Family events at Cadw sites in North Wales this Easter

Hop back into the history of North Wales this Easter

Visitors to Cadw sites can explore hundreds of years of Welsh history this Easter (08 – 25 April 2022), as castles, abbeys and historic houses across the country host an array of family-friendly events.

From meeting medieval knights at Beaumaris Castle to attending a historical scavenger hunt at Valle Crucis Abbey, here are 6 of the best ways that families can experience the sights, sounds and smells of historic Wales this Easter.

For those who fancy making the most of the events on offer, Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 100 historical sites across Wales.

1. Step back into medieval Wales at Beaumaris Castle

Across the Easter weekend, visitors can experience medieval life at Beaumaris Castle — with appearances from warrior knights, circus performers, medieval musicians, falconers, and much more.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on both days, followed by an epic battle between Gerard de Rhodes and Captain Nicholas Horton — accompanied by their men and archers. Children aged 13 and under will be invited to join the Captain’s ranks to help defeat Sir Gerard and his knights.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Beaumaris Castle

Sunday 17 April – Monday 18 April: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required. 

2. Hunt for Chocolate Eggs at Plas Mawr

Chocolate eggs will be hidden at Plas Mawr this Easter Sunday — offering hours of fun for all the family. Scour the many rooms of this beautiful Elizabethan townhouse to see if you can solve the puzzle — and win a chocolatey prize.

Easter Egg Hunt at Plas Mawr

Sunday 17 April: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required. 

3. Fly high with falconry at Denbigh Castle’s Medieval Weekend

Families are invited to hop along to Denbigh Castle this Easter as the site’s Annual Medieval Egg-stravaganza returns for 2022.

The event will feature an array of fun family activities, including birds of prey displays with Albion Historical Falconry — who will explain the role that birds of prey played in medieval Wales. Plus, visitors can enjoy an Easter Trail and even medieval combat displays — courtesy of the Princes’ Retinue Living History group.

Medieval Easter Egg-stravaganza at Denbigh Castle

Saturday 16 April – Sunday 17 April, 10:00am – 4.00pm

Standard admission fees apply. No prior booking required. 

4. Watch trebuchet firings at Caernarfon Castle

Members of the Red Dragon Archers and Red Dragon Garrison will greet Caernarfon Castle visitors over the Easter Weekend — inviting them to watch as they practice archery, test their trebuchets, and display their falconry skills.

Younger guests can even join the Red Dragon Archers on an Easter Egg Quest around the Castle grounds.

Red Dragon Archers and Garrison at Caernarfon Castle

Saturday 16 April – Sunday 17 April: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required. 

5. Songs and Stories for Welsh learners at Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle will come to life with traditional songs and stories of Welsh history on 20 and 21 April — designed to inspire Welsh learners.

Led by Fiona Collins, the 2019 National Eisteddfod Welsh Learner of the Year, and the award-winning storyteller and harpist Mair Tomos Evans, the event will allow learners of all levels to brush up on their skills through songs, rhymes and expressions.

Plus, Harlech Castle will be offering a medieval living history experience over the Easter Weekend — with appearances from the Ardudwy Knights, from 16-18 April.

Songs and Stories for Welsh learners at Harlech Castle

Wednesday 20 April – Thursday 21 April: 11:00am – 4:00pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required. 

6. Hunt for Chocolate Eggs at Valle Crucis Abbey

This Easter, visitors are invited to enjoy two fun-filled days of Easter Egg trails and scavenger hunts at Valle Crucis Abbey — with colourful eggs hidden within the majestic ruins. Can you answer all the historical clues to win a delicious reward?

Easter Eggstravaganza at Valle Crucis Abbey

Saturday 16 April – Sunday 17 April 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required. 

Cadw membership includes entrance to this fantastic programme of Easter events, as well as Cadw’s full suite of 100+ historical sites — from as little as £1.50 a month. Join via cadwmembership.service.gov.wales.