Family fun with Cadw during may half term
Families across Wales are in for a treat this May half term as Cadw launches a jam-packed programme of fun, family-friendly events at castles, abbeys, and ancient monuments across the country.
From Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June, visitors can step back in time with a range of immersive historical experiences, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities designed to spark imaginations and bring Welsh history to life.
Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said:
“Our lively schedule of events across May half term will hopefully inspire pride in Welsh heritage, spark curiosity and offer fun for all ages. It’s an opportunity for families to get out and learn about the rich history that makes Wales so unique. Children go free with any adult membership offering great value to keep the whole family entertained over the holidays and throughout the year.”
With over 20 events across the school holidays, highlights from the half term line up include:
South Wales
Saturday 24 May – Sunday 1 June, 9.30am-4.30pm
Visitors can explore the historic grounds of Chepstow Castle and search for clues in this family-friendly bingo challenge. Full of fascinating facts and suitable for all ages.
William Marshal’s Visit to Tintern Abbey
Saturday 24 May – Monday 26 May, 10.30am-4pm
Step back in time and meet William Marshal, one of the greatest knights of medieval Wales and the patron and benefactor of Tintern Abbey.
Hear his story and explore his legacy at this gothic abbey and enjoy an interactive introduction to medieval life as you get a glimpse at what a typical itinerant household would have been like – complete with an array of medieval crafts and characters.
Family Crafts Day (Caer-went Roman Town)
Thursday 29 May, 10am – 12pm, 1pm – 3pm
Get creative at Caer-went Roman Town for hands-on craft activities inspired by the location’s rich history. Once a Romanised market town, Caer-went evidences how Wales was once such an important site for that empire. Booking required.
Medieval Murder Mystery (Raglan Castle)
Sunday 25 – Monday 26 May, 11am-3.30pm
Uncover secrets and solve a chilling crime in this immersive Medieval Murder Mystery at one of Wales’ mightiest castles. Step into the shoes of a detective as you question characters, gather clues, and piece together the truth.
North Wales
Plantagenets (Castell Harlech)
Saturday 24 – Monday 26 May, 11am-4pm
Meet the medieval Plantagenets at Harlech Castle for a living history experience across the bank holiday weekend. Life inside the castle will come to life with demonstrations of horse and accoutrements, archery displays and dances and musicians. A fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Knight Camp (Beaumaris Castle)
Wednesday 28 May – Friday 30 May, 10am–5pm
Experience the excitement of medieval life at Beaumaris Castle’s knight camp. Meet armoured knights, watch thrilling combat displays, and discover the skills and stories of the age as the castle transforms back to medieval days.
West Wales
Naval Living History Weekend (Laugharne Castle)
Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June, 11am–4pm
Looking for something a bit different? Meet the Welsh sailors of Nelson’s Navy at Laugharne’s living history weekend. There will be interactive and educational fun throughout the day – including the firing of the Cannon at midday, so hold on to your hats.
Birds of Prey (Laugharne Castle)
Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 May, 11am-4pm
Get up close with magnificent birds of prey and enjoy flying displays at Laugharne Castle across the bank holiday weekend. Visitors will be able to learn fascinating facts about these hunters from expert falconers.
Mid Wales
The Freemen of Gwent (Tretower Court and Castle)
Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. 10.30am – 40.30pm
Experience medieval life at Tretower Court and Castle with The Freemen of Gwent. This immersive event will feature living history and craft displays - offering a captivating glimpse into Welsh heritage.
Other events across Cadw’s historic locations include:
South Wales
- Juggling Jim’s Jester School (Chepstow Castle)
- Arming the Knight (Chepstow Castle)
- Floralia Trail (Caerleon Roman Baths)
- An Introduction to Celtic and Roman herbs (Caer-went Roman Town)
- Falconry Day (Raglan Castle)
- Brother Thomas the Cellarer (Tintern Abbey)
North Wales
- Wise Woman and the Surgeon (Plas Mawr)
- Fooling Around (Plas Mawr)
- Craft Showcase (Denbigh Castle)
- Men at Arms (Beaumaris Castle)
- Castle Garrison and Red Dragon Archers (Caernarfon Castle)
- Tunes and Tales with Mair Tomos Ifans (Castell Cricieth)
- Tales of Wales (Castell Cricieth and Castell Rhuddlan)
Mid-Wales
- Tretower Bat Walk (Tretower Court and Castle)
For those looking to take advantage of the events available during May half term, a Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to 132 historic places across Wales, offering a unique way to explore Wales’ rich heritage. Children also go free with any adult membership.
