Visitors to Cadw sites can explore hundreds of years of Welsh history this Easter (19 – 22 April) as the sights, sounds and smells of historic Wales return to seventeen of the country’s most magnificent heritage properties.
From egg hunts at a Cistercian abbey to have-a-go archery at a medieval fortress and even a Civil War re-enactment at Wales’s biggest Castle, here are 7 ways families can uncover Welsh history during the Easter weekend of 2019 ― Visit Wales’s official Year of Discovery.
Search for missing swords at Conwy Castle
Families are invited to help Daf, the forgetful night watchman of Conwy Castle, find twelve missing swords within the grounds of this magnificent medieval fortress.
What’s more, guests can try their hand at designing their very own shield and learn about the fascinating symbols and motifs of medieval weaponry.
Easter sword search at Conwy Castle
Friday 19 – Monday 22 April: 9.30am-5pm
No booking required and normal admission fees apply.
More information here.
Re-live the Civil War at Caerphilly Castle
This Easter, Wales’s biggest fortress will welcome the Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment of the King’s Army for four days of battles, cannons and muskets.
Visitors are advised to choose their side wisely as they witness skirmishes between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, the changing of the guard and a host of living history activities.
Civil War returns to Caerphilly Castle
Friday 19 – Monday 22 April: 11am-4pm
No booking required and normal admission fees apply.
More information here.
Meet a medieval monk at Tintern Abbey
For one day only (Saturday, 20 April), Brother Thomas will give visitors a special tour of Tintern Abbey, complete with information about the monks’ rituals and responsibilities, and plenty of secrets behind the workings of the Abbey.
What’s more, throughout the weekend, Abbey visitors can enjoy majestic displays with birds of prey and learn about the role of falconry in Tudor life.
Life as a monk at Tintern Abbey
Saturday 20 April: 10am-4.30pm
More information here.
Falconry at Tintern Abbey:
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 April: 11am-4pm
More information here.
No booking required and normal admission fees apply.
Find the dragon’s egg at Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle’s guards and maids are calling on brave guests to join them on a quest to search for hidden dragon eggs.
Those who dare can explore the Castle’s passageways and put their bow and arrow skills to the test to track down the dragon egg. Successful participants will receive an Easter egg in return.
Dragon’s egg Easter quest trails at Caernarfon Castle
Monday 22 April: 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm
Booking fees and admission info.
More information here.
Meet the Easter Bunny at Denbigh Castle
Families are invited to hop down to Denbigh Castle this Easter as the site’s Annual Medieval Egg-stravaganza returns for 2019.
Visitors will meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy an array of fun family activities, from Easter craft sessions to have-a-go archery lessons and even medieval combat displays.
Medieval Easter Egg-stravaganza at Denbigh Castle
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 April: 10am-4pm
No booking required and normal admission fees apply.
More information here.
Spend a day in the life of The Tudors at Tretower Court and Castle
This Easter, visitors can experience life at Tretower Court and Castle during the 15th Century, with the chance to discover the foods people ate, how they spend their time and how they kept their swords sharp and their bowstrings dry.
Those looking for a festive challenge can also join the Easter trail on Sunday 21 and Monday 22 April. Successful participants may even receive a special prize.
15th Century life at Tretower Court and Castle
Saturday 20 – Monday 22 April: 10.30am – 4.30pm
More information here.
Easter Fun at Tretower Court and Castle
Sunday 21 – Monday 22 April: 10am – 5pm
More information here.
No booking required and normal admission fees apply.
Step into the 1100s at Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle will march back into the 12th Century this Easter weekend, to re-enact the mingling of the Welsh, the English and the Normans.
Visitors can expect staged battles between knights and men at arms, historic fashion shows, singing, historical crafts and archery.
Re-enactment event at Raglan Castle
Saturday 20 – Monday 22 April: 10am – 4pm
No booking required and normal admission fees apply.
More information here.
To see the full Easter events programme, please visit cadw.gov.wales/events, follow @CadwWales on Twitter and find Cadw on Facebook.
