SOME of the area’s most popular tourist attractions are set to open their doors free of charge this St David’s Day.

Carreg Cennen Castle in Trap is one of the attractions not charging on March 1 after Cadw announced they are giving the opportunity for visitors to explore and enjoy their sites across the country free.

The Castle joins St David’s Bishops Palace and Weobley Castle on the list of those sites which normally charge for admission that will be free on the day.

Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “Wales is a country teeming with fascinating heritage, from its historic buildings to its iconic stories. It is extremely important that we ensure our heritage sites are accessible to everyone inside and outside of Wales to explore and enjoy.

“By opening sites for free, we’re able to give people across Wales the chance to explore their local monuments and learn more about their heritage in honour of our Patron Saint.”

Cadw also has over 100 unstaffed monuments open for free all year across Wales such as the spectacular ecclesiastical ruins ofNeath Abbey, once home to Cistercian monks. Find out more at gov.wales/cadw.

Meanwhile, visitors at the National Botanical Garden of Wales will find they are in for a free treats to celebrate St David’s Day.

The Garden is opening its doors free for all customers for three days as part of St David’s Day celebrations.

As well as free admission, there will also be a host of events planned from Sunday, February 28 to Tuesday March 1.

On the Sunday, there will be a special Welsh craft and food fair in the stunning surrounds of Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse. There is also a programme of choral music from local choirs and traditional Welsh dancing.

On Monday, the garden are hoping ladies will bring their beaus for Leap Year Day and the one-year-in-four chance to do the proposing.

Head of marketing David Hardy said: “The Garden is already a very special, unique venue for weddings so, give that Leap Year Day is the traditional time for ladies to do the asking, it seems only right and proper that we provide the perfect venue and put nothing in the way of making it happen.”

On St David’s Day itself, music will fill the air at the Garden with music from harpist Shelley Fairplay, local folk duo Fiddlebox and the Carmarthen Ukulele Choir.

The Garden is open 10am to 4.30pm and last entry is at 3.30pm and parking is free

For more information call 01558 667149 or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk