At the start of Wales Tourism Week, it has emerged that six of the most popular historic castles in Wales will have inflation-busting hikes in their admission prices of between 12.5% and 22%.
The price rises will be introduced in April and for Beaumaris Castle, Castell Coch, Tintern Abbey and Caerphilly Castle the standard adult admission fee will rise above the psychological £5 level for the first time.
The price rises are expected to raise an additional £400,000 in Cadw’s annual income. It comes as Cadw faces a cut in its funding from the Welsh Labour Government in 2014-15 of £150,000.
Prices at Castell Coch and Tintern Abbey are set to rise by over a fifth.
Suzy Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Heritage, said, “Wales Tourism Week is a timely opportunity to showcase Wales’ rich cultural heritage including our world-renowned castles.
“At a time when public money is in short supply, many public bodies are making tough decisions and Cadw should not be excluded from measures to reduce the deficit.
“Many families across Wales are looking for cheaper family days out without travelling too far, but high admission prices could act as a deterrent.
“Labour Ministers are supposed to be trying to widen access to Welsh heritage as part of their anti-poverty agenda, but it is difficult to see how such inflating-busting price hikes will help achieve that goal.
“Sometimes people forget to visit attractions on their doorstep, but recent growth in home-grown tourism should be supported and encouraged.
“Visiting Welsh castles is not only a fun family experience but can also be educational and teach people of all ages about Wales’ rich cultural heritage.
“For some families increasing prices at ten times the rate of inflation will be seen as unfair and will push the standard adult admission price for some castles beyond the psychological £5 threshold.
“These increases will significantly increase the cost of a family day out at a time when many families are tightening their belts.
“The increased revenue from these price hikes is expected to more than make up for the Welsh Government’s cuts, but we need to hear whether the surplus will be reinvested in upgrading Cadw monuments.”
