HOP INTO HISTORY: Knight School and circus skills coming to Kidwelly Castle this Easter

The historic site will play host to a “Knight School” and a special circus skills workshop as part of a national spring programme from Cadw, welcoming families from across the region.

Kidwelly Castle will be transformed on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, with “Juggling Jim” leading the hands-on fun for all ages.

Young explorers can take part in three light-hearted challenges at the Knight School between 11am and 1pm to complete their training.

From 1.30pm, the focus will shift to circus skills, with visitors given the chance to try their hand at juggling, diabolo, and plate spinning in the castle grounds.

The fun continues from Monday, March 30, with a week-long “Easter Quiz” trail that invites everyone to explore the fortress in a whole new way.

Participants will have to hunt for hidden Easter characters and unscramble a secret word to claim a special prize at the gift shop.

Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “The Easter break is a brilliant opportunity for families to explore the remarkable history that surrounds them.”

She added: “We’ve designed a varied and engaging calendar of events that encourages visitors to get outdoors and connect with Welsh heritage.”

Cadw has also confirmed that children go free with any adult membership, offering extra value for those planning multiple days out this spring.

The Kidwelly events are part of a wider national programme that includes medieval tournaments and falconry displays at various historic sites.

The castle will be open from 9.30am to 5pm throughout the Easter holidays, with the special quiz trail running until Sunday, April 5.

For more information and to plan your visit to one of Wales’ most striking medieval fortresses, head to the official Cadw website.

ST DAVID’S DAY: Free entry to Kidwelly Castle and St Davids Bishop’s Palace as part of Wales-wide heritage scheme

Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire and St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire are among 17 historic sites across Wales offering free entry on Sunday, 1 March to celebrate the nation’s patron saint.

The scheme is run by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, which normally charges admission to the sites. In lieu of payment, visitors are being asked to consider a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance, though there is no obligation to donate.

How to Claim Free Tickets

Visitors must book their free tickets online in advance through Cadw’s website. Tickets will be sent to the email address provided at checkout, and visitors must bring proof of booking on the day of their visit.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“St David’s Day is such an important opportunity for celebrating everything that makes Wales a special nation with our unique identity and culture. Visiting a Cadw site is a fantastic way to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi and learn more about Wales’ incredible history.”

Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, said:

“I am so pleased that Cadw will, again, be giving away free entry tickets for St David’s Day. Visiting one of these special places filled with history is a fantastic way to celebrate what makes Wales unique. I’d urge anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

About Kidwelly Castle

Norman stronghold is a match for the greatest castles of Wales

Kidwelly Castle began in the early 12th century as a Norman ‘ringwork’ castle made of wood and protected only by an earthen bank and ditch. It was under constant attack by Welsh princes including the Lord Rhys, who captured it in 1159.

By the 1280s the Chaworth brothers, powerful Marcher lords, had created the stone ‘castle within a castle’ that still stands today. The fortress features a great gatehouse with drawbridge and portcullis, and four towers of the inner ward creating a “true killing zone” for attackers.

The castle is so impressive it appears in the very first scene of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. Even the forces of Owain Glyndŵr couldn’t break through its defences.

Location: Castle Road, Kidwelly SA17 5BQ More information: Visit Cadw’s Kidwelly Castle page

About St Davids Bishop’s Palace

Magnificent medieval palace that rivalled its cathedral for glory

There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire. A 12th-century pope had decreed that two trips to St Davids were equal to one to Rome, turning it into a centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world.

Between 1328 and 1347, Bishop Henry de Gower turned a building only fit for ‘servants and animals’ into an immense palace. The east range was his private domain, whilst the south range was for show and ceremony. It was here in the great hall that Bishop Henry dispensed justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims.

The Reformation marked the beginning of the end, with William Barlow, first Protestant Bishop of St Davids, allegedly stripping the lead from the roofs himself. But even as a ruin, this palace beside its glorious cathedral remains an awe-inspiring space.

Location: The Close, St Davids, Pembrokeshire SA62 6PE More information: Visit Cadw’s St Davids Bishop’s Palace page

Supporting Wales Air Ambulance

Abi Pearce, Wales Air Ambulance Corporate Partnership Manager for South Wales, said:

“People can enjoy visiting some of Wales’ most iconic historic sites on St David’s Day, knowing they are helping save lives! We are hugely grateful that all visitors to Cadw sites will be granted free access and we hope they donate to our lifesaving service. Since our launch in 2001, we have carried out over 55,000 missions.”

