Discover 40 unique events across Wales this summer as Cadw celebrates 40 years
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This summer, Cadw is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a spectacular lineup of events across Wales.
Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for fun activities, or are simply eager to explore Wales’ storied past, Cadw’s summer schedule has something for everyone.
Cadw’s mission for the past 40 years has been to preserve Wales’ historic places and inspire current and future generations to connect with the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Over these years, Cadw has so far safeguarded over 130 historical sites, ensuring that visitors can enjoy these locations now and for years to come.
If you’re a family looking to explore Cadw locations, children go free with any adult membership. Cadw memberships offer free event entry and unlimited access all year round, to all of its sites, offering a unique way to explore Wales’ rich heritage
Timeless events
Here are 40 unique events to experience visit this summer as Cadw celebrates its 40th anniversary:
- Wonderful Wildlife Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August, 11am-3pm
Explore the flora and fauna of Caerphilly Castle’s with nature themed crafts and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
- Castle Fun Day Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August, 11am-3pm
Visit Caerphilly Castle for a varied day of grandeur and opulence as you adventure around the castle’s walls and enjoy the different activities on offer.
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- Conwy Jester Day Every Friday from 26th July to 30th August, 10am-4pm
Join Conwy’s longest-serving jester, Erwyd le Fol, at the castle every Friday during the school summer holidays for medieval family fun, featuring juggling and comedy for all ages.
- Dinosaurs and Dragons Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, 11am-4pm
Attend a fun fantasy-themed weekend with dragon training, dancing with a princess, dragon meet-and-greets, entertainment shows, free crown crafting, and more!
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- Willow Weaving Workship Sunday 18th August, 11am-4pm
Join local artist Sara Holden for a fun and educational willow weaving workshop using medieval techniques, where participants of all ages and abilities can create and decorate their unique designs to take home.
- Living History Weekend Saturday 27th July and Sunday 28th July, 11am-4pm
Laugharne Castle hosts a Living History weekend where visitors can experience medieval village life and witness civil war armour and weapon demonstrations.
All events at Castell Coch are ticketed; this is due to the limited number of visitors that can be accommodated at the castle.
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- A Victorian Excavation Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July, 11am-3pm
Join Cadw in reconstructing the Victorian excavations of Castell Coch of the 1800s. Uncover with your own hands a range of Medieval treasures and learn to record these items in their archaeological context and practice methods that are still used today.
- Castle Fun Day Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st September, 11am-3pm
Visit Castell Coch for a day of crown making, a traditional Punch and Judy show, castle tours, fun games for the family and face-painting.
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- Beaumaris Nature Days Tuesday 30th, Wednesday 31st and Thursday 1st August, 10am-5pm
With flying displays, learn how birds of prey were used by their lords during the time of the medieval castles, and visit the ferrets to find out their role in hunting.
- An Evening with Katheryn Swynford Saturday 20th July 2024, 7pm-8.30pm
Meet the ancestor of every monarch since Edward IV, and find out her links to Raglan Castle. Adult only event 16+
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- Raglan Castle Odyssey Sunday 25th August and Monday 26th August, 11am-4pm
A multi-historical period weekend of living history groups, with re-enactments and displays, wander the camps and immerse yourself in times past.
- Falconry Days Every Wednesday from 31st July to 21st August, 11am-3pm
Witness flying displays of majestic birds of prey at Raglan Castle.
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- Castell Oxwich Guided Tours Saturday 13th July and Saturday 17th August, 11am-2pm
Tickets need to be booked online in advance for this event.
Enjoy a guided tour of Castell Oxwich, towering above the wide sweep of Oxwich Bay. A castle in name only, this hugely impressive Tudor manor house was the home of a gentry family looking to be movers and shakers in the 16th century.
- Fairytale Picnic Saturday 27th July, 10am-4pm
Bring your own picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with live music by the Whipperginnies, dancing, face painting, and lawn games.
- Tretower’s Summer of Fun Saturday 20th July – Sunday 1st September, 10am-4pm
Tretower Court and Castle hosts a range of activities across the summer – from arts and crafts, to trail challenges.
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- Wings of Wales Falconry Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August, 10.30am-16.30pm
Learn all about the history of hawking and see these fantastic birds in flight. Please note, no dogs will be allowed on the site during this event.
- 15th Century Life Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, 10.30am-4pm
Find out about life in the Middle Ages, and join the 15th Century Household living history group as they take residence at Tretower.
- The Time Travelling Medicine Man Tuesday 20th August and Wednesday 21st, 11am-4pm
Explore the world of medicine, surgery, dentistry and diseases through the ages with the Time Travelling Medicine Man.
- Minstrel Tom Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st July, 11am-4pm
Minstrel Tom shares all the insight into instruments and style of music from the 17th century, with plenty of opportunities to dance.
