This September people across Wales are being invited to step behind closed doors and discover the rich heritage on their doorstep as Cadw‘s Open Doors festival returns for 2026 with hundreds of historic sites, community buildings and cultural attractions opening their doors free of charge.
Funded and organised by Cadw, the festival brings together heritage organisations, community groups, places of worship, archives, museums and volunteers from across Wales to offer free access to a wide range of locations including iconic landmarks as well as secret gems that are rarely open to the public. From abbeys and castles to Roman forts and Victorian style prisons, there’s a huge variety of different locations taking part.
This year’s event sees 19 of Cadw‘s own iconic monuments opening their doors as part of the festival – including Strata Florida Abbey, Castell Harlech, and Caer-went Roman Town.
The popular festival is Wales’ contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative, dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures across the continent. In Wales, it opens a gateway for visitors of all ages to step into the past, immerse themselves in the nation’s dynamic heritage, and uncover the compelling stories that have helped shape its identity.
Dr Ffion Reynolds, Cadw‘s Senior Heritage Events and Arts Manager, said:
“Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Wales’ extraordinary heritage and the passionate people who care for it.
“Throughout September, hundreds of organisations, community groups and volunteers across Wales will open their doors, offering the chance to discover the stories that make their places special. From castles and chapels to archives, museums and historic landscapes, there’s something for everyone to explore.
“Open Doors encourages people to discover somewhere new on their doorstep, or finally step inside a building they’ve passed countless times but never visited. What makes the festival so special is the way communities and organisations across Wales come together to showcase the rich heritage that connects us all.
“This year’s programme includes unique behind-the-scenes experiences, guided tours and access to places that are rarely open to the public. We’re particularly excited to welcome visitors to parts of the historic Mynachlog Fawr farmstead at Strata Florida, offering a rare opportunity to explore an important part of Wales’ heritage as part of this year’s festival.”
A full list of participating locations can be viewed on Cadw’s website, with a selection of highlights near Cardiff below:
Neath Abbey, Neath Port Talbot
5th and 6th September, 10am-11.30am and 2pm-3.30pm
Neath Abbey, founded in 1130, is one of the most impressive monastic ruins in south Wales. For Open Doors, visitors can delve deeper into its story on extended guided tours where Cadw’s expert historian will reveal how the abbey’s remains illustrate a succession of pivotal episodes in the history of South Wales, including the Norman advance, the suppression of the monasteries and the early stirrings of the Industrial Revolution.
The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant
Every Wednesday in September, 10am – 2pm.
The Royal Mint Experience is a unique visitor attraction in south Wales, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and history of coin-making. During Open Doors, visitors can explore its deep history, going behind the scenes of over 1,000 years of its fascinating journey and find out how it ended up in Wales.
Glamorgan Archives, Cardiff
12th September, 10am – 3.30pm
Glamorgan Archives is home to more than 12 kilometres of historic records dating from the 12th century to the present day. Visitors can go behind the scenes on exclusive tours of the facility, explore centuries of local history and view fascinating original documents from across south-east Wales. Members of the Glamorgan Family History Society will also be on hand to offer advice, with free talks on researching Irish, Welsh and English family history.
Laugharne Castle, Laugharne
19th and 20th September, 11am – 4pm
Enjoy free access to this magnificent medieval castle, later transformed into a grand Tudor mansion. Its beautiful grounds also provided the perfect antidote to writer’s block, with both Dylan Thomas and acclaimed author Richard Hughes using the castle’s summer garden house to create some of their best work. Steeped in centuries of history, intrigue and conflict, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Wales’ past – come and explore it for yourself.
Brecon Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post, Brecon
12th September, 11am – 4pm
Climb 15 feet underground and discover life on the frontline of the Cold War at the Brecon ROC Nuclear Monitoring Post. Restored to its original operational condition, the bunker offers a rare glimpse into the role played by Royal Observer Corps volunteers who monitored the threat of nuclear attack across the UK. Visitors can explore the fully equipped underground post and hear first-hand stories from former ROC personnel about this fascinating chapter of modern history.
Visitors are advised to check individual event listings as booking requirements vary between locations.
Full details of all participating venues, dates and ticketing information can be found on Cadw’s Open Doors website here: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/open-doors-events