£1 tickets help more families explore Welsh castles

A day exploring a Welsh castle can start with a £1 ticket. Cadw’s reduced admission scheme is bringing in first-time visitors, according to new research commissioned by the heritage service and published by the Welsh Government.

The offer covers staffed attractions including Caerphilly and Conwy castles. People receiving Universal Credit and other listed benefits can book up to six tickets per household per visit, making a family outing more affordable.

Visitors must book ahead and bring proof of eligibility and identification. In an emailed answer to Gilbert, Cadw confirmed that the person receiving the qualifying benefit must attend the visit and show proof. Tickets cannot be bought at the entrance; a postal booking route is available by telephone.

The government’s research announcement gives no count of first-time visitors using the scheme, so its reach remains difficult to judge. Historic sites also face maintenance, funding and skills pressures.

Still, the lower admission price removes one immediate barrier, giving more households a chance to spend time together discovering Wales’s history.

Sources

• Welsh Government — Research reveals true scale of heritage’s role in Welsh jobs, economy and communities
• Cadw — One pound tickets
• Cadw ticketing team — emailed answer to Gilbert, 14 October 2026