Protected: Cy – Summer holidays are here, so here are some ideas for places to visit and things to do with the family.
Summer holidays are here, so here are some ideas for places to visit and things to do with the family.
Places to visit with a picnic
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Plenty of scenic picnic spots alongside streams and reservoirs. Make a trip to the Visitor Centre at Libanus known locally as the Mountain Centre, as your starting point. It has a great view of South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen Y Fan, a play area and café. You can also get free advice from the experts on the best places to go.
Described as the green heart of the capital city, explore the park’s champion trees, find a shaded picnic spot or play on the natural play features. It also hosts a series of events throughout the summer, including major music concerts in neighbouring Cardiff Castle and Blackweir Park (tickets required).
St Fagans National Museum, Cardiff
Step back in time at St Fagans this summer. Throughout August there’ll be some special guests in the historic buildings around Gwalia Green. See unique objects from the Amgueddfa Cymru collection including vehicles and carts. Entry is free but you have to pay for car parking.
Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham
The largest country park in the Wrexham area, set in the beautiful Alyn Valley. Take a picnic and spend the day in the park. There are lots of woodland, grassland and riverside walks and a children’s playground.
Loggerheads Country Park, Denbighshire
A special place, rich in wildlife and heritage. It’s an ideal gateway to explore the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. Plenty of places for walks, play and picnic spots.
Kenfig Nature Reserve, Bridgend
A vast area of sand dunes, freshwater pools and lakes, grassland, scrub and woodland, supporting many plants and animals, make the reserve a popular place for both wildlife enthusiasts and for families out for a stroll.
Free entry walks with playground, picnic spots and the ruins of Ewloe Castle to explore.
Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil
Just off the A470 north of Merthyr Tydfil. Situated within 400 acres of woodland on the northern side of Llwyn-on Reservoir, you’ll find walking trails, mountain bike routes, bike hire, children’s activities and play area, a visitor centre, cafe and gift shop.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
A spectacular 186 mile (299 km) long National Trail covering some of the most varied coastal scenery in Britain. Over 600 miles of public footpaths. Check the website for 200 circular walking routes including half day routes, short walks, plus easy access walks.
Festivals and events
Live storytelling, face painting, and traditional willow weaving at Denbighshire County Council’s annual nature day on Sunday August 9. Free admission.
Save Our Seas Family Event, Caerphilly
Visit Caerphilly Miners’ Centre on Saturday August 8, 10am to 2pm, for a free community event education the community on preventing pollution in our oceans, free crafts, fun and games.
Cardigan River and Food Festival
Cardigan quay is the place to be on August 15 for the annual food festival. Entry is free and you can browse the food stalls, listen to live music, watch demonstrations and join in family activities.
The streets of Aberaeron come alive on August Bank Holiday Monday (August 31) for the annual carnival parade, starting at 1.45pm at Cadwgan Place. The parade is free to watch however entry to the Square Field is £4 for adults and free for children.
Running from July 31 to August 2, the Ceredigion seaside town comes alive with all types of music from local artists to well-known bands. While you’ll need to buy tickets to go to the festival’s headline concerts, entry is free during part of the weekend and there are also lots of free outdoor performances.
Celebrating 76 Years, this village festival runs from August 15–23 and has everything from coracle races, family fun and treasure hunts. Most events are free or low-cost.
Join in the National Play Day celebrations with a free fun day on Wednesday August 5 at Aberaeron Square Field, Aberaeron. Hosted by local charity Ray Ceredigion, gates open 11.30am to 3.30pm and entry is free.
Narberth’s annual celebration of the best of Welsh food, drink and live music with talks, demonstrations, stalls and performances by great singers and local bands across the weekend. Runs from Saturday September 26 and Sunday 27. Free entry for under 16s.
Picnic and Play, Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre, Cardiff
A free picnic and play session where you can enjoy sensory play, for children aged 0-5. Children over 1 will have a picnic bag.