Admissions | Cadw

Cadw’s Admission Policy for all staffed sites

To encourage and enable as many people as possible to enjoy the historic monuments in Cadw’s care, we offer a range of concessional day tickets and reduced rate membership options. Please familiarise yourself with the information below before your visit if you’d like to take advantage of these offers.

Disabled people

All disabled people are welcomed into Cadw sites free of charge, and can bring an assistant/companion for free too. At Cadw we understand that not all disabled people have impairments that are visible, so please let our staff know if you’d like to take advantage of this concession.

Senior and junior concessions and membership

Cadw operates a reduced day ticket admission rate for those under 18 and 65 and over, and a variety of discounted membership options for younger and older visitors. Both day ticket visitors and members may be asked for proof of age.

All visitors under 16yrs need to be accompanied by an adult.

Student concession and membership

Cadw is happy to offer a reduced rate for students to enjoy the historic monuments in our care during their studies. For day tickets and student members, please bring your photo student ID with you each time you visit. We accept most types of student ID* with the exception of those without a photo and cards that can be obtained without proof of student status.

*we do not accept Uni Days membership as proof of student status.

Serving and retired Military concession

All serving and retired armed forces personnel can receive a reduce rate day ticket at all Cadw staffed sites. We accept a range different forms of identification, including serving military ID cards, the armed forces veteran card, and the Defence Discount card, and retired military cards from outside of the UK.

If you are a senior military veteran without any form of ID, please speak to one of our custodians onsite when you visit.

Online Tickets

The above policies apply to both tickets bought on the day and online.

Cadw, English Heritage, Historic Scotland and Manx Heritage members

Cadw members have unlimited access to all Cadw staffed sites, and enjoy a host of other member benefits. To join please visit www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales

We also welcome members of English Heritage, Historic Scotland and Manx Heritage members to Cadw sites on a reduced price or free basis.

For all organisations:

membership cards are to be used by the named card holder only
please show your card at the time of entry. Refunds will not be issued after failure to produce a valid card.
every adult entering using their membership must have a valid membership card
you may be asked to provide another form of identification if we are unsure that you are the named person on the card
when visiting the sites of the other membership organisations, the rules set out in your own organisation’s membership admissions policy still apply, such as the number of children allowed under your membership category
children must be part of the family group.

If you have any questions relating to the above guidelines please call the Cadw site you are planning to visit, contact details can be found on each site’s page on our website. And finally, we hope you enjoy your visit!

Health and safety

Please visit our Safety and Security section on this page before your visit as our monuments offer specific challenges.

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 2022:

SINGLE ADULT TWO ADULTS FAMILY*

3-DAY PASS £25.50 £39.40 £52.10

7-DAY PASS £37.10 £59.10 £71.80

*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

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

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

Please note that it is not currently possible to buy Explorer Passes online.

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@g ov.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 130 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 130 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 130 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.*

*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 0800 0743121.

Temporary withdrawal of Explorer Passes

In order to improve the Cadw Explorer Pass product we are developing a digital Explorer Pass which will be available to purchase online. The current Cadw Trade Explorer Passes will remain temporarily unavailable while we transition over to our new process.

To benefit from our travel trade operator scheme and enjoy trade admission rates to Cadw sites, please contact our commercial team on: 03000 257182 or email: cadwcommercial@gov.wales

Check out the trade rates for operators registered on the Cadw Tour Operator Scheme.

Cadw is able to offer a refund for any unused and unspoilt Explorer Passes returned from stock purchased in 2019.

If you wish to return Explorer Passes please inform cadwcommercial@gov.wales and forward to:

Cadw Commercial Team
Ty’r Afon
Bedwas Road
Caerphilly
CF83 8WT

We apologise for any inconvenience and will update this position as soon as it changes.

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

Family holiday association supported visits

Free Self-led Supported Visits

Timebanking scheme

Cadw monument pass

Country Life butter promotion

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.

With a Castell Coch Café Pass you can visit the café in Castell Coch as often as you like from Monday–Friday until 1 April 2023, without paying an admission charge. Simply complete an application form at Castell Coch.

The Café Passholder may only use the pass in Castell Coch to access the café free of charge.

Entry is only valid with photo ID by the pass holder only. Cadw reserves the right to refuse entry if it is deemed that the Pass does not belong to the bearer.

The scheme is not valid in conjunction with any other promotions. Passes are not valid on event days.

Passes are available for all individuals 5 years old and above (entry is free to Cadw sites for children up to their 5th birthday).

The card has no monetary value, cannot be resold, auctioned or exchanged and cannot be redeemed in whole or part for cash.

Cadw reserves the right to offer to withdraw the scheme at any time deemed necessary owing to circumstances outside their reasonable control.

Castell Coch Café Pass Terms and Conditions:

The Café Pass is the voucher issued to members of the public which enables access into Castell Coch’s café with no admission charge. The Café Passholder is the person named on the Café Pass.
The Café Pass entitles the Cafe Passholder to free entry to the café in Castell Coch on Mondays to Fridays while the site is open. The Café Pass is only valid at Castell Coch and cannot be used on Saturdays or Sundays. Each Pass is only valid until 1st April 2023.
The Café Pass may only be used by the person to whom it was issued and it is not transferable. Entry is only valid with photo ID by the Pass holder only. Cadw reserves the right to refuse entry if it is deemed that the Pass does not belong to the bearer.
The personal data that Cadw collects is necessary to enable us to administer your contract. Cadw will share your data with Equinox, a third party agency, to administer your Cadw Café Pass. Your data will not be shared with any other third parties outside the administration of your pass.
For Cadw privacy policy in compliance with GDPR please visit: cadw.gov.wales/privacy-policy
The Café Pass shall entitle the Café Passholder to free entry into Castell Coch cafe during normal opening hours. The Pass is not valid when events are taking place at Castell Coch. Events are listed on the Cadw website.
The Café Pass remains the property of Cadw. If the Cafe Pass is lost, the Café Passholder must apply to Cadw for a replacement.
The giving of incorrect information with the intent of defrauding Cadw, or improper use of the Café Pass, will result in forfeiture of the Café Pass.
Café Passes are available for all individuals 5 years old and above (entry is free to Cadw sites for children up to their 5th birthday).
The Café Pass has no monetary value, cannot be resold, auctioned or exchanged and cannot be redeemed in whole or part for cash.
Cadw reserves the right to offer to withdraw the Cadw Café Pass scheme at any time deemed necessary owing to circumstances outside their reasonable control.
Cadw reserves the right to alter these terms and conditions or the benefits available to Café Passholders at any time by posting any changes on the Cadw website. Any changes will take place on the date that they are posted onto the website. You are advised to check these terms and conditions regularly for updates.
When you have completed an application form at Castell Coch, your details will be forwarded to Equinox to process your application. You will be given a temporary membership voucher so you can use the café with no admission charge while you wait for your voucher to be sent to you. Your Café Pass will be sent to you via email or hard copy in the post. When you visit Castell Coch, you can either show the pass to Cadw staff on your device or show the hard copy voucher. If you do not receive your Café Pass within 28 days please contact the Cadw membership team on cadwmembership@equinox.wales or call 0800 0743121.
Your Café Pass is only valid as part of personal visit and will not be valid as part of an organised tour by a third party.
You may not use your Café Pass for commercial benefit. improper use of the Café Pass, will result in forfeiture of the Café Pass.