Visitors to Cadw sites can explore hundreds of years of Welsh history this Easter (08 – 25 April 2022), as castles, abbeys and historic houses across the country host an array of family-friendly events.
From meeting knights and squires at Beaumaris Castle to discovering a medieval menu at Chepstow Castle, here are 9 of the best ways families can experience the sights, sounds and smells of historic Wales this Easter. To see Cadw’s full line-up of seasonal events visit cadw.gov.wales.
For those who fancy making the most of the events on offer, Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 100 historical sites across Wales.
Step back into medieval Wales at Beaumaris Castle
Across the Easter weekend, visitors can experience medieval life at Beaumaris Castle — with appearances from warrior knights, circus performers, medieval musicians, falconers, and much more.
There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on both days, followed by an epic battle between Gerard de Rhodes and Captain Nicholas Horton — accompanied by their men and archers. Children aged 13 and under will be invited to join the Captain’s ranks to help defeat Sir Gerard and his knights.
- Easter Eggstravaganza at Beaumaris Castle
- Sunday 17 April – Monday 18 April: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Uncover the deliciously rich history of Chepstow Castle
Families are invited to discover what the medieval residents of Chepstow Castle would have cooked and eaten — as the site prepares for a very important, noble visitor. Attendees will be drafted in to help the Castle stewards assemble ingredients and set the grandiose table ahead of the feast.
What’s more, the 900-year-old site will host a game of Easter Bingo every day from 09-24 April, with families invited to search the entire Castle for clues.
- Let’s Discover… Medieval Food at Chepstow Castle
- Wednesday 13 April 10:00am – 4:00pm.
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Meet the Marchers at Tretower Court and Castle
Visitors to this event will discover a day in the life of the 17th century — with the Marcher Stuarts on hand to teach modern visitors about everything from dining etiquette to the best ways of keeping your powder dry. Plus, families can follow Rhys the Rabbit’s Easter Trail around the grounds of the medieval fortified manor — for a chance to win a chocolatey surprise.
- Meet the Marchers at Tretower Court and Castle
- Saturday 16 April – Monday 18 April 10:30am – 4:30pm.
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Watch a medieval fashion show at Raglan Castle
Credit: Cadw
A weekend of medieval mayhem will come to Raglan Castle this Easter weekend — courtesy of living history group, Historia Normannis, and award-winning falconers, Wings of Wales.
From archery and armoury demonstrations to medieval fashion shows and breath-taking falconry displays, this jam-packed event will offer an unforgettable day of fun for all the family.
- Historia Normannis: Life in the Marches at Raglan Castle
- Saturday 16 April – Monday 18 April, 10:00 am – 4:00pm.
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Fly high with falconry at Denbigh Castle’s Medieval Weekend
Families are invited to hop along to Denbigh Castle this Easter as the site’s Annual Medieval Egg-stravaganza returns for 2022.
The event will feature an array of fun family activities, including birds of prey displays with Albion Historical Falconry — who will explain the role that birds of prey played in medieval Wales. Plus, visitors can enjoy an Easter Trail and even medieval combat displays — courtesy of the Princes’ Retinue Living History group.
- Medieval Easter Egg-stravaganza at Denbigh Castle
- Saturday 16 April – Sunday 17 April, 10:00am – 4.00pm
- Standard admission fees apply. No prior booking required.
Watch trebuchet firings at Caernarfon Castle
Members of the Red Dragon Archers and Red Dragon Garrison will greet Caernarfon Castle visitors over the Easter Weekend — inviting them to watch as they practice archery, test their trebuchets, and display their falconry skills.
Plus, younger guests can join the Red Dragon Archers on an Easter Egg Quest around the Castle grounds.
- Red Dragon Archers and Garrison at Caernarfon Castle
- Saturday 16 April – Sunday 17 April: 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Meet Brother Thomas at Tintern Abbey
As the cellarer of Tintern Abbey, Brother Thomas knows all there is to know about monastic life — and he’ll be sharing all the secrets with visitors to this unique event. You will learn about everything from the monks’ duties to their hygiene and eating habits.
- Brother Thomas the Cellarer at Tintern Abbey
- Saturday 09 April: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Enrol at Kidwelly Castle’s silly knight school
Visitors to this larger-than-life event can have a go at everything from juggling to diabolo and plate spinning — courtesy of Juggling Jim. Following this, silly knight school students will be challenged to complete three fun challenges to become a knight.
- Juggling Jim at Kidwelly Castle
- Tuesday 19 April and Wednesday 20 April, 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
Songs and Stories for Welsh learners at Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle will come to life with traditional songs and stories of Welsh history on 20 and 21 April — designed to inspire Welsh learners.
Led by Fiona Collins, the 2019 National Eisteddfod Welsh Learner of the Year, and the award-winning storyteller and harpist Mair Tomos Evans, the event will allow learners of all levels to brush up on their skills through songs, rhymes and expressions.
Plus, Harlech Castle will be offering a medieval living history experience over the Easter Weekend — with appearances from the Ardudwy Knights from 16-18 April.
- Songs and Stories for Welsh learners at Harlech Castle
- Wednesday 20 April – Thursday 21 April: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.
