St David’s Day Special: Visit Seventeen Welsh Historic Sites for Free and Dive into Wales’ Rich History!

In celebration of St David’s Day on 1 March 2026, Wales is offering an incredible opportunity for both locals and tourists to visit some of the country’s most iconic and historically significant sites for free. For one day only, Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, is providing free access to 17 historic locations, including medieval castles, tranquil religious sites, and landmarks that helped shape Wales’ industrial revolution. This initiative is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Wales while contributing to a worthy cause.

While admission to these exceptional sites will be free, Cadw is encouraging visitors to make a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance, a charity that plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical care across the country.

Discover Wales’ Historical Gems for Free

St David’s Day presents the perfect occasion to explore the rich history and culture of Wales through the beautiful, historically significant landmarks managed by Cadw. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to make the most of a free day out, this is an unmissable opportunity to discover some of Wales’ best-loved sites.

Some of the locations included in the free access initiative are:

• Beaumaris Castle
• Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
• Castell Caernarfon
• Castell Coch
• Chepstow Castle
• Raglan Castle
• St Davids Bishop’s Palace
• Tintern Abbey
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House

These places, filled with history, offer a fantastic experience for families, history buffs, and casual visitors alike. Exploring these sites will give you insight into Wales’ unique culture and its incredible heritage.

How to Claim Your Free Tickets

To take advantage of this incredible offer, visitors must reserve their free tickets online in advance. The process is simple, and tickets are offered at no charge, though a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance is encouraged. To claim your free tickets, follow these steps:

1. Visit Cadw’s ‘Find a Place to Visit’ page and select the historic location you wish to explore.
2. Click on ‘Book Tickets’ and choose your ticket type: adult, family, or senior.
3. Select Sunday, 1 March and choose your preferred time slot.
4. Add the tickets to your basket and proceed to checkout.
5. Once completed, your free tickets will be sent directly to your email address.

Don’t forget to bring proof of booking on the day of your visit to gain access to the sites.

Popular Sites with Limited Availability

Some of the more popular sites, such as Plas Mawr and Castell Coch, have limited availability for free tickets. To avoid disappointment, it is recommended that visitors book early to secure their spot. With a limited number of tickets available, Cadw urges visitors to reserve their tickets as soon as possible to make the most of the free entry.

Supporting Wales Air Ambulance

While entry to the sites is free, Cadw encourages visitors to make a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance, a charity that provides critical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across Wales. The charity’s life-saving service has been instrumental in supporting the health and well-being of Wales’ residents for years, and since its establishment, Wales Air Ambulance has conducted over 55,000 missions.

While donations are not obligatory, they are strongly encouraged. The partnership between Cadw and Wales Air Ambulance ensures that visitors can not only enjoy Wales’ historical sites but also contribute to a cause that saves lives every day.

Celebrate Welsh Culture and Heritage on St David’s Day

St David’s Day is a chance for both locals and visitors to celebrate Wales’ unique identity and culture. First Minister Eluned Morgan emphasized that the free access to Cadw sites provides a great way to celebrate everything that makes Wales special. With the support of the £1 million fund for community events, this initiative is part of a larger effort to celebrate Wales’ rich heritage.

Whether visiting the historic castles, abbeys, or Roman sites, St David’s Day offers an excellent opportunity for tourists to discover the nation’s history and explore its beautiful landmarks. Morgan encouraged everyone to visit these incredible sites and participate in the celebrations that highlight the importance of St David’s Day.

Perfect for Families and History Buffs

For families and history enthusiasts, this event provides a fantastic opportunity to explore Wales’ historical treasures for free. From iconic castles to peaceful abbeys, and from ancient Roman ruins to historic towns, the variety of sites available ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Cadw’s initiative makes Wales’ heritage more accessible, offering a wonderful way to learn about the past while enjoying time with family and friends.

What Visitors Should Know Before Visiting

Visitors are reminded of the following to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Pre-booking is essential to gain free access on St David’s Day.
• Donations to Wales Air Ambulance are optional but encouraged.
• Popular sites like Plas Mawr and Castell Coch have limited ticket availability, so booking early is advised.
• Proof of booking must be shown on the day of your visit.
• Ensure to arrive at your allocated time slot to avoid any delays.

Conclusion: A Special Way to Celebrate St David’s Day

St David’s Day 2026 offers a unique chance to experience Wales’ rich heritage with free access to 17 of the country’s most iconic historic sites. With the partnership between Cadw and Wales Air Ambulance, visitors will not only explore Wales’ past but also support a life-saving cause. Whether you’re a history lover or simply looking to enjoy the cultural richness of Wales, this initiative provides a great opportunity to connect with the nation’s history. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi and make a meaningful contribution to Wales’ future.

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