Half term fun in Wales
Post categories: Places to go,Ìýthings to do
| 12:00 UK time, Saturday, 29 May 2010
There's plenty going on throughout Wales this half term. Here are a few of the more nature & outdoor orientated activities you might like to try:
Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran
Spider Workshop: Saturday 29 May, 2pm.
Join Mike Bailey from Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) for a walk around the variety of habitats on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.Learn about a variety of collecting techniques and see what you can find in the undergrowth. £5 per person
Bat Walk: Tuesday 1 June, 8pm.
Wildlife Trust Officer Nathan Walton will take you through the interesting life of bats, followed by an opportunity to become your very own bat detective with a walk along the river in search of bats. £3 per person
Moth Breakfast: Thursday 3 June, 8am.
Join Mike Snow to discover the world of moths. Learn how to identify species and what moths can be found on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.Breakfast roll and coffee to follow in the Glasshouse Café at 10am. £5 per person
Wildlife Themed Arts & Crafts: Friday 4 June, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.
Come along and create some wildlife themed crafts to take away with you.£2 per child
Butterfly Workshop: Sunday 13 June, 2pm.
Join butterfly expert Red Liford for a guided walk around the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve looking out for butterflies and learning about the habitats in which they live.
Adults £7.50, Children £2, Under 5's Free.
National Trust sites in North Wales
Chirk Castle near Wrexham:' Grow your own' Week (2-6 June, 11am - 4pm)
Discover the beauty of growing your own seasonal food, and get started by potting your own seeds to take home. Is it a weed? Try the identification quiz and find out how to make your own compost with the garden team.
Erddig, Wrexham: Green Day (30 May, 11am - 4pm)
Find out how to reduce your carbon footprint and live a greener lifestyle with demonstrations, exhibitions and hands-on workshops throughout the day. Meet a couple who really do live the 'Good Life', watch circus performers, meet the owl rescue team, learn about bees and see the eco 'Green Man'.
Powis Castle, Welshpool: Hidden History Tours (27 May & 3 June, 12pm - 12.45pm)
This is your opportunity to discover hidden areas of the castle, which are not normally seen by visitors, with fascinating tours led by a member of the house team every Thursday during, May & June. Normal admission price + £3. Booking advisable on 01938 551929.
Behind the Scenes Tour in the Garden (3 June, 10.30am - 12pm)
Join the garden staff as they look at work in progress, seasonal plants and items of interest, as well as going to the nursery and any other areas not normally seen by regular visitors. Normal admission price + £4. Booking essential on 01938 551929.
Pot up at Powis (5-6 June, 11am - 5.30pm)
Paint a pot, plant a seed and then take it home to grow. Find out more about how and why the kitchen garden was transformed into the formal gardens we see today by taking part in the children's garden quiz. Normal admission price + £1.50 for the additional activities.
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor: Abseil down the Ice Tower (6 June, 11am - 4pm)
The experience of a lifetime. £3 per abseil.
Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll:
Green Fingered Wildchild & Mr Bimbamboozle (2 June, 11am - 4pm)
Are you a green fingered wild child? Why not join us for pot planting craft workshops. There are activities for all the family and traditional family fun. Some activities may have a charge.
National Trust sites in South Wales
Aberdulais Falls, Neath: Calling Young Photographers (29 -30 May, 10am - 5pm)
A photography weekend for children. Take a picture at the Falls and enter our competition to win a prize. Bring your own camera (or borrow Mum/Dad's). No need to book and members of Port Talbot Camera Club will be on hand with computers to help and advise.
Adult £4.40, Children £2.20, Family £11.
Colby Woodland Garden, nr Amroth: 'Grow Your Own'Ìý (31 May, 11am - 3.30pm)
Discover how easy it is to grow your own food with advice and demonstrations from the Colby gardening team.
Badgerwatch (29 May & 5 June, 7pm)
Experience the magic of the deer park at dusk, with a rare chance to observe badgers and appreciate these shy creatures in the company of our expert warden.
Adult £10 Children £6 Family £30. Booking essential on 01558 823902.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Llanwrda: Gold Fever (29 May - 6 June, 11am - 5pm)
Try your luck at panning for gold and enjoy different tours into the mountainside. Children can take part in treasure hunts to find out what mythical creature has been visiting Dolaucothi and what clues it has left behind. There's also treasure to be won.
