Tour guide and local resident ERFYL PARRY, who has worked at Cardiff Castle for twenty-four years, is part of a new portrait series shot by photographer Tom Oldham and commissioned by The National Lottery. The series features local experts revealing insider knowledge about some of the UK’s iconic venues taking part in The National Lottery’s Open Week.
The portraits have been commissioned to celebrate the return of The National Lottery Open Week, which offers free entry and special offers at participating venues from 19 – 27 March, all as a thank you for the £30million raised for good causes every week by National Lottery players.
Erfyl Parry, Tour Guide at Cardiff Castle captured by photographer Tom Oldham
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Erfyl Parry, Tour Guide at Cardiff Castle captured by photographer Tom Oldham
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One of Wales’ leading heritage attractions, Cardiff Castle, joins hundreds of venues across the UK taking part in The National Lottery Open Week, during which visitors can claim a two-for-one offer on Castle admission tickets and explore almost 2000 years of history, from Roman occupation to Norman conquest, through civil war turbulence and Victorian transformation and even the terrors of World War 2.
The National Lottery has created an Insider’s Guide to Open Week revealing local tips and expert knowledge on The National Lottery-funded venues taking part in. From where to spot rare wildlife on a reserve, to favourite film & TV locations, through to historic facts and the best attractions to take dogs – there’s inspiration for all types of days out.
If anyone has the inside knowledge and plenty of tips for visiting Cardiff Castle this open week, it has to be Erfyl……..
“See if you can spot the ghost of the second Marquess of Bute who is said to haunt the castle. Some say his ghost appears by walking through the fireplace of the library; he then leaves this room by passing through six foot thick stone wall into a corridor and then passes through the wall of the chapel into the room in which he died!
“Plus, why not book on to a regular guided House Tours to view certain room not generally open to the public, including the open-air Romanesque Roof Garden, nestled atop the Bute Tower. A private space for the 3rd Marquess of Bute to spend time in relaxation and contemplation”.
But just what makes the Castle so special?……..
“It was the wealthy and cultured Third Marquess of Bute who transformed the lodgings into the spectacular cluster of towers we see today. The Third Marquess employed the eccentric but brilliant architect William Burges to recreate a noble castle of the middle ages, and the resulting architectural and decorative scheme makes Cardiff Castle one of the most important examples of the Gothic revival.”
Darren Henley OBE is Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum he told us……
“The National Lottery Open Week is a fantastic opportunity for hundreds of venues and projects across the UK such as Cardiff Castle to say thanks to players who raise £30 million each week for Good Causes. The UK is world-renowned for its rich and vibrant culture, and with so many incredible sites across sport, heritage, film, community and the arts sectors taking part in Open Week this year, National Lottery players are spoilt for choice when it comes to a great day out.”
From Saturday 19th – Sunday 27th March, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy exclusive offers at Lottery-funded venues and attractions. There is so much to explore this Open Week, from delving into the past at historical houses, castles, and museums to embracing nature in all its glory at wildlife hotspots, to reliving iconic moments at sports venues or enjoying a culture fix at art galleries and theatres across the UK.
There are some incredible venues included right here in Wales, we’ve selected a few below…..
- NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES
- RSPB NEWPORT WETLANDS NATURE RESERVE
- ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE
- NATIONAL TRUST – TREDEGAR HOUSE
- LLANELLI WETLANDS CENTRE
- INSOLE COURT
To view all Wales venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit WALES.
For the whole of the UK, where you can select your postcode go HERE.
Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.