Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire and St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire are among 17 historic sites across Wales offering free entry on Sunday, 1 March to celebrate the nation’s patron saint.
The scheme is run by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, which normally charges admission to the sites. In lieu of payment, visitors are being asked to consider a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance, though there is no obligation to donate.
How to Claim Free Tickets
Visitors must book their free tickets online in advance through Cadw’s website. Tickets will be sent to the email address provided at checkout, and visitors must bring proof of booking on the day of their visit.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
“St David’s Day is such an important opportunity for celebrating everything that makes Wales a special nation with our unique identity and culture. Visiting a Cadw site is a fantastic way to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi and learn more about Wales’ incredible history.”
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, said:
“I am so pleased that Cadw will, again, be giving away free entry tickets for St David’s Day. Visiting one of these special places filled with history is a fantastic way to celebrate what makes Wales unique. I’d urge anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
Supporting Wales Air Ambulance
Abi Pearce, Wales Air Ambulance Corporate Partnership Manager for South Wales, said:
“People can enjoy visiting some of Wales’ most iconic historic sites on St David’s Day, knowing they are helping save lives! We are hugely grateful that all visitors to Cadw sites will be granted free access and we hope they donate to our lifesaving service. Since our launch in 2001, we have carried out over 55,000 missions.”
Visitors wishing to donate to Wales Air Ambulance can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/llywodraeth-cymru-welsh-government-4.
Full List of Sites Offering Free Entry
The following Cadw sites can be entered for free on Sunday, 1 March 2026:
- Beaumaris Castle
- Blaenafon Ironworks
- Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
- Castell Caernarfon
- Caerphilly Castle
- Castell Coch
- Chepstow Castle
- Castell Conwy
- Castell Cricieth
- Denbigh Castle
- Castell Harlech
- Kidwelly Castle
- Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
- Raglan Castle
- St Davids Bishop’s Palace
- Tintern Abbey
- Tretower Court and Castle
To book your free tickets, visit cadw.gov.wales and select your chosen site.
