Admissions

When planning the perfect getaway it's always good to build in some flexibility. Who knows what might come up or what the weather might do. It is Wales after all.

One thing you can depend on is Cadw's 3 or 7 day explorer passes. They provide a great value way to explore the wealth of historic attractions Wales has to offer. 

The passes offer the freedom to explore dozens of Cadw's historic attractions (full details below), and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

The 3 day pass can be used in any 7 day period and the 7 day pass in any 14 days. The more the pass is used, the greater the savings.

The Explorer Passes can be bought at many of our historic attractions (full details below) and are sold as either single adult, two adult or family passes.

Retail Prices 2024

                             SINGLE ADULT             TWO ADULTS                 FAMILY*

3-DAY PASS               £24.20                        £36.30                         £58.05

7-DAY PASS               £36.30                        £54.45                         £67.70

*2 adults and up to 3 children/grandchildren under 18.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Buy Explorer Pass

Historic attractions that accept and sell Explorer Passes            

Trade Explorer Passes

If you are a trade partner and registered with the Cadw Tour Operator Scheme, you can access reduced rate explorer passes for your customers. 

Simply contact cadwcommercial@gov.wales and we will provide you with codes to purchase at trade rates online.

Explorer Passes are non-refundable and have no validity end date. Visitors will be required to show the Explorer Pass QR code when they visit Cadw sites.

• Beaumaris Castle
• Blaenavon Ironworks
• Caerleon Roman Baths
• Caerphilly Castle  
• Castell Caernarfon                           
• Castell Coch 
• Castell Conwy    
• Castell Criccieth   
• Castell Harlech   
• Castell Rhuddlan
• Chepstow Castle                                                                       
• Denbigh Castle                                                         
• Kidwelly Castle 
• Laugharne Castle 
• Plas Mawr
• Raglan Castle
• St Davids Bishop's Palace
• Tintern Abbey
• Tretower Court and Castle

Historic Attractions that accept Explorer Passes but do not sell them.

• Carreg Cennen Castle
• Weobley Castle

For further information please contact us on: 0300 0256000 or email: cadwcommercial@gov.wales 

The 3-day Explorer Pass can be used at an unlimited number of sites, on any 3 days in any 7 day consecutive period following the first visit. The 7-day Explorer Pass can be used at an unlimited number of sites, on any 7 days in any 14 day consecutive period following the first visit.

Explorer passes will automatically become invalid either after day seven of activation or third day of use for a three day pass or after day fourteen of activation or seventh day of use for a seven day pass, whichever is reached first. 

Explorer Passes are non-refundable and have no validity end date.

If you are a trade partner and registered with the Cadw Tour Operator Scheme, you can access reduced rates on Explorer Passes for your customers. Simply contact cadwcommercial@gov.wales and we will provide you with codes to purchase at trade rates online. Please make your customers aware that they will be required to show the Explorer Pass QR code (minimum 3x3cm (113x113px)) at each admission charging site visited.  If possible, please include the original Cadw booking reference as well as your own reference.

Wales may be small in size but we’re big on groups.  From awe-inspiring fortresses to magical abbeys, Cadw has a great deal to offer groups of all sizes.

Our historic sites host a myriad of wonderful exhibitions and events throughout the year. Our calendar runs from April to December and with over 150 separate events planned each year there’s always something going on. From battling knight tourneys to living history encampments and theatrical performances to digital sound and light shows. We’re not short on fun and excitement.

Our sites offer great value. Get a group of 15 or more together and we can offer a 10% discount on entry prices. As most of our events are included in the standard entry price there’s even more reason to get a group together and head over to our sites. What are you waiting for?

We can help with advice and information on all aspects of the visit. Looking after some of the finest historic attractions throughout Wales, we are ideally placed to help you.

• Free familiarisation visits for members of the travel trade and travel press
• Image loan service
• Free promotional leaflets to support your programmes
• 3 and 7 day Explorer Passes (fully commissionable, up to 25%) available on  firm sale
• Discounts for group visits
• Priority access scheme

Planning group visits

The ‘places to visit’ search is a good starting point. This provides both general and specific information on individual sites. Groups from educational establishments will find valuable information in the educational visits section. If your group includes disabled visitors you will find further information on the individual site pages in 'places to visit' or contact Cadw headquarters on 0300 0256000, email cadw@gov.wales

If you would like to receive free advice and suggestions on which sites would best fit your programme please contact our marketing desk (contact details below).

Free familiarisation visits

One call to our marketing desk and we will be pleased to arrange a free familiarisation visit to our properties (contact details below).

Free promotional leaflets

Please contact our marketing desk (contact details below).

