Caerphilly Castle to reopen next month

Caerphilly Castle is to reopen next month, historical monuments body Cadw has announced.

The 13th century castle will reopen on Thursday, August 6. Compulsory pre-purchased tickets for entry will need to be booked online beforehand.

Cadw members, who are entitled to free access to the castle, will also need to reserve time-allocated tickets in advance. Members will also need to bring their cards as proof of membership.

Cadw’s other sites across Wales are also set to reopen next month.

As part of coronavirus safety measures, plastic partition screens, marked arrows on the ground, one-way systems and social distancing measures have been installed.

There will also be regular deep cleans, with door handles, railings and interactive screens disinfected daily.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “As we begin a phased reopening of Cadw’s staffed sites from the beginning of August, our main priority is the safety of our employees, members, visitors and the wider communities of Wales — all of whom we are pleased to be welcoming back.

“This is why our new ticketing system and reductions on visitor numbers, complimented by new hygiene measures and in some instances, site adaptations, are essential for ensuring a safe and socially distanced experience for us all.

“We understand that there may be some frustration around the ongoing closure of certain monuments, but rest assured that we are working as hard as we can to prepare them for reopening – and will do so when we are confident of them being safe spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

Planned reopening dates for staffed Cadw sites

Sites re-opening from Tuesday 4th – Saturday 8th August:
Laugharne Castle (reoepening on Tuesday 4th August)
Blaenavon Ironworks (reopening on Wednesday 5th August)
Plas Mawr (reopening on Wednesday 5th August)
Caerphilly Castle (reopening on Thursday 6th August)
Denbigh Castle (reopening on Thursday 6th August)
Raglan Castle (reopening on Thursday 6th August)
Harlech Castle (reopening on Thursday 6th August)
Chepstow Castle (reopening Friday 7th August)
Beaumaris Castle (reopening Saturday 8th August)
Conwy Castle (reopening Saturday 8th August)

Sites reopening later in August (dates to be announced later this summer)
Tintern Abbey
Caernarfon Castle

Sites reopening from Saturday 5th – Friday 18th September (site specific dates to be announced later this summer)
Castell Coch
Criccieth Castle
Kidwelly Castle
St Davids Bishop’s Palace
Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
Tretower Court and Castle

Sites reopening in Spring 2021
Rug Chapel
Llangar Church
Oxwich Castle
Rhuddlan Castle
Valle Crucis Abbey