FAMILIES across Wales are being invited to step back in time this summer as Cadw launches a packed programme of more than 70 events at castles, abbeys and historic landmarks during the school holidays.

The programme, running throughout July and August, includes medieval festivals, living history weekends, archaeology sessions, storytelling, craft workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for visitors of all ages.

Several events are taking place in West Wales, including living history demonstrations at Laugharne Castle, medieval knight activities at Kidwelly Castle, and archaeology experiences for young historians at Strata Florida Abbey.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

At Laugharne Castle, Historic Echoes will take place on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from 11am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to step into the early 15th century, discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through expert demonstrations.

Kidwelly Castle will host Hysterical History on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from 11am to 4pm. The interactive event will give visitors the chance to explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

At Strata Florida Abbey, a Children’s Activity Day will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 10am to noon. Online pre-booking is essential. Young historians will be able to take part in hands-on archaeology experiences while learning about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the medieval abbey’s wider landscape.

Other Welsh highlights include the Medieval Festival at Beaumaris Castle over the August bank holiday weekend, featuring knights, lords and ladies, musicians, jesters, combat demonstrations and family entertainment.

Caerphilly Castle will host Go Wild from Saturday, August 29 to Monday, August 31, with nature-themed quests and craft activities inspired by the natural world.

At Castell Coch, visitors can take part in A Victorian Excavation on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, where families can uncover medieval artefacts and learn about archaeological techniques.

Conwy Castle will host Conwy Medieval Magic every Wednesday between July 22 and August 19, with live performances, Welsh myth-inspired storytelling, crafts and interactive workshops.

Cadw is also offering guided tours at a number of sites throughout the summer, including Castell Oxwich, Castell Cilgerran, Bryn Celli Ddu, Segontium Roman Fort, Rug Chapel, Castell Cricieth and Hafoty Medieval House. Pre-booking is required for these tours.

Cadw membership offers free entry to events and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships.

More information and tickets are available from the Cadw website.

Phoenix Reisen says MS Amadea was always scheduled for Dublin, not Pembrokeshire

CONFUSION surrounded Fishguard’s cruise schedule this week after some people locally understood that the German cruise ship MS Amadea was due to call at the port.

The vessel, well known in Germany as the setting for ZDF’s long-running television series Das Traumschiff, had been linked with a possible visit to Fishguard on Wednesday, July 8.

However, public cruise schedules showed the ship calling instead at Dún Laoghaire/Dublin.

Phoenix Reisen, the German cruise operator behind the voyage, has now told The Herald that Fishguard was never part of the confirmed itinerary.

The company said cruise AMA 524 with MS Amadea had been advertised “from the beginning” with a stop at Dún Laoghaire/Dublin, and that a visit to Fishguard was not planned for this journey.

Phoenix Reisen also said the same route appeared in its 2026 catalogue, published in December 2024, and that no arrangements had been made with local agencies for shore excursions in Fishguard.

The company said it could only assume there had either been an error locally, or that BSM, the shipping company involved with MS Amadea, may have enquired about a possible Fishguard call in 2024 which was not later implemented.

The response suggests the issue was not poor weather, sea conditions or a last-minute operational problem, but rather confusion over whether the ship had ever been confirmed for Fishguard.

MS Amadea is a mid-sized cruise ship carrying around 500 to 600 passengers, along with approximately 280 crew. She is particularly familiar to German television viewers through Das Traumschiff, often translated as The Dreamship.

Cruise calls are an important part of Fishguard’s summer visitor economy, with passengers often welcomed by local volunteers before visiting shops, cafes, pubs and attractions in Fishguard and Goodwick, or joining excursions elsewhere in Pembrokeshire.

Awards will celebrate the best of the county’s visitor economy at black-tie gala in October

THE SHORTLIST has been announced for the 2026 Croeso Awards, celebrating the best of Pembrokeshire’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Organised by Visit Pembrokeshire, the awards return every two years and recognise businesses, organisations and individuals delivering outstanding visitor experiences across the county.