Photo Library service

We have an extensive range of top quality photographs available for hire. Please contact the Wales on View photographic library or contact our marketing desk (contact details below).

http://www.walesonview.com/

Explorer Passes

• A 3 or 7 day Explorer Pass gives your group or ‘go as you please’ visitors free admission into 30 charging historic attractions in the care of Cadw. It can also be sold as an optional extra.
• Holders of the pass have the freedom to explore as many attractions as they wish for either 3 days in any 7, or 7 days in any 14. 
• Explorer Passes are available for: single adult; two adults or family
• Earn Commission — up to 25%
• Explorer Passes are available on a firm sale basis

Group discounts

For groups of 15 or more a 10% discount is offered on adult and reduced rate categories.

For more information on our groups offers please telephone 0300 0256000 or email cadw@gov.wales

Why join Cadw?

Joining Cadw means unlimited days out for a year, or even a lifetime! Plus a whole lot more…

• Unlimited Access to Wales’s past

As a Cadw member you can visit our 131 sites as often as you like, whilst helping to preserve them for generations to come. From castles and abbeys, to palaces and fortresses, Cadw has sites to suit every type of member. We even have UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

• For every type of member...

Passionate about heritage? Interested in archaeology? History buff? Enjoy great days? Want to be part of the Cadw family? If you answered yes to any of these, then Cadw membership is for you. It also makes the perfect gift.

• Hundreds of events to suit everyone

Cadw membership also includes entry to our programme of events throughout the year, such as medieval festivals, hands on history, have-a-go archery, re-enactments, practical workshops and much much more. On top of all this, our sites come alive at Christmas, Easter and Halloween with a host of seasonal events.

• Safeguard our heritage for the future

All income from membership sales goes back into preserving the historic environment in Wales for future generations and allowing continued access to these wonderful places. Your contribution really does make a difference. You can also donate to Cadw at any of our monuments.

• Access to over 500 historic properties and unforgettable palaces

As well as entry to Cadw sites, Cadw membership gives you access to the historic sites across England, Scotland and the Isle of Mann too!

That’s over 500 places to see.

Membership benefits include:

• UNLIMITED admission to all 131 Cadw sites
• UNLIMITED entry to a wide range of history and family events
• HALF-PRICE admission to all English Heritage and Historic Scotland attractions, upgrading to FREE entry if you renew with us next year
• UNLIMITED entry to Manx National Heritage properties
• COMPLIMENTARY award-winning Heritage in Wales magazine, featuring news and stories from across Cadw’s 131 sites
• Exclusive member events and members only promotions, such as first look at excavations and conservation works
• First in line to buy tickets for some bespoke events and limited tours
• 10% off purchases in Cadw’s gift shops
• 10% off purchases in the gift shop at The National Library of Wales or any Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales site.*
• 10% off RCAHMW publications.*
• New for 2024-2025 Free entry for children under 18 included with adult and senior memberships. Free entry for up to 6 children per adult or senior member. This offer is not to be used for commercial purposes or by organised groups.

*Terms and conditions available at cadw.gov.wales/membership

Life membership

Become a life member and take all your children and grandchildren (under 18 years old) and one adult guest free to Cadw, English Heritage, Historic Scotland and Manx Heritage sites from the day you join. Cadw life members have contributed nearly £1 million towards conservation at Cadw sites.

Gift membership

Cadw membership makes the ideal gift for people who love exploring. Give your friends and family the key to travel back in time and enjoy unforgettable days out, not just in Wales but across England and Scotland too.

If you’d like to discuss Cadw membership further please contact our dedicated team on 02920786022.

Cadw's 3-day and 7-day Explorer Passes provide a great value way to explore the wealth of historic attractions Wales has to offer.

The passes offer the freedom to explore dozens of Cadw's historic attractions, helping your customers make the most of their purchase. The 3-day pass can be used at an unlimited number of sites in any 7-day period and the 7- day pass in any 14 days.

The Trade Explorer Passes are available to buy online on a firm-sale basis and are sold as either single adult, two adult or family passes.

If you would like to purchase Cadw’s Trade Explorer Passes, please contact our commercial team for details: cadwcommercial@gov.wales

Trade Prices 2024

                             SINGLE ADULT           TWO ADULTS                FAMILY*

3-DAY PASS              £18.15                          £27.25                        £43.55

7-DAY PASS              £27.25                        £40.85                       £50.80

*2 adults and up to 3 children/grandchildren under 18.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Historic attractions that accept and sell Explorer Passes            

• Beaumaris Castle
• Blaenavon Ironworks
• Caerleon Roman Baths
• Caerphilly Castle  
• Castell Caernarfon                           
• Castell Coch 
• Castell Conwy    
• Castell Criccieth   
• Castell Harlech   
• Castell Rhuddlan
• Chepstow Castle                                                                       
• Denbigh Castle                                                         
• Kidwelly Castle 
• Laugharne Castle 
• Plas Mawr
• Raglan Castle
• St Davids Bishop's Palace
• Tintern Abbey
• Tretower Court and Castle

Historic Attractions that accept Explorer Passes but do not sell them.

