Dyfed is a preserved rural county in southwestern Wales known for its scenic coastline, mountains, and historical significance.
Carreg Cennen Castle is a dramatic ruined castle perched on a high limestone cliff in Carmarthenshire, Wales, with six distinctive towers and a natural cave underneath. Visitors can explore the extensive outer and inner wards and enjoy views over the River Cennen. The site includes a farm park and tearoom facilities nearby.
Dryslwyn Castle offers visitors the evocative ruins of a 13th-century castle set on a steep hill in the Tywi Valley, known for its historical significance in Welsh-English conflicts. The site involves outdoor exploration with uneven terrain and original stone steps.
8 Oct, 13 Oct…
A one-hour guided tour with the Welcome Team explores the Rhys family history at Newton House, including its ownership, a near-murder and how marriage contributed to the family’s fortunes.
Abergwesyn is a village in Powys, Wales, known for the Abergwesyn Commons which are rich in archaeology and wildlife. The area features peatland preservation projects, historic chapels, and remnants of a Royal Observer Corps bunker.
Llanerchaeron is a Grade I listed Regency villa and historic self-sufficient farm near Aberaeron in Ceredigion, Wales, designed by John Nash. Visitors can explore the house, original farm service buildings, and extensive walled gardens with veteran fruit trees. The estate includes parkland and offers a glimpse into 18th-century model farming and domestic life.
9 Oct, 16 Oct…
A regular, self-led art-making session at Llanerchaeron, where participants can create art and find inspiration in the estate’s collection and gardens. Bring your own art supplies; some basic tools are available.
Loughor Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in southwestern Wales, situated on the site of a former Roman fort. Visitors can explore the remains of the stone tower, curtain wall, and earthwork defenses within the castle park, experiencing a historic outdoor site surrounded by scenic views of the River Loughor.
Llawhaden Castle is a ruined 13th-century castle in Pembrokeshire, Wales, featuring moats, a pentagonal layout, and a historic gatehouse with drum towers. Visitors can explore the scenic ruins and enjoy views over the River Cleddau. The site is managed by Cadw and open to the public.
Colby Woodland Garden is a historic National Trust woodland garden in Pembrokeshire, Wales, featuring diverse plant life in woodland, meadow, and walled gardens, with visitor amenities including a tearoom, bookshop, and family events. The house on site is accommodation only and not open to the public.
5–6 Sep, 12–13 Sep…
Children can borrow an explorer backpack from the Welcome Centre and use its magnifying glasses, bug jars, measuring tools and guides to explore nature at Colby Woodland Garden.
Strata Florida Abbey is a historic ruin of a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1164 near Pontrhydfendigaid, Wales. Visitors can explore the extensive outdoor ruins including a Romanesque archway, and visit a small museum displaying medieval artifacts, all set in a protected scheduled ancient monument site with rich Welsh heritage.
Haverfordwest Priory is a historic Augustinian monastery in Pembrokeshire, Wales, featuring visible ruins and a rare medieval garden, with notable archaeological excavations revealing medieval burials.
Castell Dinefwr is a historic hilltop castle ruin in Wales overlooking the Tywi Valley, historically significant as the seat of the Deheubarth kingdom. Visitors can explore the outdoor woodland areas and enjoy scenic views, though access involves steep and strenuous walking paths.
Neath Abbey is the ruins of a once vast Cistercian monastery established in 1129 in South Wales, notable for its extensive medieval remains, historic gatehouse, and archaeological significance. The outdoor site offers visitors a glimpse into Welsh monastic history and industrial heritage, with informative displays and a backdrop for popular TV series filming.
Neath is a historic market town in south Wales notable for its Roman fort remains, medieval castle, industrial heritage, and cultural attractions including Neath Abbey and The Gnoll park.
St Dogmaels Abbey is a Grade I listed ruined medieval abbey in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with substantial surviving ruins including walls, cloisters, and outbuildings. Founded in 1115, it features historic architecture and a visitor centre, offering an outdoor exploration of its rich monastic heritage.
Aberdulais Falls is a scenic waterfall on the River Dulais in Wales, featuring one of Europe's largest electricity-generating waterwheels and an industrial heritage site managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the natural gorge and historical water-powered infrastructure.
Castell Cilgerran is a historic castle located above the River Teifi gorge in Wales offering visitors the chance to explore its impressive towers and wall walk as part of guided tours. The castle showcases Norman and medieval architecture and history, though access can be challenging due to uneven stone steps and weather-related closures.
Kidwelly Castle is a well-preserved Norman ruined castle in Carmarthenshire, Wales, with a square inner bailey, round towers, and a semi-circular outer curtain wall. It offers a historical outdoor experience overlooking the River Gwendraeth and has been featured in films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Swansea Castle is a ruined Norman castle located in Swansea city centre, featuring medieval stone remains and public access to historic outdoor spaces. The castle dates back to 1107 and is a significant historic landmark in the city.
Talley Abbey is a picturesque ruined Premonstratensian monastery in Carmarthenshire, Wales, set in the scenic River Cothi valley. Visitors can freely explore the outdoor ruins and surrounding natural landscape, including two lakes once used for fish farming by the monks.
Carreg Coetan Arthur is an ancient Neolithic dolmen burial chamber located near Newport in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Visitors can explore this outdoor prehistoric stone monument featuring a large capstone supported by smaller rocks, reflecting its original use as a chamber tomb from around 3000 BC.
Lamphey Bishop's Palace is a ruined medieval palace complex in Pembrokeshire, featuring 14th-century remains including a large great hall. It is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed, set within historic grounds once containing gardens and parkland.
St Davids is the smallest city in the UK by population, known for its historic cathedral and status as a pilgrimage site. It offers visitors a mix of indoor historical buildings and outdoor natural beauty within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it a destination for cultural tourism and outdoor activities.
Dyfi Furnace is a restored 18th century charcoal-fired blast furnace in Ceredigion, Wales, situated near a waterfall on the River Einion. It showcases historical industrial heritage with an original waterwheel and offers an outdoor heritage experience of iron smelting history.
Laugharne Castle in Wales is a historic Norman and Tudor castle ruin located on the River Tâf estuary, notable for its medieval military architecture and links to key historic events including the English Civil War.