Pennard, Gower: Pennard Cliffs and Pwll Du Guided Walk (30 May, 10am - 2.30pm)
11km circular walk along Pennard Cliffs, down into Pwll Du bay and back up to Pennard. Discover history, caves, an underground river, quarries, woodland and wildlife, and hear stories of smugglers and buried sailors. Families welcome. Please bring lunch with you.
All Tickets £3 and booking is essential on 01792 390636
Brecon Beacons: A Wild and Wooded Valley Guided Walk (8 June, 1.30pm - 4pm)
Discover the hidden treasures of the stunning Upper Tarell Valley, set between the Central Beacons and Fforest Fawr on this delightful circular walk through ancient woodland, along the Tarell river and unspoilt landscape. Meet at National Trust basecamp, Dan y Gyrn, Brecon. Booking is essential on 01874 623366.
Meadows Jewels and Marsh Treasures Guided Walk (10 June, 1:30 - 4pm)
Come and join National Trust Wardens for a fascinating and fun exploration of Berthlwyd Farm. The farm boasts a wealth of complex and rich habitats, as well as important vernacular buildings. Complimentary refreshments and cake at the end of this lovely walk. Suitable for families but not for pushchairs. Booking essential on 01874 623366.
St David's Visitor Centre & Shop, Pembrokeshire:
The St. David's Peninsula - Evening Talk (3 June, 7.30pm - 8.45pm)
Enjoy an illustrated tour of land in the care of the National Trust within this special part of Wales with Andrew Tuddenham, Area Warden. Booking is essential on 01437 720385.
Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire: Sea Kayak Festival (28-31 May)
This well established residential festival will include a choice of island and coastal journeys with Caldey & Skomer Islands within striking distance (weather permitting). Guides will be on hand to share their wealth of knowledge of the bird and marine life. Evening activities include talks by guest speakers as well as barbecues and social events. Fully catered residential accommodation at Stackpole Centre. Booking is essential on 01646 661425.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion: Urdd National Eisteddfod (31 May - 5 June)
There will be plenty of activities for everyone at Llanerchaeron throughout the Eisteddfod week. Entry to Llanerchaeron is through the Eisteddfod entrance and there is discounted admission for members of the National Trust.
And finally - don't forget all the Springwatch: Wild Days Out happening throughout Wales in May and June.
So, there are a few ideas to help keep you and the kids out of mischief. I hope the weather is kind and you have a great time, whatever you end up doing.
Gull
Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran
Spider Workshop: Saturday 29 May, 2pm.
Join Mike Bailey from Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) for a walk around the variety of habitats on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.Learn about a variety of collecting techniques and see what you can find in the undergrowth. £5 per person
Bat Walk: Tuesday 1 June, 8pm.
Wildlife Trust Officer Nathan Walton will take you through the interesting life of bats, followed by an opportunity to become your very own bat detective with a walk along the river in search of bats. £3 per person
Moth Breakfast: Thursday 3 June, 8am.
Join Mike Snow to discover the world of moths. Learn how to identify species and what moths can be found on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.Breakfast roll and coffee to follow in the Glasshouse Café at 10am. £5 per person
Wildlife Themed Arts & Crafts: Friday 4 June, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.
Come along and create some wildlife themed crafts to take away with you.£2 per child
Butterfly Workshop: Sunday 13 June, 2pm.
Join butterfly expert Red Liford for a guided walk around the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve looking out for butterflies and learning about the habitats in which they live.
Adults £7.50, Children £2, Under 5's Free.
National Trust sites in North Wales
Chirk Castle near Wrexham:' Grow your own' Week (2-6 June, 11am - 4pm)
Discover the beauty of growing your own seasonal food, and get started by potting your own seeds to take home. Is it a weed? Try the identification quiz and find out how to make your own compost with the garden team.
Erddig, Wrexham: Green Day (30 May, 11am - 4pm)
Find out how to reduce your carbon footprint and live a greener lifestyle with demonstrations, exhibitions and hands-on workshops throughout the day. Meet a couple who really do live the 'Good Life', watch circus performers, meet the owl rescue team, learn about bees and see the eco 'Green Man'.
Powis Castle, Welshpool: Hidden History Tours (27 May & 3 June, 12pm - 12.45pm)
This is your opportunity to discover hidden areas of the castle, which are not normally seen by visitors, with fascinating tours led by a member of the house team every Thursday during, May & June. Normal admission price + £3. Booking advisable on 01938 551929.
