A NUMBER of sites in Carmarthenshire will be opening their doors this month as part of a nationwide event.

CADW is hosting an ‘Open Doors’ event throughout September where many of the sites looked after by Cadw will be open to the public for guided tours and other events.

In Carmarthenshire the following will be taking part:

Aberglasney Gardens

South Wales Guardian:

Dates: Wednesday, September 14, 21, 28.

Times: 2pm-3pm

Aberglasney Gardens will be open to the public as usual with paid entry during the open doors event. On each Wednesday in September, there will be guided tours of the upper floors of the Grade II listed mansion which will be free of charge.

St Oudoceus Church

Dates: Wednesday, September 7 - Friday, September 30.

Times: 10am-4pm

During the open event, one of the oldest surviving churches in West Wales will be open for people to take a walk through and enjoy. There will be short guides to read or take home and you will be able to see a 14th century effigy which is said to be St Margaret Marlos, founder of the church. There is also a 6th century inscribed stone and a carved oak altar which has been there since 1882.

Pembrey Training Dome

Dates: Sunday, September 11.

Times:2pm-4.30pm

Grade II listed building Pembrey Training Dome was used to train air gunners during the Second World War. 44 were originally built across the UK and it is one of six surviving, the only one in Wales.

Visitors on September 11 will be able to enter for free and there will be cakes available. If planning to attend, you must book by contacting secretary@pembreymountaintrust.org, or Twitter: Pembrey Dome, or message via Facebook: Pembrey Dome.

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Whitland Abbey

Dates: Friday, September 23 - Saturday, September 24.

Times: 11am-5pm

Founded in 1151, Whitland Abbey was the mother house of the Welsh Cistercians before it was destroyed by Henry VIII. It is also said to have housed the bones of several of the royal princes and their families.

During the open event – which is free – there will be medieval themed activities and stalls, with things ranging from medieval armour, archery and scything demonstrations on show and honey, preserves and beeswax candles available to buy.

There will be cream teas available for purchase and a space for people to have a bring-your-own-picnic. Topical talks will also be available.

Laugharne Town Hall

South Wales Guardian:

Dates: Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25.

Times: 10.30am-5.30pm

The town hall is home to the Corporation of Laugharne which was initially founded in 1290 and continues to meet to this day.

During the free open event, there will be talks on the history of Laugharne, the corporation and the role it takes as a charity in the modern day.

Laugharne Castle

South Wales Guardian:

Dates: Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25.

Times: 11am-4pm.

The medieval castle of Laugharne was built in the 13th century by the de Brian family and was turned into a Tudor mansion by Sir John Perrot. It was partially dismantled during the Civil War.

The open event will allow free entry into the castle.

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw and Deputy Director in Welsh Government said: “We warmly welcome the return of Open Doors ― Wales’ annual contribution to European Heritage Days ― running throughout September.

“Not only is it a celebration of the rich and fascinating history Wales has to offer, but an opportunity for more people than ever before to inspire a life-long love of history and culture ― especially our younger generations.

“And by opening these West Wales sites for free, we hope to provide an equal opportunity for all to explore, enjoy and uncover the untold stories of Welsh history on their doorstep.”

You can find out more about Cadw’s venues and the open doors events by visiting https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/open-doors-events