Open for free!
We take a look at where you can go just a short drive from Cardiff without taking your purse
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 some of the highlights near Cardiff.
Be warned, although free, some of the events you have to pre-book tickets...
1. Taff’s Well Park’s Thermal Spring
Did you know there was a thermal spring at Taff’s Well Park?
We didn’t either.
The spring is Wales’ only thermal spring and author Gareth Farr will be on hand during this Open Doors event to talk about the history of the spring.
When: Sunday, September 8. Where: Taff’s Well Park, Cardiff Road, Taff’s Well, RCT, CF15 7PF.
2. Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Semi-fortified gentry manor house built around 1550 for the Prichard Family. It’s now been 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 below dates.
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 17 to 20.
Info: Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Gelligaer Road, Nelson, Treharris, CF46 6ER.
3. The Kymin
A quirky hilltop property with fantastic views across the Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
Two small Georgian buildings adorn the site: a circular two-storey dining club and a unique temple celebrating the victories of the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars.
With a 200-year-old bowling green, pleasure grounds and woodland, it is a great place to walk and picnic.
When: September 14 & 15.
Info: The Kymin, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3SF.
4. Dyffryn Gardens
A tranquil oasis just outside 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, an expansive arboretum featuring trees
from all over the world and a tropical glasshouse.
When: September 14 & 15. Info: Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryngardens
5. Welsh Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park
The site was the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery which closed in 1983. The present buildings are grouped around three shafts sunk in the late 19th century. Boasting the most complete groups of colliery buildings remaining in Wales, this Open Doors event will give families the chance to take part in a wide range of traditional games in the shadow of these iconic buildings.
There’ll be some of the old favourites – draughts, dominoes, connect four, card games, marbles, pitching pennies, and many more. 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. When: September 14.
Where: Welsh Mining Experience, Coed Cae Road, Trehafod, Pontypridd, CF37 2NP
6. Cyfarthfa Castle’s Remnants of War event
A local take on two wars, one which ended 100 years ago (WWI) and one which started 80 years ago (WWII).
This Open Doors event will bring out of storage objects related to both of those wars. Costume, letters, medals, and much more will be shown, and the local story about them all will be told.
It’s free but booking is essential, call 01685 727371.
When: September 21. Where: Cyfarthfa Castle, Brecon Road, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8RE.