Castles of Wales - Cadw Explorer Pass
Book now from £25.52
Get your Cadw Explorer Pass to visit 20 historic monuments in 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:
- Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
- Blaenavon Ironworks, Torfaen
- Caerleon Roman Baths, Newport
- Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
- Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
- Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire
- Castell Coch, Cardiff
- Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
- Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- Conwy Castle, Conwy
- Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd
- Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire
- Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
- Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
- Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
- Oxwich Castle, Swansea
- Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy
- Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
- Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire
- Rug Chapel, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
- Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
- Tretower Court and Castle, Powys
- Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- Weobley Castle, Swansea
People also ask:
Castles of Wales Explorer 3-day pass and 7-day pass explained:
- 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 week 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 a bunch castes 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?
- Beaumaris Castle
- Blaenavon Ironworks
- Caerleon Roman Baths
- Caernarfon Castle
- Caerphilly Castle
- Carreg Cennen Castle
- Castell Coch
- Chepstow Castle
- Cilgerran Castle
- Conwy Castle
- Criccieth Castle
- Denbigh Castle
- Harlech Castle
- Kidwelly Castle
- Laugharne Castle
- Oxwich Castle
- Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
- Raglan Castle
- Rhuddlan Castle
- Rug Chapel
- St Davids Bishop's Palace
- Tintern Abbey
- Tretower Court and Castle
- Valle Crucis Abbey
- Weobley Castle
You might also like
Zip World Tower - South Wales Adventures Best Price Tickets
High up in the breath-taking South Wales mountains, this historic coal mining site has been transformed into a destination for adventurers old and new
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry - North Wales Adventures Best Price Tickets
THE fastest zip line in the world, the UK's only mountain kart experience, a quarry tour, plus zip lines - use code DAYSOUT for extra discount
Zip World Llechwedd - North Wales Adventures Best Price Tickets
Zip World's Llechwedd in North Wales has it all - zip lines, underground golf, trampoline caves, deep mine tours... Code DAYSOUT for discount!
Zip World Betws-y-Coed - North Wales Adventures Best Price Tickets
With 6 treetop adventures, Zip World has something for everyone - a Fforest Coaster, Tree Hoppers, Zip Safaris, Europe's highest swing and more!
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience
Get up to 10% OFF your experience use code 'DAYSOUT'! Discover the remarkable history of the Lewis Methyr Colliery in the heart of the Rhondda Valley
Hensol Castle Distillery - Best Price Tickets
Have you ever wanted to drink gin in a 17th century castle? Well now's your chance, when you go on a gin distillery tour at Hensol Castle
The Royal Mint Experience Admission Tickets
The Royal Mint Experience - Tickets on Sale
Get up to 10% OFF your experience use Code 'DAYSOUT'! The Royal Mint Experience ADMISSION TICKETS.
Techniquest Science Discovery Centre - Best Price Tickets
Techniquest Science Discovery Centre - Best Price Tickets
Book your general admission tickets here! Get your Techniquest tickets for the best prices you'll find online
Raglan Farm Park - Best Price Tickets
Raglan Farm Park makes for a charming day out full of farmyard family fun that everyone is certain to enjoy!
South Wales Aviation Museum
See a vast array of aircraft and sit in the cockpit of a jet plane at South Wales Aviation Museum