Kids go free at Welsh castles this Owain Glyndŵr Day

Children and young people under 17 can enter Cadw-run monuments across Wales free of charge on Sunday, 13 September. The one-day offer marks Owain Glyndŵr Day and is aimed at families looking to explore the castles and historic sites connected with his rebellion.

Special celebrations include a parade at Castell Harlech and costumed guided tours at Castell Cricieth. The Welsh Government announcement does not specify start times.

Free entry across Cadw’s Welsh monuments

The free-entry scheme covers under-17s visiting Cadw-run monuments across Wales on 13 September. A complete list of participating sites was not included in the announcement, but the named examples show how widely the story of Glyndŵr’s uprising reaches across the country.

Caernarfon, Coety, Dinefwr and Kidwelly castles were among the strongholds placed under siege during the rebellion. Visiting these monuments gives younger guests a direct view of locations associated with a campaign that continued for around 15 years.

Owain Glyndŵr is commemorated annually on 16 September. On that date in 1400, his supporters declared him Prince of Wales, beginning an uprising against the rule of Henry IV. Although the campaign did not achieve its ultimate aims, Glyndŵr’s place in Welsh history became closely associated with national identity and cultural pride.

Harlech parade and costumed Cricieth tours

Castell Harlech will host a parade as part of the celebrations. The castle has a particularly close connection to Glyndŵr: after its capture, it served as a key residence for him and his family, and he held his parliament there during the period from 1404 to 1409.

At Castell Cricieth, costumed guided tours will bring another part of the story into focus. These tours and the Harlech parade sit alongside the nationwide free-entry offer, giving families the choice between a scheduled celebration and a more independent visit to a Cadw monument.

Culture and Sport Minister Heledd Fychan said opening the sites to children would help bring the history to life for younger generations. Cadw chief executive Dr Kate Roberts said the initiative was intended to encourage families to discover the varied histories preserved at the organisation’s sites.

Details families should check before travelling

The confirmed offer applies on Sunday, 13 September, to children and young people under 17 at Cadw-run monuments. The announcement does not provide individual event times, a full venue list, booking instructions, transport guidance or accessibility details.

Families interested in the Castell Harlech parade, Castell Cricieth tours or another Cadw property should therefore consult Cadw’s event information before choosing a destination. The free-entry date is 13 September, three days before the annual commemoration of Glyndŵr’s proclamation on 16 September.

Source: Welsh Government Announcements