Learning - the heritage way

Two of Cadw's most visited sites will throw open their doors to a range of learning activities as part of Adult Learners' Week, the UK 's largest festival of adult learning which runs from Saturday 17th - Saturday 24th May. Medieval Caernarfon Castle and Caerphilly Castle will host a series of adult and community education events as part of Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service's ongoing commitment to lifelong learning.

The Castle Learning Festivals will be a week of engaging learning opportunities for adults with activities ranging from history lessons, stained glass classes to art and photography as well as a chance to attend 'knight school' at Caerphilly Castle. For those visiting Caernarfon Castle , why not join in a poetry session, learn how to arrange flowers, find out more about sign language and creative writing, enjoy the History of Wales session through the medium of Welsh, plus there is a Welsh coffee and chat session for visitors to practice their Welsh or learn a few new words.

Co-ordinated by NIACE Dysgu Cymru and core-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, and the European Social Fund, Adult Learners' Week is a campaign which combines national promotion with local action. The campaign offers adults an opportunity to learn something new through hundreds of free taster sessions across Wales , which also enable learning providers to showcase their provision.

Adrienne Goodenough, Cadw's Lifelong Learning Manager, said, "We hope the Castle Learning Festivals will not only attract and engage locals, but also allow visitors to enjoy learning activities as part of their visit to the sites.

"As part of the Festivals, visits by adult education groups are free of charge, but must however be pre-booked. We look forward to welcoming as many adult learners as possible and believe there's no better place to start learning than at two of Wales ' greatest castles, Caernarfon and Caerphilly!"

For enquiries about the Learning Festivals, please contact Adrienne Goodenough at Cadw on 01443 336142