A WALES-wide heritage festival is set to welcome thousands of visitors to more than 200 historic attractions in September.

Cadw's annual Open Door event offers free entry to an array of museums, historic properties and unusual landmarks every weekend during the month.

The programme promises exclusive access to more of Wales’s heritage gems than ever before.

The initiative, which celebrates Wales’s 2019 Year of Discovery, was launched at Neath Abbey and Gatehouse on Friday, August 29, just one of the 29 Cadw sites taking part.

The organisation's castles, abbeys, burial chambers and other properties will offer never-before-seen guided tours and activities.

From enjoying Caernarfon's Roman fort Segontium, established nearly two millennia ago, to exploring the dramatic scenery of an 80-acre horticultural paradise at Bodnant Gardens, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Other unusual sites participating in Open Doors include Cae'r Gors, at Rhosgadfan, near Caernarfon, the childhood home of renowned author Kate Roberts.

Open to visitors on September 21 and 22 September, the opening will bring Roberts’ inspirational work to life through depictions of the 20th century quarrying community.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday 8, Hafoty Medieval House, a 16th-century, timber-framed building with a complex structural history, can be visited.

Guests will be given an in-depth guided tour of the house, filled with colourful history and glimpses of the site’s beautiful, original decoration.

Other key sites open include Denbigh Castle, Rhuddlan Castle, Criccieth Castle and Harlech

Castle.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “Cadw is committed to making Welsh history accessible to all and Open Doors is a fantastic, country-wide programme which does exactly that.

“Through free access, unique events and special guided tours, there is plenty to encourage people to discover Welsh heritage this September. So, I hope that Open Doors 2019 will inspire local people and visitors of all ages and backgrounds to learn more about Wales’s best known sites and our hidden gems alike.

“After all, what better time to explore the best of Wales’s culture and history than during Wales’s 2019, Year of Discovery?”

Visit cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/find-a-cadw-event for full event listings and details of all properties taking part in the Open Doors 2019 programme.

Some venues have limited spaces or require advance booking.