- Carmarthenshire Falconry Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August, 11am-4pm
With a chance for a hands-on experience and a very close look at these birds of prey, learn all about the different birds and how they were used back in medieval times.
- The Freemen of Gwent Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August, 10am-4pm
Come and meet these fierce men-at-arms and their families in the warmth of their camp near their homes in Wales and learn about their way of life and worship.
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Barclodiad y Gawres Chambered Tomb
- Barclodiad y Gawres Guided Tours Saturday 13th July and Saturday 17th August, 11am-2pm
A chance to investigate this unique and important passage tomb which is not generally open to the public, and enjoy special access to view the ancient decorated stones. Please book tickets online in advance.
- Rug Chapel Guided Tours Saturday 13th July and Sunday 4th August, 11am-2pm
Step inside 17th Century Rug Chapel and prepared to be wowed by its decorative flourishes.
- Brother Thomas the Cellarer Saturday 20th July and Saturday 10th August, 10am-4.30pm
Step back in time and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey. Brother Thomas will share inside information about the monks’ rituals and responsibilities.
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- The Greatest Knight Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August, 10.30am-5pm
Living history, medieval re-enactment, displays and talks will transport the abbey back to its earliest days, to honour the life of Earl William Marshal and his influential spouse – as the Greatest Knight returns on the 801st anniversary of his wife’s death.
- Cae’r Gord Guided Tours Saturday 13th July and Saturday 17th August, 11am-2pm
Explore the home of authoress Kate Roberts and find out more about the fascinating history of this restored building. Please book tickets online in advance.
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- Medieval Merriment Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August, 11am-4pm
Experience medieval life within the walls of Castell Caernarfon, with combat displays, archery, dancing and demonstrations.
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- Knight School Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, 11am-4pm
Visit the armourer’s tent and examine the weapons and armour that the castle’s garrison used to protect themselves from attack. Learn what it takes to become a squire and how to progress to knighthood in the Middle Ages. Event includes Mini Warriors Battle show – a have-a-go foam sword fun for all the family.
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- Dragon Days Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd August, 11am-4pm
Action-packed days of dragons, crafting, characters, magic and more.
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- Summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic Sunday 28th July, 11am-3pm
Particularly suitable for small children, bring a picnic and a rug and enjoy tales of bears and other enchanting animals, brought vividly to life through narration, music and song.
- Ferrets and Falcons Sunday 18th and Monday 19th August, 11am-4pm
Watch as the swift, nimble ferrets race each other around the castle and find out how they were used in the Middle Ages. You’ll be able to see a mix of majestic birds of prey; from falcons, red kites and the much-loved owl.
Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
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- It’s Bath Time Every day from Saturday 20th July – Saturday 31st August, 10am-4pm
Visit Caerleon Roman Baths and dip your toe in the Summer Trail. Explore the remains of the immense natatio, or open-air swimming pool, that once held more than 80,000 gallons of water.
- Llangar Old Parish Church Guided Tours Sunday 28th July and Saturday 24th August, 11am-2pm
One of Wales’ hidden gems, Llangar Old Church is located in splendid isolation overlooking the River Dee. But what’s so valuable about it? Find out more on a guided tour. Please book tickets online in advance.
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- Meet the Household Saturday 27th July, 11am-4pm
Visit Britain’s finest town house of the golden Elizabethan age, and meet members of the household in residence to find out more about their lives. Multiple activities will be taking place, including dancing and traditional games.
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- Segontium Roman Fort Guided Tours Saturday 20th July and Sunday 18th August, 11am-2pm
Enjoy a guided tour of this Roman stronghold that passed into Welsh legend. Please book tickets online in advance.
- Valle Crucis Abbey Guided Tours Saturday 13th July and Saturday 17th August, 11am-2pm
Experience one of the best-preserved abbeys in Wales and delve into its rich history with a guided tour. Please book tickets online in advance.
- Juggling Jim’s Jester School Saturday 20th July and Sunday 21st July, 10am-4pm
Find out if you’ve got what it takes to be a medieval jester. From juggling and diablo, to plate spinning and tightrope walking, practice all the skills needed to entertain a medieval lord and lady.
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- Let’s Discover… Chain Mail Tuesday 13th August, 10am-4pm
Make your own patch of maille (chain mail) to take home with you, learning how it was made with the tools and techniques of the past.
- Make and Take Every Wednesday from 24th July to 28th August, 10am-4pm
Drop-in sessions every Wednesday during the school summer holidays for children to make something to play with in the castle, and then take home with them.
- Chepstow Under Siege 1645 Saturday 3rd August and Sunday 4th August, 10am-4pm
Experience the hustle and bustle of life during the English Civil War, with soldiers on guard and encampment showing everyday life, and weapon displays to enjoy.
There will be opportunities to try on armour and handle the weapons, and children can take part in drills to see what it takes to be a solider defending the castle.
For a full list of Cadw events over the summer holidays and admission information, visit Cadw’s website.
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