Mini Pumpkin Decorating
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors choose a mini pumpkin at Chepstow Castle and decorate it with pens, stickers and gemstones to take home as a Halloween decoration.
Gwent
Gwent is a preserved county in southeast Wales with historical ties to the ancient Kingdom of Gwent and Monmouthshire, maintaining cultural and ceremonial significance.
Falconry at the Abbey
10–11 Oct (this weekend)
See birds of prey in flight at Tintern Abbey and learn about their lives and the role of falconry in Tudor times. Visitors can also have their photo taken with the birds.
2 miles from Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is a ruined medieval Cistercian abbey founded in 1131, located beside the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. Its impressive gothic ruins are a popular outdoor tourist attraction rich in history and celebrated in art and literature. Visitors can explore historic ruins with scenic riverside views and learn about its cultural and industrial past.
Castell Coch’s Creepy Quest
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family-friendly Halloween event at Castell Coch featuring a nine-day creepy quest with prizes. Face-painting and creepy crafts are also available on 31 October and 1 November.
Near Castell Coch
Castell Coch is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle in Tongwynlais, Wales, built atop medieval ruins and featuring lavish Victorian interiors designed by William Burges. Visitors can explore the castle's historic rooms and surrounding beech woodland, a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest, with opportunities for walking and nearby golf. The castle is managed by Cadw and open to the public, offering a distinctive blend of indoor architectural grandeur and outdoor natural beauty.
Seasonal Scents: Medieval Christmas Decoration Workshop
5–6 Dec
Discover how Christmas was celebrated in medieval times and how scents were used, including the stories of local and imported ingredients. Make a scented decoration to take home.
Near Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle is a largely intact medieval stone castle located in Chepstow, Wales, notable as Britain's oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification. Visitors can explore extensive outdoor ruins including multiple baileys, battlements, and historic towers, set dramatically above the River Wye cliffs. The castle played significant historical roles from the Norman era through the English Civil War and today serves as a popular heritage site managed by Cadw.
Located in Chepstow
Chepstow is a historic market town in Monmouthshire, Wales, known for its Norman castle overlooking the River Wye, picturesque riverside, cultural festivals, and as a gateway to the Wye Valley area.
Halloween Fun: Spooky Stories and Creative Crafts
29–31 Oct
Spooky Halloween Week at Blaenafon Ironworks features storytelling about Welsh legends, folklore and ghost stories, along with creative crafts.
Spooky Trail
30–31 Oct
Visitors can search around Tretower’s spooky house for the witch’s lost things, with a sweet treat as a reward.
Tretower’s Winter Market
14–15 Nov
Tretower’s annual winter market features local designers and makers selling handmade arts and crafts in the medieval house.
3 miles from Tretower Court
Tretower Castle is a Grade I-listed ruined castle in Powys, Wales, featuring a 12th-century motte and bailey design with a prominent 13th-century cylindrical keep and stone bailey walls with towers. Visitors can explore the historic ruins set in a triangular plan, reflecting its medieval military origins.
Let’s Discover… Medicine in the North Pole
21–22 Nov
Meet Dr Frost, the North Pole’s chief medical officer, and hear about the health challenges Father Christmas faces on his sleigh journeys, including altitude sickness and the effects of festive treats. The event also covers how Santa keeps warm.
Near Chepstow Port Wall
The Port Wall in Chepstow is a medieval defensive stone wall dating back to the late 13th century, originally enclosing the historic town and port. Visitors can explore substantial remaining sections of this Grade I listed structure which served as a market toll barrier and defense. The site offers outdoor historical heritage experience with connection to Chepstow Castle and the River Wye.
Folklore and the Unexplained Tours at Tredegar House
23–24 Oct
An expert historian leads a two-hour tour of Tredegar House, sharing researched stories of folklore, mysterious experiences and the Morgan family’s history.
Near Tredegar House
Tredegar House is a grand 17th-century Carolean mansion near Newport, Wales, set within 90 acres of landscaped gardens. Once the home of the influential Morgan family, it is a Grade I listed historic property managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the richly restored mansion and its extensive gardens, with a history spanning over 500 years. The venue has also been used for various filming productions and hosted an annual classic car show.
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Meet Brother Thomas, a Cistercian monk at Tintern Abbey, and learn about the daily routines, duties, hygiene, meals and religious services of the abbey’s monks.
Near Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is a historic Gothic ruin located on the banks of the River Wye, founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks. Visitors can explore the extensive abbey grounds, enjoy views of the iconic Gothic architecture, and learn about its rich history from the exhibition on site. The venue offers good accessibility and parking facilities, with dogs allowed on short leads in ground floor areas. It remains a major cultural and historic landmark in Wales, open to the public with admission fees.
Monstrous Myths of the Roman Baths
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow tracks around the Roman Baths to discover which mythical creatures are hiding there.
Near Caerleon Roman Baths
Caerleon Roman Baths offer a unique historical experience with remains of a Roman fortress including baths, barracks, and an amphitheatre. Visitors can explore indoor exhibitions and extensive outdoor ruins with accessible facilities and educational resources suitable for families and school groups.
Meet the Marchers
17–18 Oct (next weekend)
The Marcher Stuarts present what day-to-day life was like in the 17th century, answering visitors’ questions and offering advice on topics such as dining etiquette and keeping gunpowder dry.
Halloween
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween event at Caerphilly Castle featuring a children’s quest with a prize, medieval medicine activities, creepy crafts, bubbles and face-painting on selected days.
Stranger Folk at Tredegar House
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow an interactive folklore adventure around Tredegar House, completing challenges and deciding the fate of the characters. The experience is designed for children aged 7 and over and imaginative adults, and draws on Welsh folklore and storytelling.
Calan Gaeaf at Tredegar House
24 Oct–1 Nov
Celebrate Welsh folklore and the tradition of Calan Gaeaf with activities at Tredegar House, including spotting fairies in the orchard, broomstick races, a house trail and, on select days, making a folklore character from clay.