AN ELIZABETHAN townhouse in Conwy will open its doors as heritage sites return after lockdown.

Plas Mawr, on Conwy Hight Street is among a number of historic locations that will welcome indoor visitors from Monday, May 17.

Cadw, National Trust Cymru and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales confirmed the plans for a limited number of indoor museums, indoor areas of historical sites and exhibitions following First Minister Mark Drakeford's plans to move Wales to level two restrictions. Outdoor areas at the sites started to reopen to visitors from the end of March.

World Heritage Site Caernarfon Castle will also be opening to indoor visitors for the first time in months from Saturday, May 22. There is significant conservation work happening at the castle's Kings Gate to improve long term access to site, meaning that all visitors will receive a complementary guidebook to compensate for any disruption.

Access to the castle will now be through the grand Eagle Tower, rather than the site’s main King’s Gate entrance, which is currently out-of-access. Disabled access can be arranged at the time of booking.

To gain entry to all staffed Cadw sites, general visitors and Cadw members alike will need to reserve their time-allotted tickets at least 24 hours in advance of their visit, with tickets available now on the Cadw website.

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said: “We are pleased to announce that the majority of Cadw sites will now be re-opened during the week beginning 17th May, and we are delighted to invite visitors back to more of our much-loved heritage sites across Wales.

“We would like to thank Cadw members and visitors for their ongoing patience as sites re-open, and we apologise that visitors may not be able to access all areas of our sites due to the need to comply with the ongoing rules relating to social distancing.

“Nevertheless, we are delighted that due to the change in the regulations Cadw now can open even more of our sites for visitors to enjoy and explore.”

Staff and volunteers at National Trust Cymru are looking forward to welcoming the return of visitors to indoor areas at some of its properties over the coming weeks, including Penrhyn Castle, Powis Castle and Garden and Newton House at Dinefwr.

Visitors will need to look at the National Trust property websites before visiting to check reopening arrangements for individual properties and visitors are asked to adhere to Welsh Government Regulations at all times.

Visitors will need to pre-book free tickets in advance and must adhere to social distancing regulations, one way systems and hygiene guidance at all times.