National Trust Cymru has announced free entry on selected dates for several sites for a Welsh heritage festival. 

National Trust, a conservation charity founded in 1895, is opening its doors to several sites as part of Cadw's Open Doors heritage festival.

The festival has been funded and organised by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, and returns following a two year break. 

The festival aims to allow visitors the opportunity to explore and discover something new about Wales’ heritage without the cost of entry. 

READ MORE: Erddig and Chirk Castle: heatwave takes toll on grounds but business as usual

In Wales, the National Trust looks after more than 45,000 hectares of countryside, 160 miles of coastline.   

Almost 7 million people visit every year, with nearly 6 million members, more than 200,000 of whom live in Wales.

 Several sites across Wales are taking part ranging from gardens, castles to grand mansions. 

Bodnant Garden, Conwy  
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, 9.30am to 5pm.  

This world-famous garden was created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield and the incredible vision of generations of head gardeners.  

With a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia and year-around colour, the garden is a delight for the senses. 

Chirk Castle, Wrexham 
Saturday 17 September, 10am to 5pm.  

Chirk Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches. Visitors can explore the servants’ hall, the parade of State Rooms and – for the intrepid - the dungeons and murder holes!  

Outside the castle walls, enjoy the award-winning garden’s clipped yews and over 480 acres of parkland perfect for wandering. 

While there is no step free or wheelchair access to the castle interior, contact Chirk Castle to reserve the tramper (an all-terrain mobility scooter) to explore the gardens and estate.  

Erddig, Wrexham 
Saturday 17 September, 10am to 5pm.  

Sitting on a dramatic escarpment above the winding Clywedog river, Erddig tells the 250-year story of a gentry family’s relationship with its servants. 

Outdoors lies a fully restored garden ripe for exploring, with trained fruit trees and exuberant herbaceous borders and a 1,200-acre pleasure park, discover the ‘cup and saucer’ cascade or explore the earthworks of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle.   

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Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor  
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, 10am to 4pm, last entry 3pm.  

High on a hill with a view of Snowdonia, Penrhyn Castle’s formidable architecture, interiors and fine art collection lean on a history of sugar and slate fortunes, and social unrest.  

Penrhyn Castle is surrounded by gardens and grounds perfect for a September stroll, from the junglesque Bog Garden to a moment of calm in the meticulous walled garden.  

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey  
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September, 10.30am to 4pm.  

Set on the shores of the Menai Strait, this elegant house was redesigned in the 18th century and is famously home to Rex Whistler’s 58ft mural. This autumn, enjoy Rex Unfinished, an exhibition of unfinished artworks by Rex, some of which are displayed for the first time in over a decade.  

In the gardens, wander the terraces and enjoy the early autumn colour, head to the arboretum to see the changing September hues and walk beneath the shady canopy of the Chilean beeches.  

Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, Snowdonia 
Saturday 17 September, 10am to 4pm.  

Nestled in the cwm is Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant: a modest 16th-century farmhouse. This was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, the first person to translate the whole Bible into Welsh, ensuring the survival of the language.   

For Open Doors, the farmhouse will be open and some of the Bible collection from all over the world will be displayed.  

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool  
Saturday 17 September, 10am to 5pm. Castle open 12 noon, last entry 3.30pm.  

This medieval castle built in the 13th century towers above the world-famous gardens. Powis houses one of the world's great collections of art and historical objects, including one of the UK’s most significant collections of South Asian objects, displayed in the Clive Museum.  

The Baroque garden’s many original features include 17th-century Italianate terraces, and the 30ft high, cloudlike yew hedges have been delighting visitors for centuries. Assistance dogs only are allowed in the castle and garden at this particular time of year.