Welsh attractions that are opening for FREE during September
If you’re feeling the pinch after the summer, you can still enjoy yourself this September as manyWelsh attractions have free entry as part of the Open Doors scheme. Here are all the details
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 and offers both local people and visitors the chance to explore some of Wales’ finest treasures.
The scheme is organised by Cadw and here are 15 of the highlights.
Be warned, although free, some of the events you have to pre-book tickets...
1. Yr Ysgwrn: The Home of Hedd Wyn
Yr Ysgwrn was the home of Hedd Wyn, one of Wales’ most famous poets. Since 1917, it has been a quiet monument to a whole generation of Welshmen who fell in the Great War and, over the years, it has welcomed thousands of pilgrims.
Hedd Wyn’s family promised his mother that “the door would be kept open” and in 2012, Yr Ysgwrn was purchased for the nation by Snowdonia National Park Authority. Following careful conservation work, Yr Ysgwrn reopened in 2017.
The Farmhouse has now been renovated and brilliant exhibitions can be enjoyed in the old cowsheds, as well as lovely paths to explore on foot around the site. When: September 30
Info: Yr Ysgwrn, Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, LL41 4UW
2. Bodnant Garden
Nestling in the Snowdonia foothills is one of the world’s most magical gardens. With its dramatic scenery, historic plant collections, champion trees and myriad horticultural styles it will capture your heart and live long in your memory.
This 80-acre paradise is filled with plants collected by famous global explorers.
When: September 8
Address: Bodnant Garden Tal-yCafn, nr Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL28 5RE.
3. 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 22, 10am-2.30pm
Info: 01443 682036. Coedcae Rd, Pontypridd CF37 2NP
4. 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
5. 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 naval 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 8 & 9
Info: The Kymin , Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3SF
6. Erddig
Atmospheric house, featuring 485-hectare (1,200 acre) country park and formal walled garden. Widley acclaimed as one of Britains finest historic houses.
Erddig is a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th Century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years. When: September 8
Info: Erddig , near Wrexham, LL13
0YT
7. Powis Castle & Garden
For more than four centuries, Powis Castle has been transformed from a stark medieval fortress, into a comfortable family home.
It houses a world-class collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries and its Clive Museum hosts the largest private collection of 17th to 19th century Indian artefacts in Europe.
Visit the site to explore thousands of fascinating objects and hear the amazing stories behind them.
The 300 year old world-class garden is steeped in history. Wander the stunning Italianate terraces blasted from the solid rock and marvel at the spectacular yew ‘tumps’, dancing statues and lavish herbaceous borders. When: September 8 Info: Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RF. For satnav, enter ‘Powis Castle and Garden’ not postcode
8. 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 col-
lection 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
9. 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
10. Llancaiach Fawr
Semi-fortified gentry manor house in the Glamorgan uplands, built c 1550 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 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 4 - 8 Info: Llancaiach Fawr Manor , Gelligaer Road, Nelson, Treharris, CF46 6ER
11. Tintern Abbey
In conjunction with their Open Doors day, Tintern will host multicultural festival Ways to Peace. It will consist of talks by eminent speakers, workshops, and music and dance performances.
The workshops and a symposium will take place during Tintern Abbey’s opening hours, while the talks and performances will be separated as ticketed events. There will be a marquee set up in the refectory, food stalls within the kitchen, and yurts by the infirmary and abbot’s lodgings.
When: September 22 & 23 Info: Tintern Abbey, NP16 6SE
12. Laugharne Castle
The magnificent medieval castle, turned Tudor mansion, later became the perfect antidote to writer’s block. Both Dylan Thomas and author Richard Hughes put pen to paper in the castle’s garden summerhouse. When: September 29 & 30
Info: King St, Laugharne, Carmarthen SA33 4FA
13. 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
14. Llanfyllin Workhouse
Known as Y Dolydd, the Workhouse is owned by a Building Preservation Trust which is gradually restoring it as a Community Enterprise for Arts, Education, Environment and Heritage.
It’s one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian workshouse.
There will be a Food Fair with displays and samples from a wide range of local producers. Visitors can also enjoy live music, an art exhibition, open studios, guided tours, a book sale and refreshments. There will be a special display on the restoration to date and on the ambitious project to renovate and conserve the Master’s House.
When: September 9 Info: Llanfyllin Workhouse, Y Dolydd, Llanfyllin, Powys, SY22 5LD
15. 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