Cadw vs National Trust in Wales

Cadw and the National Trust are not the same pass. Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The National Trust is a charity looking after places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. One membership does not open the other’s front gate.

If a forum thread says “the castle is free with National Trust,” check who actually runs the site.

Prices (checked September 2026)

Cadw adult membership (21–64): £65.60 a year. Senior (65+): £52.50. Family (two adults and children under 18): £98.40. Source: cadw.gov.wales/cadw-membership.

Cadw Explorer Pass (retail from 1 April 2026): 3-day single adult £28; 7-day single adult £42. The 3-day pass is any three days inside seven after first use. Source: Cadw Explorer Pass.

National Trust individual (aged 26+): £100.80 a year (£8.40 a month), from published 2026 membership tables. That pass is for Trust places — houses, gardens, coastline — not Cadw monuments.

Cadw members also get half-price entry to English Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland in the first year, then free if they renew — a Cadw benefit, not a Trust one.

A simple break-even

Caerphilly Castle adult day ticket is £12.90 from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027 (£13.50 in summer 2026). Source: Cadw — Caerphilly Castle.

£65.60 ÷ £12.90 is a little over five Caerphilly-priced days. Cheaper Cadw sites need more visits; a castle-heavy week can break even faster. A single long weekend is usually the Explorer Pass, not a 12-month membership.

Sites people mix up

• Cardiff Castle is independent. Cadw membership does not get you in.
• St Fagans is Amgueddfa Cymru (National Museum Wales). Entry is free. Do not put it in a membership spreadsheet.
• Trust examples in Wales include places such as Powis Castle, Chirk Castle, Penrhyn Castle, Bodnant Garden and Dinefwr — confirm on nationaltrust.org.uk before you travel.

Cadw membership suits people who will keep visiting Welsh monuments. The Explorer Pass suits a holiday. National Trust membership suits Trust houses, gardens and coastal car parks. Buy the one that matches the week you are actually having.