Find joy in discovering local historic and cultural sites, landmarks and events that are often closed to the public, during the month of September.
Open Doors is back, ‘Wales’ annual contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative’ that began in 1999. Funded and organised by Cadw, the custodians of Wales’ historic places, the Open Doors festival encourages locals and visitors to enjoy free entry to more than 200 historic Welsh monuments, events and guided tours.
Taking place throughout Wales, hundreds of Wales’ historic sites are offering free entry, events and guided tours; we’ve compiled a few top landmarks, sites and events not to miss during your stay at our Llandudno hotel.
In and around Conwy, discover some fascinating historical sites and stories. From the Guildhall with its fine collection of oil paintings, including Conwy Valley by Clinton Jones RCA, to The Sir Henry Jones Museum in Llangernyw, which shares the fascinating history and influence of Sir Henry Jones (1852-1922) in his childhood home.
Whilst you’re there visit Hafodunos Hall, a stately home and Gothic Revival House built in the 1860s, the grounds are being restored ‘in association with the Sir Henry Jones Museum’ and welcomes guests to stop and enjoy a refreshment in its pop-up tearoom.
The National Trust property of Bodnant Garden has to be a true highlight of the Open Doors initiative; visit this world-famous garden that has been created over 150 years, with award-winning collections and Champion Trees, absolutely free of charge for one weekend only – Sat 14 Sep – Sun 15 September. Hours can be spent winding through the grounds, past grand lawns, along colourful paths, into secret corners and through lush woodland – and all just a short scenic drive from Llandudno.
Looking to step closer to nature during your weekend break in North Wales. Visit the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, an area covering 50 hectares created from waste. The Nature Reserve was once the location of discarded material from the A55 tunnel but today it’s a thriving habitat for flora and fauna, and wonderful place to visit for the whole family on a short break in Llandudno. The abundant wetland is located on the east bank of the Conwy estuary and is home to a variety of birds, bees, dragonflies and butterflies. Between the months of August and March, visitors can look out for waders and waterbirds, while at the southern end, keep an eye out for Carneddau Mountain Ponies.
On Anglesey, you are free to discover captivating places including the Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber. The Open Doors festival gives special access to this unique historical site that is not usually open to the public. A partially reconstructed Neolithic burial chamber on the cliffs of south-western coast of Anglesey, with tours starting at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, from the monument.
Whilst on Anglesey, don’t miss Plas Newydd House and Garden, just 25 miles from our North Wales Hotel. A grand grade-1 listed house and gardens situated on the banks of the Menai Strait and the ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey. The property, now in the hands of the National Trust, boasts 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland to explore, as well as the impressive mural in the dining room, a commission painted by artist Rex Whistler.
In the county of Gwynedd, visit The Bath Tower in Caernarfon, a 40-minute drive from our coastal hotel, explore the tower that looks out over the Menai Strait and wander the streets of the medieval market town of Caernarfon. Or perhaps the whole family would enjoy visiting the historic building and grounds of Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. One not to be missed on the Open Doors list; explore the grounds, learn of this National Trust property’s long history and take in its unique architecture, extravagant décor and the fine art collection.
Opening the doors to Wales’ cultural heritage, we hope that during your stay the Open Doors festival will excite and inspire you to step out and enjoy a warm welcome at some of our most fascinating historic buildings, ancient monuments, historic parks, gardens and landscapes.
Happy September!