This year’s awards attracted 150 entries across 17 categories, with judges praising the quality of submissions from across Pembrokeshire’s visitor economy.

All entries were assessed anonymously by an independent panel of tourism experts from outside the county, to ensure a fair and impartial judging process.

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala evening on Thursday, October 29, at Pembrokeshire College.

This year’s ceremony will include a special collaboration between The Celtic Collection and Pembrokeshire College, delivering a gourmet dining experience for guests.

Hospitality students from the college will play a leading role on the evening, working alongside chefs and hospitality professionals from The Celtic Collection. Organisers say the partnership will give students valuable real-world experience while showcasing the next generation of Welsh hospitality talent.

The Croeso Awards are supported by headline sponsor Pure West Radio, with The Celtic Collection also supporting the event as mentoring partner for Pembrokeshire College students.

Emma Thornton, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Pembrokeshire, said the response to this year’s awards had been “nothing short of outstanding”.

She said: “Receiving 150 entries across 17 categories reflects not only the strength of Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry, but the incredible passion, professionalism and innovation shown by businesses across the county.

“The quality of entries made the judging process exceptionally difficult, and I would like to congratulate every business that entered. Being shortlisted is a significant achievement in itself.

“These awards celebrate the people and businesses that make Pembrokeshire such a special place to visit, and we look forward to bringing the industry together in October to celebrate their success.”

Tickets for the awards evening are £80 plus VAT per person and include the dining experience and awards ceremony. Places can be booked by emailing [email protected].

Further information is available at www.visitpembrokeshire.com/croeso-awards/the-awards.

Croeso Awards 2026 shortlist

Sustainable and Immersive Experience for Cruise Passengers
Fishguard Bay Welcome
Velfrey Vineyard
VIP Wales

Event of the Year
Torch Theatre, Sunset Cinema
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, The Launch of the Giant Trebuchet
Fforest, Feast Event

Hotel of the Year
Grove of Narberth
St Brides Spa Hotel
Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa

Caravan Park Award
Redford Caravan Park Ltd
The Greener Camping Club Sites of Pembrokeshire
Trees Caravan Park

B&B, Inn and Guesthouse Award
Roch Castle
Rwts Rooms and Resto
The Wolfe Inn, Wolfscastle

Pub of the Year
The Griffin
The Hope & Anchor, Tenby
The Wolfe Inn, Wolfscastle

Camping and Glamping Award
Florence Springs Glamping and Camping
Green Sheep Camping
Nights Under Canvas

Tourism Service/Product Supplier Award
Barti Rum Ltd
Farmers Food At Home
Llaeth Preseli Milk & Gelato
St Davids Old Farmhouse Brewery

Dog Friendly Business Award
Landsker Paws
Musselwick Farm Cottages
Sleekstone Holidays

Attraction of the Year
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill
Heatherton World of Activities
Sweet Home Alpaca

Activity, Experience or Tours Award
Sweet Home Alpaca
Tenby Adventure
Tenby’s Great Escape

Bro a Byd, Environmental and Sustainability Award
Fforest
Greener Camping Club
St Davids Old Farmhouse Brewery
Sweet Home Alpaca

Place to Eat Award
Lan y Môr
Pembrokeshire Seaweeds Ltd / The Really Wild Emporium
Stoked at Wild Lakes
The Cliff Restaurant, St Brides Spa Hotel

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust
Red Onion Garden Café
The Harriet Davis Seaside Holiday Trust for Disabled Children

Self-Catering 1-3 Units Award
1 Edge House
Plas Pantyderi Manor
Quarrywood Glamping Ltd
Sleekstone Holidays
The Long Barn

Self-Catering 4+ Units Award
Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages
Florence Springs Luxury Lodges
Musselwick Farm Cottages
Washfield Cottages

Rising Star Award
Grove of Narberth, Ffion Howells
Sweet Home Alpaca, Angela Frayling-James
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Matt Small
The Angel, Narberth, Louise Morgan