Castles of Wales - Cadw Explorer Pass

Get your Cadw Explorer Pass to visit the best castles in all of Wales

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore the best Welsh castles and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

  • Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions
  • Visit as many castles as you want
  • Choice of either the 3-day pass or 7-day pass (the 3-day pass gives you three days of entrance and is valid for a 7-day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
  • Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' now. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to each Welsh castle either on your device or print if you prefer.

What Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass? 

The below list of castles in Wales are looked after by Cadw [pronounced cad-oo], a Welsh organisation passionate about protecting Wales' rich and cultural heritage.

In this list you'll find all the Cadw sites you can visit with your Castles of Wales Explorer Pass (or Cadw Explorer Pass), including the most famous Welsh castles to see in Wales:

Location

Cadw Castles of Wales

Corwen,
LL21 9BT
Show on Google Maps
More Info
How does the Castles of Wales Explorer 3-Day Pass and 7-Day Pass work?

The 3-Day Pass gives you 3 days of free entrance, that is valid for a 7 day period. The 7-Day Pass gives you 7 days of free entrance, valid for 14 days.

The passes have been designed to be flexible and suit families and tourists spending one or two weeks in Wales.

How much money will I save with the Castles of Wales Explorer Pass?

The more Welsh castles you see the more you'll save. 

Entry to the Castles of Wales can be anywhere between £8-£15 (approx) each, so this pass is great for anyone wishing to visit lots of castles on their visit to Wales. 

You can visit a lot of castles in 1-2 weeks!

Who is the Castles of Wales Explorer Pass for?

Ideal for anyone looking for things to do in Wales, for anyone wanting to soak up as much Welsh culture as possible, and perfect for families on a budget!

Wales is often referred to as the "Castle Capital of the World" and has more castles per square mile than any other country, so this pass is also great for any tourists coming to Wales too!

What does Cadw mean?

Cadw [cad-oo] is the Welsh word for 'castle' or 'keep' 

What are the Castle of Wales Explorer Pass family tickets?

2 adults and up to 3 children/grandchildren under 18. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Why does Wales have so many castles?

During the medieval period, Wales was frequently invaded and conquered by various groups, including the Normans and the English. The construction of castles served as a means of establishing control over the region and defending against local resistance. These castles were strategically positioned to assert authority and protect territories.

After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Normans extended their influence into Wales. They built many castles to secure their newly acquired lands and to serve as military outposts. The most famous example is Conwy Castle, built by Edward I to control the rebellious Welsh.

In the late 13th century, King Edward I of England embarked on a series of military campaigns to subdue Wales and bring it under English rule. This led to the construction of a number of imposing castles, known as Edwardian castles, such as Caernarfon Castle and Beaumaris Castle. These castles were not only military fortifications but also symbols of English dominance over Wales.

What Cadw attractions are included in the Castle of Wales Explorer Pass?

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