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Open Doors ‘Through the keyhole’ in Wales!!
Ever wanted to look inside or behind the scenes of some of Wales’ finest buildings and places? From Medieval cottages to Museums, from the quirky to the majestic, the grand to the minute, this September ‘Open Doors’ will give you a chance to gain access to over 300 hidden and familiar places across Wales. And it’s all free of charge!
Where can I go for Open Doors?
Right across Wales a broad range of sites take part from castles and historic houses, religious buildings, industrial heritage sites, civic buildings to interesting contemporary buildings. The programme also includes talks, lectures and events linked to heritage and the built environment. No matter where you are visiting in Wales there is somewhere to visit. Here are a few examples:
North Wales
In North Wales, there will be guided tours and cream teas available at Gladstone’s Library, in Hawarden, Flintshire.
This is a unique institution, Britain’s finest residential library and its only Prime Ministerial library.
South East Wales
In South East Wales the Ruperra Trust is running a guided walk of the area surrounding Ruperra Castle which was built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan of Machen.
Although now in ruins due to a fire in WWII, the castle is a unique example in Wales of a Jacobean chivalric castle.
West Wales
In West Wales, Carew Cheriton Control Tower in Pembrokeshire is a restored WWII RAF control tower, with restored air raid shelter.
Find out more about WWII at this unique site by joining the guided tours and talks put on for Open Doors.
South Wales
In South Wales just a short stroll from Cowbridge High Street, in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge Physic Garden is a stone walled garden of half of an acre.
Take a tour of the garden which contains a variety of plants that over the years have been used for healing, culinary uses and dyeing.
Mid Wales
In Mid Wales, Llanfyllin Workhouse, Powys, is an outstanding example of a Victorian Workhouse.
Now undergoing conservation and restoration as a community enterprise for arts, education, environment and heritage.
The four courtyards and parts of the interior will be open to view.
How can I find out what to visit in my area?
The final programme will be on the Open Doors website on August 1st but in the meantime a preview diary of events is available on-line.
Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which takes place across 50 countries.
Find out more about things to do in Wales.
