Open door plan at historic sites

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Matt Murray explains the new visitor plan on a visit Castell Coch in Cardiff.

Children and pensioners will have free access to historic sites, which currently charge, from September.

Heritage minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas outlined the plans, for sites run by Cadw, an assembly government agency.

He said the move would help the local economy of communities and could help to revitalise them.

The scheme will only apply to those living in Wales and Mr Thomas said he would work with CADW on improving access to the sites.

Free access is the final piece in the jigsaw that will help open up the historic environment to a wider audience Rhodri Glyn Thomas, heritage minister

The heritage minister said: "My vision is for an accessible well-protected historic environment, appreciated not only in its own right but also for the contribution it can make to the economy and revitalising local communities.

"There are a variety of barriers to people being able to taking advantage of the heritage around them - these are physical, intellectual and financial.

"The assembly government, through Cadw, is working on a major work programme that will make the heritage sites in our care more accessible physically and intellectually to maximise the full potential of the historic environment."

The minister said visitors demand more from attractions and experts need to come up with innovative ideas to keep visitors satisfied.

He added: "Cadw is managing a major interpretation project that will put in place a framework that will engage and sustain new audiences with the historic environment.

"The project will contribute to the assembly government's agendas in regeneration, lifelong learning, social cohesion and tourism development by enabling individuals and communities to enjoy and engage with their surroundings.

"Free access is the final piece in the jigsaw that will help open up the historic environment to a wider audience. "

Recent work on improving access to Welsh tourist attractions include St David's Bishop Palace in Pembrokeshire, Kidwelly Castle, Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey.

Cadw has also been involved in works at Caernarfon Castle and some more sections of Conwy's town walls have been opened up.