Cae'r Gors | Cadw

Visitor notice

Cae'r Gors is open as part of our guided tours programme from May to August each year. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the site with expert insights into its history and significance.Want to be the first to know about new tour dates and prices?

Childhood home of a literary heroine and showcase for a unique industrial landscape

Novelist and short-story writer Kate Roberts is celebrated across Wales as ‘Brenhines ein Llên’ – or The Queen of our Literature.

She depicts strong women battling stubbornly against danger and poverty in the quarrying communities of north-west Wales. And she knew what she was writing about. That was her life too.

Born in 1891, she grew up in Cae’r Gors, a humble quarryman’s cottage and smallholding on the slopes above the Nantlle Valley near Caernarfon. It shaped her imagination and stayed with her long after she left home at the age of 18.

When she discovered Cae’r Gors was derelict in 1965 she campaigned tirelessly to save it. In 2007 it was finally restored to the way it would have been in her childhood.

So now, starting in the heritage centre behind the cottage, you can explore her world and walk through the tiny rooms filled with voices from the past. Even her books, clogs and cloak are there to remind you of this remarkable period of Welsh industrial history.

More about Cae'r Gors

Gallery

Visitor information

Baby changing

Car park

Toilets

Visitor toilets are available at this site.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible

Guidebook

Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Care and attention must be paid when visiting this monument. The grounds outside are exposed to the natural elements and maybe slippery or muddy underfoot. Appropriate footwear for the season must be considered prior to your visit.

Built historic environments are sometimes uneven underfoot with steps that are narrow, steep with varying step height. Care must be paid when accessing upper levels and mezzanine / balcony spaces.

There are often high thresholds and low door frames when passing into and through indoor spaces. We kindly ask that any handrail provided is used appropriately and there is no climbing upon or within the monument.

Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas. Please do not climb over or through any fixed installation.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.