Valle Crucis Abbey - Explorer Pass
Please note, Valle Crucis Abbey will not be opening this summer
Visit Valle Crucis Abbey and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales
Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!
The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales.
- Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
- Visit as many castle as you want
- Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
- Save lots of money!
Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.
Step back in time through 900 years of history
The miles of open green fields will transport you right back to when Tretower Court and Castle was in its prime. It’s secluded, away from any distractions which makes it the perfect spot for finding some peace and tranquility.
Enjoy a relaxed pace as you delve through centuries of fascinating history, surrounded by breathtaking beauty in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The story of Tretower Court and Castle
Tretower Castle dates back to the 1100s, founded by the Picard family. The impressive Tretower Court was built in the early 14th-century, and the hall was thought to have been used as a local court to pay fines and tithes.
Despite having its fair share of owners and occupants over the years, maintenance was kept to the same standard as its earlier days and faced the threat of collapse.
Tretower Court was saved in the 1930s, restoring its beauty to what you’ll explore on your visit. We recommend having a read of the information boards to learn the stories behind this magnificent piece of architecture.
Maybe you or someone you know are planning their big day? Weddings are also held here – what better place to spend the most memorable day of your life?
Take a break before exploring more history
You’ve probably worked up an appetite after the step back through inspirational Welsh history. Set up on one of the picnic tables as you tuck into your delicious homemade sandwiches and flasks of coffee, taking in the rich history behind Tretower Court and Castle.
We recommend finishing the day with a gentle stroll through the gardens. Gaze at the beautiful white roses and take in the fresh country air that will make you want to keep coming back to create some memorable stories of your own.
When is Tretower Court and Castle open?
The opening times vary depending on the time of year. But it doesn’t matter when you’ll visit – an inspirational day is a guarantee.
If you want to make the most of your future visits here and to the area, you can book yourself into the idyllic Tretower Court Cottage.
The cosy interiors will instantly make you feel at home, and its closeness to nearby Crickhowell is a great opportunity to explore some local pubs and restaurants, making your trip to this stunning spot extra special.
What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass?
- Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
- Blaenavon Ironworks, Torfaen
- Caerleon Roman Baths, Newport
- Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
- Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
- Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire
- Castell Coch, Cardiff
- Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
- Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- Conwy Castle, Conwy
- Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd
- Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire
- Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
- Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
- Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
- Oxwich Castle, Swansea - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy
- Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
- Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire
- Rug Chapel, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
- Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
- Tretower Court and Castle, Powys
- Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
- Weobley Castle, Swansea
- Free parking
- Toilets
People also ask:
Castles of Wales Explorer 3-day pass and 7-day pass explained:
- The 3 day pass gives you 3 days of free entrance, that is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of free entrance, valid for 14 days.
- The passes have been designed to be flexible and suit families and tourists spending one or two week weeks in Wales.
How much money will I save with the Castles of Wales Explorer Pass?
- The more castles you see the more you'll save.
- Entry to the Castles of Wales can be anywhere between £8-£15 (approx) each, so this pass is great for anyone wishing to visit a bunch castes on their visit to Wales.
- You can visit a lot of castles in 1-2 weeks!
Who is the Castles of Wales Explorer Pass for?
- Ideal for anyone looking for things to do in Wales, for anyone wanting to soak up as much Welsh culture as possible, and perfect for families on a budget!
- Wales is often referred to as the "Castle Capital of the World" and has more castles per square mile than any other country, so this pass is also great for any tourists coming to Wales too!
What does Cadw mean?
- Cadw [cad-oo] is the Welsh word for 'castle' or 'keep'
What are the Castle of Wales Explorer Pass family tickets?
- 2 adults and up to 3 children/grandchildren under 18. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What Cadw attractions are included in the Castle of Wales Explorer Pass?
- Beaumaris Castle
- Blaenavon Ironworks
- Caerleon Roman Baths
- Caernarfon Castle
- Caerphilly Castle
- Carreg Cennen Castle
- Castell Coch
- Chepstow Castle
- Cilgerran Castle
- Conwy Castle
- Criccieth Castle
- Denbigh Castle
- Harlech Castle
- Kidwelly Castle
- Laugharne Castle
- Oxwich Castle
- Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
- Raglan Castle
- Rhuddlan Castle
- Rug Chapel
- St Davids Bishop's Palace
- Tintern Abbey
- Tretower Court and Castle
- Valle Crucis Abbey
- Weobley Castle