OPEN DOORS The attractions opening for free in September

YOU may have spent out over the summer holidays but the Cadw Open Doors scheme might help you have great family days out, without spending loads.

Throughout September, museums, castles, grand houses and luscious gardens will open their doors and tours to visitors free of charge.

The Open Doors scheme offers both local people and visitors the chance to explore some of Wales’ finest treasures.

The scheme is organised by Cadw and here are highlights from in and around Cardiff.

Be warned, although free, for some of the events you have to pre-book tickets...

Rhondda Heritage Park Enjoy traditional family games and pastimes, including old favourites like draughts, dominoes, Connect Four, card games, marbles and pitching pennies at Rhondda Heritage Park.

Some of the best loved and almost forgotten games are not only terrific fun but are also challenging and involve concentration, strategy and are great fun for all ages.

Whether you want to revisit your childhood, or would like younger family members to experience some traditional fun, you are invited to play.

When: Saturday, September 10am-2.30pm

Info: 01443 682036. 22, Coedcae Road, Pontypridd CF37 2NP

Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall In the foothills of the Brecon Beacons flows the River Dulais, which powers the self- sufficient tin works and waterfall.

Discover how a small village in the Welsh valleys used cutting edge technologies to harness an ice age landscape and breath-taking waterfalls, to shape the industries that changed the world. When: September 8 & 9 Info: Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk

Dyffryn Gardens A tranquil oasis just outside of Cardiff, Dyffryn Gardens is an exceptional example of Edwardian design.

Covering more than 55 acres, this property is home to a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, expansive arboretum featuring trees from all over the world and a tropical glasshouse.

When: September 15 & 16

Info: Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU/ visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryngardens

Tredegar House Dark arts, riotous parties, war heroism, crocodiles and crucifixes, Tredegar House has never been an ordinary household. However, situated within 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland, it an ideal setting for a fantastic day out. When: September 15 Info: Tredegar House, Newport, NP10 8YW

Llancaiach Fawr Semi-fortified gentry manor house in the Glamorgan uplands, built c1550 for the Prichard Family. Restored to its mid-17th century internal layout and furnishings.

Costumed, live interpretation brings the Manor to life, as the servants of Colonel Prichard show visitors aspects of life in a gentry home and during the Civil Wars, from their perspective. Set within formal gardens and working gardens.

Hour-long, pre-booked taster tours of the manor are available at 3pm and 4pm on the dates below.

To get a place on the free taster tour, you must pre-book by calling 01443 412248.

Visitors will be guided by the servants of the manor. Please leave time to explore the new permanent exhibition introducing the history of the house and the site it is built on, the Prichard family, their household and the civil wars of the 17th century prior to your tour. When: September 4-8 Info: Llancaiach Fawr Manor , Gelligaer Road, Nelson, Treharris, CF46 6ER

Caerphilly Castle Join a tour with Caerphilly Castle’s very own custodian. Find out more about its fascinating history and architecture, and take a walk around to learn more about the largest castle in Wales. When: September 29 & 30 Info: Visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk

Cardiff Riding School Meet the horses and ponies and watch lessons to see if you fancy joining the school. There are riding for the disabled, pony club and riding club opportunities, along with private and group lessons. When: September 2 Info: Cardiff Riding School, Pontcanna fields, Cardiff, CF5 2AX