• Carreg Cennen Castle
• Weobley Castle

Please note:

• once passes are purchased and issued from Cadw it is the trade purchaser who is responsible for ensuring delivery of the Explorer Pass ticket including the QR code to their customers.
• Cadw on-site teams will not be able to reissue or validate Trade Explorer Passes unless the visitor presents their valid Explorer Pass ticket on arrival.

Widening access to heritage and culture is a priority for Cadw.

Through the schemes listed in this section we aim to enrich the lives of people across Wales — especially young people who may not have engaged with their heritage — by making it easy for them to visit the sites in our care.

Fostering families scheme

Free Self-led Supported Visits

Timebanking scheme

Cadw monument pass

2 for 1 entry offer with Transport for Wales

Did you know that we also offer free self-led educational visits for school groups and free visits for home educating families into all of our sites? For more information on these schemes, visit the Education section of the website.

Free entry also applies upon renewal of membership to members of English Heritage, Manx Heritage and Historic Scotland into our sites across Wales and the reverse would apply to Cadw members into their sites. More information can be found on the Membership section of our website

Please proceed with care as ancient monuments can be dangerous.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Please ensure you park away from trees during high winds and stormy weather for your safety and that of your vehicle.

Cadw is not responsible for damage caused by parking in the monuments’ car parks, pull ins or lay bys.

There are safety warning signs at many of our sites. General warning signs are at the entrance and in many cases will be reinforced by smaller 'pictogram' repeater signs identifying specific hazards at individual monuments. 

Some or all of the following warning signs may be found situated around the sites.

Leaflets providing guidance (particularly on safety) for organisers of school/group visits are available for our most popular sites.

We want you to enjoy your visit so please lock your vehicles and do not leave valuables on display.  Lock them up or take them with you. Try not to make it obvious if you are putting things away as thieves may be watching.

Remember — vehicles, bicycles and contents are left at your own risk.

When inside the monument, do not leave any bags or items unattended as these may be considered as suspect and removed by staff or the police.

We will not be responsible for any loss or damage as a result of this.

Lost and found property will be retained for six months unless it has identification markings on it or items are perishable.

Valuables such as passports, wallets, purses and credit cards will be handed to the police station local to the monument if the owner's details are not obvious.

Enquiries about lost and found property should be made directly to the custodian at the monument. 

Safety and Security at Cadw monuments

The safety and security of our visitors and staff is our top priority and we employ several safety measures some of which are visible and some which operate behind the scenes, to ensure you enjoy a safe and pleasurable experience.

Our teams are trained to be vigilant at our venues to mitigate the possibility of a terrorist threat or other criminal activity and how to respond if an incident takes place. You will be greeted by our team of friendly staff on arrival, and we may check in with you during your time with us to ensure you are making the most of your visit.

Security measures

Our operational security procedures are reviewed regularly, and our organisation works closely with Counter Terrorism Police in South Wales and North Wales Police who work for Counter Terrorism Policing Wales which in turn is part of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office. Action Counter Terrorism is some of the training on the UK Protect Website.

We engage with Government agencies around threat intelligence updates and our visitor services teams receive regular training and are briefed on current security matters. Cadw works with The National Security and Resilience Division and is part of the Risk and Preparedness Committee (RPCO) so you can be assured we are co-ordinated across government on best practice and risk levels to keep your visit safe and of course, enjoyable!

We also work closely with local law enforcement teams so do not be alarmed if you see police officers wandering the castle wall-walks and battlements during your next visit.

Security procedures

Cadw reserves the right to conduct random bag searches as a ‘condition of entry’ to its historic locations. Please refrain from bringing large bags as we are unable to offer any cloakroom facilities including the storage of pushchairs, prams, and buggies. Please check individual monument pages of the website for information on bicycle storage.

Meet our teams

Custodians

Cadw’s custodians are trained to provide the very best experience for all our visitors. As well as a friendly welcome and efficient service, a crucial part of their role is to ensure the safety of our visitors at all times. 

Further information

If you have any questions, please contact our teams by email: cadw@gov.wales or telephone:03000 256000