Back
Free Days Out in North Wales in September
With the summer crowds beginning to dissipate and the countryside glowing in its autumnal colours, September is a fantastic time of year in which to explore North Wales. However, September 2026 provides an extra special opportunity as a number of historic properties and castles in North Wales will be opening their doors to the general public for free!
Throughout September 2026, Cadw’s annual Open Doors festival is giving visitors the chance to discover hundreds of historic sites, landmarks, buildings and hidden gems across North Wales for free. There are also selected National Trust properties taking part, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for fascinating and affordable days out. In fact, 98 free days out in North Wales in total at historic attractions across the region, making this an excellent month for anyone with an interest in history or simply looking for a free day out and a cheap way to keep the children entertained.
Whether you are searching for free days out in North Wales, looking to discover free National Trust sites or simply want to experience some of the best history experiences in the UK, September promises to be a golden month. Here are a few of the highlights that we are particularly looking forward to:
Plas Newydd House and Garden (Anglesey)
One of the highlights of September’s free heritage programme is Plas Newydd House and Garden on Anglesey. This Grade I listed property enjoys an enviable position beside the Menai Strait, with spectacular views towards the mountains of Snowdonia.
Visitors can explore the historic house before wandering through around 40 acres of gardens and 129 acres of woodland and parkland. The property is particularly appealing in September, when the gardens retain plenty of late-summer colour. Plas Newydd will be free to visit on 12th and 13th September, with additional activities planned for visitors on both days.
Penrhyn Castle (Bangor)
For anyone fascinated by grand architecture and the more complex stories behind Britain’s historic estates, Penrhyn Castle near Bangor is a fascinating place to visit.
The imposing neo-Norman castle contains lavish rooms and furnishings decorated in their period splendor, while its extensive grounds provide impressive views towards the mountains. The September Open Doors weekend takes place on 19th and 20th September, when visitors can enjoy free entry and additional demonstrations, including slate-splitting and a Victorian kitchen baking demonstration.
Plas yn Rhiw (Pwllheli)
If you prefer your history experiences in the UK to be a little more intimate, Plas yn Rhiw near Pwllheli is well worth discovering. This delightful 17th-century manor house, with later Georgian additions, sits above Cardigan Bay and is surrounded by an beautiful ornamental garden.
The gardens at Plas yn Rhiw and neighbouring Sarn y Plas will be open for free on 26th and 27th September. There will also be free guided walks on both days, offering an opportunity to discover more about the landscape and historic buildings around this beautiful corner of the Llyn Peninsula.
Harlech Castle (Gwynedd)
Few historic buildings in North Wales can match the architectural majesty of Harlech Castle. Perched above Harlech town with the spectacular Snowdon landscape behind it, this medieval fortress is a brilliant place to visit for families, history enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys spectacular scenery.
Harlech Castle will be part of Cadw Open Doors on 26th and 27th September, with free entry and free guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. The tours offer an excellent way to discover the stories behind one of the most famous and historic castles in North Wales.
Bodnant Gardens (Colwyn Bay)
History and horticulture come together at Bodnant Garden this September. This Grade I listed garden near Colwyn Bay was established in the Victorian era and features Italianate terraces, historic plant collections, woodland, meadows, riverside areas, waterfalls and much more. It’s a joy for horticultural enthusiasts, photographers and anyone who is simply looking for a scenic walk somewhere truly beautiful.
Bodnant Garden will offer free entry on the 12th and 13th September as part of Open Doors. September is an especially good time to visit the gardens, with dahlias, rudbeckias, heleniums, roses and hydrangeas providing plenty of colour throughout the gardens at this particular time of year.
Denbigh & Chirk Castle (Denbighshire)
Two further historic highlights are Denbigh Castle and Chirk Castle. Denbigh Castle provides a wonderful insight into medieval Wales, with its imposing ruins and town walls overlooking the surrounding countryside. It will be included in Cadw Open Doors on the 19th and 20th September.
Chirk Castle, meanwhile, is a remarkable medieval castle that has remained inhabited for more than 700 years. Its towers, dungeon, grand stately rooms and beautiful gardens make it an excellent destination for a full day of exploration, made all the better by the fact it’s free to visit on the 19th September.
Stay With Pario Holiday Parks This September
With so many free days out in North Wales taking place throughout September, it is the perfect month to enjoy a cultural holiday in North Wales without having to spend a fortune on attractions.
Pario Holiday Parks provide an ideal base for exploring the region’s remarkable history. From our North Wales holiday parks, guests and holiday home owners can enjoy easy access to historic houses, spectacular castles, gardens and other fascinating historic attractions before returning to luxury accommodation and excellent holiday park facilities at the end of each day.
So, if you are looking for an affordable September break in North Wales packed full of history, culture and exploration, make the most of these free National Trust sites and Cadw Open Doors attractions. With so many incredible places to discover, North Wales offers some of the most rewarding history experiences in the UK, and September 2026 is the perfect time to experience them.