ONLINE tickets have been released for free entry to Wales’ historic sites on St David’s Day.

From castles to abbeys and industrial heritage sites, free tickets for 16 Cadw properties that normally charge for admission were released on Friday and are now available for advance bookings on the Cadw website.

Among the sites listed Beaumaris Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Criccieth Castle and Harlech Castle.

Meanwhile, Cadw members will receive 20 per cent off purchases at Cadw gift shops over the St David’s Day weekend (February 29-March 2), excluding the Beaumaris Castle gift shop, which is currently undergoing refurbishments.

Cadw is also offering a 20 per cent discount on membership, which offers unlimited access to over 100 historical sites from as little as £1.50 a month.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Lord Elis-Thomas said: “Cadw is committed to making Wales’ heritage accessible to everyone and offering free entry on St David’s Day is a fantastic way to do so — all while celebrating our patron saint.

“I hope this opportunity will encourage local people and visitors alike to discover the wonder of Welsh heritage on St David’s Day — and beyond.

"After all, what better time to get out and explore Wales’s historic sites than during Wales’s 2020 Year of Outdoors?”

The following Cadw sites, which normally charge for admission, can be entered for free on Sunday, March 1: Blaenavon Ironworks, Beaumaris Castle, Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths, Caernarfon Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Castell Coch, Chepstow Castle, Conwy Castle, Criccieth Castle, Denbigh Castle, Harlech Castle, Kidwelly Castle, Plas Mawr, Raglan Castle, St Davids Bishop’s Palace, Tintern Abbey.

Tickets for free entry to Cadw sites on St David’s Day should be reserved in advance via cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/

For more information on Cadw’s extensive collection of heritage sites in Wales, visit cadw.gov.wales/visit, search Cadw on Facebook or follow @CadwWales or @CadwCymru on Twitter.