Every September, Wales throws open the doors of castles, churches, gardens, libraries, and historic homes, inviting everyone to step inside — free of charge. Open Doors Wales 2025, organised by Cadw, is your chance to explore hidden gems, wander through ruins, climb bell towers, or even meet Roman soldiers.

From Abergavenny’s ancient churches to coastal castles and medieval houses, this year’s schedule is brimming with opportunities to see Welsh heritage in a new light. Here’s a taste of what you can discover this September.

Spotlight Events in Monmouthshire & Abergavenny

🕍 St. Teilo’s Church, Llantilio Pertholey – Abergavenny

📅 13 September 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 – 16:00

A family-friendly open day with guided tours of the bell tower, teddy bear parachute jumps, homemade cakes, and even a lunchtime BBQ.

✝️ St David’s Church, Llanddewi Skirrid – Abergavenny

📅 13 September 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 – 16:00

Explore this medieval church with its atmospheric setting at the foot of Skirrid mountain.

🏰 Llanthony Priory – Abergavenny

📅 20–21 September 2025 | ⏰ 11:00 – 15:00

Step into monastic life with free guided tours at this stunning priory hidden in the Black Mountains.

🏡 Llwyn Celyn – Abergavenny

📅 20–21 September 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 – 16:00

The Landmark Trust opens this Grade I-listed farmhouse for a rare glimpse of everyday medieval life.

⚖️ Sessions House – Usk

📅 20 September 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 – 16:00

Explore Usk’s Victorian courtroom, once at the heart of local justice, now home to Usk Town Council.

🏺 Caerwent Roman Town – Caldicot

📅 28 September 2025 | ⏰ 11:00 – 14:30

Travel back in time to Venta Silurum. Meet Roman reenactors, explore the remains of the town walls, and discover life in Roman Britain.

Across Wales: More to Discover

Beyond Monmouthshire, the festival stretches across the country:

🏰 Chirk Castle – Wrexham

📅 13–14 September 2025

A Marcher fortress with over 700 years of history, Chirk Castle offers free entry to its grounds and state rooms.

🌳 Bodnant Garden – Conwy

📅 20–21 September 2025

One of Wales’ most celebrated gardens, Bodnant invites visitors to enjoy its autumn colours for free.

🏠 Dylan Thomas Boathouse – Laugharne

📅 14 September 2025

Step into the world of Wales’ most famous poet at his former home overlooking the Taf estuary.

🏭 Blaenavon Ironworks – Blaenavon

📅 27–28 September 2025

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these dramatic ironworks tell the story of Wales’ industrial revolution.

🏡 Insole Court – Cardiff

📅 20–21 September 2025

This Victorian Gothic mansion in Llandaff opens its doors for storytelling, tours, and community history.

Beyond Free: 2-for-1 Entry with a Rail Ticket

Did you know your rail ticket can unlock even more savings?

With a valid same-day Transport for Wales rail ticket, you and a travelling companion can get two entry tickets for the price of one at some of Wales’ best-loved heritage attractions.

Cadw looks after over 120 historic locations across Wales, many within walking distance of stations. Think castles (Wales has more per square mile than anywhere in Europe!), abbeys, chapels, ancient forts, and medieval houses — all waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re climbing castle towers, strolling abbey ruins, or stepping into centuries-old chapels, your train ticket doubles as a key to Wales’ past.

Why Go?

Open Doors isn’t just about architecture — it’s about stories, people, and experiences. One day you might be climbing a medieval bell tower in Monmouthshire, the next you’re standing in the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, or enjoying tea and cake in a country chapel.

And between the free Open Doors access and 2-for-1 Cadw rail offer, heritage-hopping in Wales this September could cost you next to nothing.

How to Book Your Free Visit (if you need to)

For some attractions, you’ll need to book in advance, especially the most popular sites, which can fill up quickly. For others, you can simply turn up on the day. If advance booking is required, the site’s Open Doors entry will include a link or instructions.

Even if booking isn’t required, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the venue before you set off, just in case.

Getting There with JurnyOn 🚆

Many Open Doors sites are just a short walk from Transport for Wales stations, making them perfect for a train day-trip.

With Advance tickets, you can already save around 50% compared to Anytime fares — and when you book through JurnyOn, you can stack an extra 35% off, meaning your total saving could reach almost 68% off.

That’s more money in your pocket for tea, cake, or souvenirs — and fewer cars on the road, making heritage exploration not just affordable but sustainable, too.

So, why not make your September journeys part of the adventure? Book smart, save big, and unlock Wales’ past — with JurnyOn.

👉 Full schedules and updates can be found on Cadw’s Open Doors listings.

Ref:

https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/whats-on/all-events/open-doors-monmouthshire

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/deals-hunter/2025/09/heritage-open-days/

https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/savings-and-offers/cadw