13 free things to do with the kids during half-term
THERE ARE SOME FABULOUS PLACES THAT ARE FREE TO VISIT THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAY, WRITES
AUTUMN is in full swing and the half-term holiday is now here. So let’s hope for some dry weather to explore more of the outdoors and wrap up warm for a trip to the park or farm, but fear not, even if the weather does get a bit soggy there are plenty of places to go indoors where you can have loads of fun in the dry and warm.
Also, we’ve picked out some places which are free of charge, making the half term a bit easier on the bank balance. Some do have planned activities, but there may be a charge to take part, so check it out with the individual venue.
Here’s a selection of things to do this half-term, October 25 to 29, in no particular order. ■
1. National Museum Cardiff
The city centre museum is back open, and there’s plenty of exhibitions for children to explore.
From dinosaurs and woolly mammoths to some of Europe’s best collections of art, there’s something on offer for everyone.
Admission is free but booking a ticket through their website is recommended. Where is it? Cardiff CF10 3NP ■ 2. National Waterfront Museum
Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum tells the story of Wales’s industrial history over the past 300 years.
Open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the museum is free to enter, however, you should book a free ticket beforehand so as not to be turned away.
Tickets will be released on a weekly basis every Wednesday for visits on the following Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Where is it? National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD
■ 3. St Fagan’s National Museum of History
This free museum on the outskirts of Cardiff, set in 100 acres of parkland, is one of Wales’s most popular heritage sites.
Craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills, and their produce is usually on sale.
Having recently re-opened after restrictions were lifted, visitors are recommended to book free tickets before attending the site. Where is it? Cardiff CF5 6XB
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4. Insole Court
While Insole Court Mansion remains closed to the public, the house’s expansive grounds and gardens are free to explore.
Set within the suburbs of Llandaff, the house features large ground with plenty of flora and fauna as well as the Potting Shed Cafe and gift shop.
The grounds are free to enter and close at 5pm. Where is it? Insole Court, Cardiff, CF5 2YN
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5. Bute Park
With 130 acres of gardens and parkland set just behind Cardiff Castle, there’s plenty to explore in Bute Park.
For children, there is a story trail that families can follow, starting on Castle Street. There are five steps along the way with a story about a witch’s spell to follow. Where is it? Castle West Lodge, Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 1BJ
■ 6. Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail
While Castell Coch is not free to enter, it is surrounded by ancient woodland, full of different walking and mountain biking trails.
One of these trails is the Fforest Fawr sculpture trail, with wood carvings of the animals that used to roam the woods for children to spot.
Just around the corner is the Forest Stoves and Fires Cafe where you can stop for a cup of tea. Where is it? Fforest Fawr Car Park, CF83 1NG
■ 7. Barry Sidings Country Park
Just outside Pontypridd, Barry Sidings is a great place for a stroll, and also if you’re keen on bike trails you can hire a bike there, or take your own. There’s a brilliant cafe on-site where you can get burgers, coffees, ice-creams and more. Where is it? Barry Sidings Countryside Park, Trehafod, near Pontypridd. CF37 2PP
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8. Clyne Gardens
These botanical gardens date back to 1860 and include plenty of different places for children to explore, such as a Japanese bridge, a ‘story tree,’ a
tower and a bluebell wood.
The gardens are never locked so you can access them at any time, and refreshments are readily available from the Touring Tea Room. Where is it? Mayals, Swansea SA3 5BW
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9. Singleton Park
The play area located at the bottom of Singleton Park has now reopened. Set just behind the duck pond, children can play in the park for free, or feed the ducks.
The wide expanse of Singleton Park also offers the Botanical Gardens – with a greenhouse and koi fish pond – and the Ornamental Gardens to explore.
Or, if you’re willing to pay, take a trip on a swan or dragon boat around Singleton Boating Lake. The boats are open to use between 11am and 5pm with a standard price of £3.15 or a concession of £2.65.
The site is operating in line with Welsh Government Guidelines and have appropriate measures in place.
Where is it? Mumbles Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PY
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The lakes, located just outside of Penarth, have plenty of spaces for picnicking and wooden walkways so you can walk around the lakes.
With a recently refurbished play park and a re-constructed medieval village, the lakes have plenty for little ones to explore. There’s a cafe for refreshments. There are paid-for Halloween activities, too, during half term. Where is it? Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Road, Penarth, CF64 5UY
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10. Cosmeston Lakes Country Park 11. Ynysangharad Park & Lido
This impressive park in the middle of Pontypridd has a big play area, lots of space to run around in and, even better, the lido is now open until October 29.
Kids under 16 can swim for free, the accompanying adult does have to pay, but it’s £2. There is a new cafe in
BUTE PARK
the park too, and it’s just a stone’s throw from the town centre where you’ll find more places to eat and drink. Where is it? Lido Ponty, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd CF37 4PE
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From ridge-top walks and serious mountain bike trails to easier paths for a stroll through the forestry, Afan has something for all sorts of abilities if walking and cycling is your bag.
There’s also a cafe at the visitors’ centre and a play area to relax after your stroll or ride. Where is it? Afan Forest Park, SA13 3HG
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12. Afan Valley Forest Park 13. Garwnant Visitor Centre
Take a trip along the sculpture trail, the willow walk or visit the mountain bike skills park at Garwnant, which sits just north of Merthyr Tydfil.
There’s also a play area and a cafe here, too. Where is it? Garwnant, CF48 2HU.