Friday 30 June 2017

10 Fun Ideas for Free Days Out in South Wales - perfect for the Summer Holidays

10-Ideas-for-Free-Days-Out-in-South-Wales-perfect-for-the-Summer-Holidays-text-over-image-of-toddler-playing-at-Cardiff-Bay-Barrage-playground

10 Fun Ideas for Free Days Out in South Wales - perfect for the Summer Holidays

The Summer holidays are here soon and we will all be looking for fun places to take our little ones that do not break the bank. Everywhere that charge an admission raise their prices  during the holidays and that can be expensive if you have multiple children. Here are a 10 fun free ideas for days out that we love. These are based in South Wales, within an hour of Cardiff but I am sure you will have similar near you. Although these are all free to visit there may be a parking charge.


RSPB Wetlands


We are lucky to have Newport Wetlands near us. It is free to visit and park. There are off road cycle routes, coastal walks, a small playground and a cafe.

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Newport Wetlands

The Beach


Not everyone lives near a beach but we have so many on our doorstep. We love Barry Island for the traditional beach day out but because it has a funfair it can be expensive. Ogmore has a beach, toilet facilities and rock pools. There are lifeguards in the summer, ice-cream and last year there was a pizza stand too.

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Ogmore-By-Sea

Sculpture Trails


Two of our favourites are Fforest Fawr and Garwnant.

Fforest Fawr is free to park whilst Garwnant has a small parking charge. There is a cafe and playground at Garwnant too.

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Garwnant Visitor Centre

Parkland


We have a National Trust park at Tredegar House, although it costs to park and enter the gardens and house the park is free. It is a great place to fly a kite, have a bike ride or go to the playground.
Near the City Centre we also have Bute Park and the Taff Trail. If you do not have your own bikes there is a bike hire place nearby.

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Pontcanna Fields, Bute Park Cardiff

Museums


In Wales all museums are free. We have so many that are just fabulous and many put on free events throughout the holidays. Our favourites are St Fagans, National Museum and Cardiff Story.

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St Fagans Museum

History


These are technically museums too but are so full of history and are outside they are an adventure in themselves. We have many Roman ruins near us and our favourites are Caerleon and Caerwent

Big Pit and Blaenafon Ironworks are also a fantastic day out and only a few miles apart so is easy to do the same day.

Not far from Cardiff is Cosmeston Lakes and Medieval Village. A great place for a walk or a picnic.

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Blaenafon Ironworks

Castles


Many castles are owned by CADW in Wales and they charge for entrance, but there are a few that are free. A few are; Abergavenny Castle: Coity Castle, Bridgend; Ogmore Castle; Newport Castle; Beaupre Castle. They also have an Open Doors weekend, usually in September (so a little late for the holidays). On this weekend many places open, that are closed to the public, and all are free to enter.

We also love Cardiff Castle and although there is a charge a pass for Cardiff residents costs £5 and lasts three years so really good value, under 5s go free all year around.


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Cardiff Castle


Libraries


Don't forget your local library, they do so much more than just lending books. Many have special events on during the holidays and ours is next to a huge park and playground.

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Roath Rec, Cardiff

Farm Shops


We have a special farm shop at Thornhill, it has a very small play area and an animal enclosure. there are chickens, pigs, horse, guinea pigs, goats.....
You could also visit a garden centre or pet shop. Known everywhere as the free zoo.

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Thorn Hill Farm Shop

Cardiff Bay


Not everyone will be lucky enough to have Cardiff Bay near them so we are very fortunate. There are always lots of free events at the Millennium Centre and in Roald Dahl Plas. In the summer they have a beach and pool and all year around there is a free sandy playground on the barrage.

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Cardiff Bay


These are just some of the places we love to visit, especially as they are free. If you would like to know about specific special events then pop over to Cardiff Mummy Says. There are always up to date listings of all the events happening in and around Cardiff and many are free.


Where do you like to go during the holidays?



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2 comments

  1. Little B And Me2 July 2017 at 20:02

    Love these style of posts darling,
    So helpful for local parents <3 & those wishing to travel to the area! x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bear and Cardigan4 July 2017 at 22:39

    aww thank you lovely xx

    ReplyDelete

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