjoy and uncover the untold stories of Welsh history on their doorstep.”

Pre-booking for Cadw sites, whether staffed unstaffed, is not necessary – walk-ins are encouraged to simply turn up to visit their favourite monument, and can even join the complimentary guided tours at select sites.

For the full list of Cadw and non-Cadw heritage sites taking part in Open Doors across Wales, please click here.

For information on how to attend an Open Doors event not being hosted at a Cadw site, visitors should contact the relevant venue directly or visit their individual website for further information as ticket requirements vary per site. 

For more information about Open Doors 2022, please visit the Cadw website or search for Cadw on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

A full list of partaking heritage sites, monuments and locations, as well as details on how to book tickets, can be found on the Cadw website here: Open Doors Events | Cadw (gov.wales)

The Cadw-specific offer for Open Doors 2022 will see a collection of unique tours and events arrive at 17 sites under its care during September ― with limited tickets available for each event.

Visitors are advised to check the date and details of each event before booking tickets and travelling.