Welsh Open Doors
The summer may soon be over, but September is still a great time for a day out. And, how about visiting some amazing places for free? Every September, CADW organises its annual Open Doors initiative which sees hundreds of historic buildings and cultural sites opening for free all over Wales. Many of these special places are not usually open to the public or are offering something extra, and so Open Doors events provide a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the hidden treasures of Wales.
Here is our pick of 5 very different places you could visit this September:
1.Cardiff School of Art and Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University
10, 11 and 12 September. Booking required.
The Cardiff School of Art and Design (CSAD) has recently moved to a new £14 million purpose-built specialist building. They are offering visitors tours of the new facility as well as an opportunity to view their Masters Show which features student work exhibited throughout the building. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some home-grown design talent, perhaps before they are famous!
2.The Library of the National Museum, Cardiff
15 September. Booking required.
I bet I’m not the only one who has had a cup of coffee in Cardiff museum, looked up and wondered what’s behind those secret doors high up in the balcony? Well, at least one of them leads to the Library of the National Museum, home to rare books from the sixteenth century through to modern works. (Oh, I think I might be in heaven!) Usually access is by appointment only, but for Open Doors library staff will be giving tours. Be warned though, entry is apparently not suitable for sufferers of vertigo!
3.Cardiff Riding School, Pontcanna Fields
2 September. No need to book.
The riding school in beautiful Pontcanna Fields is run by Cardiff Council and is a much-loved institution. With around 45 horses and ponies it offers riding opportunities right in the heart of the city. On 2 September it is open for visitors to meet the horses, watch lessons and learn more about what goes on here. Sounds like a great day out for kids of all ages!
4.St James’ Church, Llwydcoed, Aberdare
22 September. No need to book.
This is a great example of one of the many smaller, community-run Open Doors events taking place all over Wales. St James’, Llwydcoed, Aberdare or ‘The Red Church’ as it is known locally, is a Grade 2 listed building designed in the Arts and Crafts style. It is open on Saturday 22 September from 10am to 4pm for displays on the social history of the church and community, plus details of the plans for restoring some of its original features. Tea and homemade cake also available!
5.Newport wetlands, Nash
29 September. No need to book.
The Newport Wetlands lie between the Severn Estuary and the River Usk and are a unique and fascinating area with a rich history. Natural Resources Wales are organising activities for all the family including demonstrations and guided walks at their Newport Wetlands Environmental and Education Centre. You can discover how the Gwent Levels were created, meet the people who shape this landscape and keep its history alive. You can also ‘get to grips’ with some of the artefacts pulled from the Severn mud!
For more information, follow this link to the CADW event finder page to find an event happening near you: http://cadw.gov.wales/open-doors/events-2018/?lang=en