Visitors wishing to donate to Wales Air Ambulance can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/llywodraeth-cymru-welsh-government-4.

Full List of Sites Offering Free Entry

The following Cadw sites can be entered for free on Sunday, 1 March 2026:

• Beaumaris Castle
• Blaenafon Ironworks
• Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
• Castell Caernarfon
• Caerphilly Castle
• Castell Coch
• Chepstow Castle
• Castell Conwy
• Castell Cricieth
• Denbigh Castle
• Castell Harlech
• Kidwelly Castle
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
• Raglan Castle
• St Davids Bishop’s Palace
• Tintern Abbey
• Tretower Court and Castle

To book your free tickets, visit cadw.gov.wales and select your chosen site.

Kidwelly Castle from South, Carmarthenshire, c.1930 - HM Office of Works RP Postcard

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Free children’s entry to Cadw sites this weekend to mark Owain Glyndŵr Day

The annual commemoration on 16 September marks the day in 1400 when Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his followers, sparking a 15‑year uprising against the rule of Henry IV. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, it became a defining moment in Welsh history, inspiring a renewed sense of identity and pride.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, cares for hundreds of sites across Wales — including several besieged by Glyndŵr during his campaign, such as Coety, Dinefwr and Kidwelly castles.

Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant said:

“Owain Glyndŵr remains one of Wales’ most forthright figures, whose legacy continues to shape our national identity today. By offering free access to children at Cadw’s sites in his name, we’re connecting our next generation with this pivotal period in Welsh history.”

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, added:

“We hope that by offering free entry to those under 17 more people will be encouraged to visit Cadw locations and give their families a real taste of Wales’ exciting and varied history.”

The offer applies to all Cadw sites open on Sunday 14 September. Usual admission charges apply to accompanying adults.

Normally charged Cadw sites — free for under‑17s on 14 September

Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
One of Wales’ best‑preserved medieval fortresses, with a dramatic riverside setting and links to the 1136 battle in which Princess Gwenllian was killed.

Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
A picturesque ruin overlooking the Taf estuary, once a Tudor mansion and later inspiring poet Dylan Thomas.

Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire
Twin‑towered fortress perched above the Teifi Gorge, with a history of sieges and strategic importance.

Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire
Elegant medieval retreat for the bishops of St Davids, featuring grand halls and tranquil grounds.

St David’s Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire
Magnificent 14th‑century palace ruins beside St David’s Cathedral, reflecting the wealth and influence of the medieval church.

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Two West Wales castles to host Easter egg trails

Events are being run by Cadw  across 12 of its castles and properties across Wales – including Kidwelly Castle and Laugharne Castle in West Wales.

Let’s Use a Camera Easter Trail, Kidwelly Castle
Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, 10:00-16:00

Capture the beauty of Kidwelly Castle, a Norman masterpiece overlooking the River Gwendraeth. Families will follow the trail and take photos of specific landmarks and features within the castle grounds, a perfect activity for budding photographers and history enthusiasts.

Easter bunnies and eggs were hidden in the castle but some of the eggs have hatched, so we are sure we now have chicks here too. As there is magic in the castle the bunnies, eggs and chicks could disappear very quickly. Can you help find them and take a photo of where they are hiding? There will be a reward for all your help!

Easter Egg Fun Trail, Laugharne Castle
Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, 11:00-16:00

Explore the enchanting Laugharne Castle for its annual Easter Egg Hunt, where visitors will search for hidden eggs scattered throughout the castle grounds and be in with a chance to win an Easter prize! Easter bonnets are welcome.

Head of Cadw, Gwilym Hughes, said: “The Easter holidays is the perfect time for families to get out, and explore the rich history and stories right on their own doorstep. We wanted to create an action-packed schedule of events that not only helps families to enjoy quality time together but also inspires a sense of pride and curiosity about Welsh heritage.

“Children go free with any adult membership, which offers great value for families looking to make the most of multiple visits and events throughout the year. Members enjoy unlimited access to 132 historical locations across Wales year-round, along with exclusive discounts at gift shops and similar attractions across the UK.”

(Lead image: Cadw)

#CADW #Easter #Kidwelly #KidwellyCastle #Laugharne #LaugharneCastle