Final weekend for Open Doors

This weekend is the final weekend of Open Doors, the largest annual free celebration of architecture and heritage to be held in Wales.

Around 50,000 visitors have already enjoyed free access to over 300 sites across Wales so far this month.

Here are just a couple of highlights for this coming weekend:

Explore Newport Castle on the banks of the river Usk, which was once inhabited by ancestors of Henry VIII and isn't normally open to the public.

Llantrisant Castle

Take a walk around the historic town centre of Llantrisant. The town carries a royal charter for those who fought in the battle of Crécy. It was also once home to the pioneer of cremation Dr William Price.

In Bridgend, visitors have the option to go on a guided walk around the newly completed Townscape Heritage Initiative area and a one-off chance to see inside one of the oldest medieval houses in south Wales.

Two of Cardiff's finest churches are taking part in Open Doors this weekend. St John's, Canton is regarded as one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic churches in Cardiff. Another St John's Church, this time in the city centre, was founded in 1180 and was extensively reconstructed in the 15th century when its magnificent Somerset-style tower was built.

St John's Church in the city centre

On Saturday 25th in Caerphilly County Borough a team of dedicated volunteers will be demonstrating the original Victorian winding engine at the Winding House museum on the site of the former Elliot Colliery at New Tredegar. Read our earlier blog about the museum.

The historic market town of Ruthin in Denbighshire offers an extended programme of events. As well as a variety of buildings open to the public there will be guided walks, tours and exhibitions.

Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales on behalf of Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service. A full listing of all remaining events and properties taking part in Open Doors from now until the end of September can be found on the Civic Trust for Wales website www.civictrustwales.org/ehd.

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