We will be in Wales for 12 days in September. There is reference to a CADW pass which allows free or discounted admission to many of the castles and sights. There is a website from which I can purchase the pass, but nothing indicates (that I can find) exactly what it covers. Can someone explain what is included and if it is worth it to purchase this pass? Thank you so much
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1448 posts
The CADW has 3 and 7 day Explorer Passes. The 7 day pass can be used anytime during 14 days. It covers access to many if not all Welsh Castles and other historic sites. The 7 day pass is 55 plus Pounds per couple. You can look at their web site to see if it will work for you. We bought one at the first castle we came to on our trip and we got our moneys worth for sure. You have to like climbing a lot of stairs! Thanx Lane for more info!
Posted by
USA
111 posts
Below is the link to the webpage that shows the Explorer Pass costs and the "Historic attractions that accept and sell Explorer Passes."
Posted by
USA
111 posts
Another option is to buy a one-year Cadw membership. Cadw membership includes 10% off at Cadw gift shops, 50% off entry to English Heritage and Historic Scotland sites, free entry to Manx National Heritage properties, and a few other benefits. Buying your Cadw membership at a staffed site saves £10 off of the regular membership cost, for instance, which would equal the following costs (after the £10 savings) for couples.
£57 for 2 adults at the same address -OR-
£45 for an Adult & Senior Citizen at the same address -OR-
£34 for a Senior Citizen couple 60+
Source: http://cadw.gov.wales/membership/membershipofferatsites/?lang=en
The link below lists CADW's staffed sites.
https://cadw.gov.wales/about/contact-us/contactingcadwsstaffedsites/?lang=en
Whether or not to buy a Cadw pass or membership mostly depends on how many days you hope to spend exploring Cadw sites and which specific Cadw sites you plan to visit (admission varies from site to site). For our family, it made sense to purchase an annual Cadw membership at a staffed site.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
Reno, Nevada, USA
195 posts
Thank you both very much! Very helpful information! It sounds like the annual membership pass would be the best for us as we will be visiting many of the castles and several of the other sights listed during our trip. So since Beaumaris will be our 1st stop after picking up our rental car...we will purchase our pass there. Easy !!!
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1448 posts
Beaumaris is great! Which way are you coming from? Conwy is only 24 miles east.
Posted by
OP
Reno, Nevada, USA
195 posts
We will arrive into Holyhead and be staying in Conwy for 5 nights, using it as a base. Our plan is to stop at Beaumaris after picking up the rental car. Also plan to visit Penmon Priory on the way to Conwy. So much to see in Wales!!
Posted by
USA
111 posts
For what it's worth,
(1) The Cadw webpage offering the £10 staffed site membership discount just disappeared. Maybe it will reappear?
(2) Cadw annual membership prices just increased.
These changes may affect decisions regarding passes and memberships.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13934 posts
Penmon Priory is very neat. Make sure you poke your head into the dovecote just across the road and walk the short path behind the priory to St. Seriol's well which was one of the stops on the pilgrimage route.
The Celtic crosses and the Sheela na gig (female figure with open legs) are both in a side room in the church. The Sheela was apparently still outside the church by the front door til the 1970s when it was moved inside.
The original Medieval Misericords are in the St Mary's and St Nicholas Church in Beaumaris.
Posted by
2404 posts
Being as you have a car and are on Anglesey - you might also like this place:>https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd-country-house-and-gardens
Posted by
7663 posts
We purchased our CADW pass at our first visit to a castle in Wales. We saved, since we visited several more sites and also saved a little in England.