A VIRTUAL tour of a medieval cellar normally closed off to the public is among a series of new digital exhibitions as Cardigan Castle re-opens its doors on Monday.

Home to a colony of Greater Horseshoe Bats, the cellar - located beneath the 13th century North Tower - is normally out-of-bounds, so the tour provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore one of the most mysterious parts of the castle.

The castle team are also launching a new virtual tour of Castle Green House.

This includes new interpretation and guided voice tours by well-known local historian Glen Johnson and Non Davies, Chair of the Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust.

Castle director Jonathan Thomas said: “During the long months of lockdown, we’ve been working hard with our team of volunteers to produce new exhibitions to help ensure the castle remains accessible despite the restrictions.

“The 3-D tour provides new and returning visitors alike with a new perspective on the house and how it has changed through the years.

“I’m also really pleased with how the medieval cellar tour has turned out; this is an amazing part of the castle with vaulted ceilings and seriously thick walls which is usually out of bounds due to the Greater Horseshoe Bats who reside there.

“It is great we have been able to make this more accessible using modern technology without disturbing our longest-staying residents!”

“The 3D tours and other as yet unannounced productions were funded by the Welsh Government Cultural Recovery Fund, which we are really grateful for.

“It is allowing us to keep operating and telling our story in a new way, despite the ongoing restrictions.

“I’d like to thank Glen Johnson, Non Davies, Sue Lewis and Margaret Waller who have all volunteered hours of their time in the production of these immersive 3D tours.”

The Stretch Tent will also make a return from Monday, allowing customers to enjoy Cegin 1176’s latest deli-inspired menu.

The outdoor restaurant will also be open on Friday and Saturday evenings with a new high-quality menu of locally-sourced produce.

The castle will be open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm for the public.

Tickets cost £6 per adult, £3 per child or £15 for a family ticket for 2 adults and up to 5 children; tickets are valid for unlimited entry, during public opening hours, for 12 months.

Entry for the restaurant only is free.