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Kathryn Williams

The Welsh castles you can visit for FREE this weekend

We can't believe September is almost over and that means that the Cadw Open Doors scheme will close for another year.

The Open Doors event gives people an opportunity for people to visit the historical sites of Wales, for free. And this coming weekend - Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 - there are some great castles to explore without spending a penny.

So, why not  have a day out with all the family that's easy on the bank balance...

Denbigh Castle

Denbigh Castle (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

Part of Kind Edward I's "ring of castles", Denbigh Castle has been named a World Heritage Site.

Built in 1282, it's an impressive sight to take in. You can visit it from 11am to 4pm.

Where: Castle Hill, Denbigh LL16 3NB

Saving made this weekend: Entry to Denbigh Castle is usually £4.20 per adult, £12.20 for a family (two adults and up to three children), £2.50 for under-17s and concessions, and £3.40 for 65+.

Rhuddlan Castle

Rhuddlan Castle beside the River Clwyd. (Daily Post Wales)

Rhuddlan Castle is known to have played a significant role in Welsh history.

Here, a new system of English government was established over much of Wales by the Statute of Rhuddlan - a settlement that lasted until the Act of Union in 1536.

Once again, the doors are open from 11am to 4pm.

Where: Castle St, Rhuddlan LL18 5AD

Saving made this weekend: Entry to Rhuddlan Castle is usually £4.20 per adult, £12.20 for a family (two adults and up to three children), £2.50 for under-17s and concessions, and £3.40 for 65+.

Criccieth Castle

Criccieth Castle (Cadw)

Tour guide Deian ap Rhisiart will help visitors discover the secrets of the castle that was originally built by Llywelyn the Great.

One hour tours will take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Where: Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP

Saving made this weekend: The usual prices for Cricceth Castle are £5.80 for adults, £16.80 for families, £4.60 for 65+ and £3.50 for under-17s and concessions.

Harlech Castle

This impressive castle was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289 at the relatively modest cost of £8,190

Harlech's own custodian will walk guests around to explore the castle's impressive history and architecture. Tours take place at 11am, 2pm and 3pm.

Where: Harlech LL46 2YH.

Saving made this weekend: Adults will usually pay £7.30 for entry, family tickets are £21.20, and seniors (65+) and under-17s and concessions are usually £5.80 and £4.40 respectively.

As well as the castles, here are few other sites you can visit for free this weekend...

Neath Abbey and Ironworks

Neath Abbey and Ironworks. (Cadw)

A tour guide will take you through the structure, originally founded as a daughter house of Savigny in 1130. Fairly complete remains of the abbey are still standing.

A tour takes places at 10am.

Where: Neath SA10 7LA

Ewenny Priory

Founded in 1141, Ewenny Priory are known as some of the finest surviving examples of Norman Romanesque architecture in this part of Wales.

Tours will be held at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Where: Abbey Rd, Bridgend CF35 5BW

St. Davids Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Hall at St Davids Bishop's Palace (© Crown copyright (2014) Cadw, all rights reserved)

This ornate building was the principal state residence of the Medieval Bishops of St Davids.

Visitors are welcome to take in its impressive architecture and beautiful location from 11am to 4pm.

Where: High St, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6PE

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