Behind the Scenes Tour in the Garden (3 June, 10.30am - 12pm)
Join the garden staff as they look at work in progress, seasonal plants and items of interest, as well as going to the nursery and any other areas not normally seen by regular visitors. Normal admission price + £4. Booking essential on 01938 551929.
Pot up at Powis (5-6 June, 11am - 5.30pm)
Paint a pot, plant a seed and then take it home to grow. Find out more about how and why the kitchen garden was transformed into the formal gardens we see today by taking part in the children's garden quiz. Normal admission price + £1.50 for the additional activities.
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor: Abseil down the Ice Tower (6 June, 11am - 4pm)
The experience of a lifetime. £3 per abseil.
Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll:
Green Fingered Wildchild & Mr Bimbamboozle (2 June, 11am - 4pm)
Are you a green fingered wild child? Why not join us for pot planting craft workshops. There are activities for all the family and traditional family fun. Some activities may have a charge.
National Trust sites in South Wales
Aberdulais Falls, Neath: Calling Young Photographers (29 -30 May, 10am - 5pm)
A photography weekend for children. Take a picture at the Falls and enter our competition to win a prize. Bring your own camera (or borrow Mum/Dad's). No need to book and members of Port Talbot Camera Club will be on hand with computers to help and advise.
Adult £4.40, Children £2.20, Family £11.
Colby Woodland Garden, nr Amroth: 'Grow Your Own'Ìý (31 May, 11am - 3.30pm)
Discover how easy it is to grow your own food with advice and demonstrations from the Colby gardening team.
Badgerwatch (29 May & 5 June, 7pm)
Experience the magic of the deer park at dusk, with a rare chance to observe badgers and appreciate these shy creatures in the company of our expert warden.
Adult £10 Children £6 Family £30. Booking essential on 01558 823902.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Llanwrda: Gold Fever (29 May - 6 June, 11am - 5pm)
Try your luck at panning for gold and enjoy different tours into the mountainside. Children can take part in treasure hunts to find out what mythical creature has been visiting Dolaucothi and what clues it has left behind. There's also treasure to be won.
Pennard, Gower: Pennard Cliffs and Pwll Du Guided Walk (30 May, 10am - 2.30pm)
11km circular walk along Pennard Cliffs, down into Pwll Du bay and back up to Pennard. Discover history, caves, an underground river, quarries, woodland and wildlife, and hear stories of smugglers and buried sailors. Families welcome. Please bring lunch with you.
All Tickets £3 and booking is essential on 01792 390636
Brecon Beacons: A Wild and Wooded Valley Guided Walk (8 June, 1.30pm - 4pm)
Discover the hidden treasures of the stunning Upper Tarell Valley, set between the Central Beacons and Fforest Fawr on this delightful circular walk through ancient woodland, along the Tarell river and unspoilt landscape. Meet at National Trust basecamp, Dan y Gyrn, Brecon. Booking is essential on 01874 623366.
Meadows Jewels and Marsh Treasures Guided Walk (10 June, 1:30 - 4pm)
Come and join National Trust Wardens for a fascinating and fun exploration of Berthlwyd Farm. The farm boasts a wealth of complex and rich habitats, as well as important vernacular buildings. Complimentary refreshments and cake at the end of this lovely walk. Suitable for families but not for pushchairs. Booking essential on 01874 623366.
St David's Visitor Centre & Shop, Pembrokeshire:
The St. David's Peninsula - Evening Talk (3 June, 7.30pm - 8.45pm)
Enjoy an illustrated tour of land in the care of the National Trust within this special part of Wales with Andrew Tuddenham, Area Warden. Booking is essential on 01437 720385.
Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire: Sea Kayak Festival (28-31 May)
This well established residential festival will include a choice of island and coastal journeys with Caldey & Skomer Islands within striking distance (weather permitting). Guides will be on hand to share their wealth of knowledge of the bird and marine life. Evening activities include talks by guest speakers as well as barbecues and social events. Fully catered residential accommodation at Stackpole Centre. Booking is essential on 01646 661425.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion: Urdd National Eisteddfod (31 May - 5 June)
There will be plenty of activities for everyone at Llanerchaeron throughout the Eisteddfod week. Entry to Llanerchaeron is through the Eisteddfod entrance and there is discounted admission for members of the National Trust.
And finally - don't forget all the Springwatch: Wild Days Out happening throughout Wales in May and June.
So, there are a few ideas to help keep you and the kids out of mischief. I hope the weather is kind and you have a great time, whatever you end up doing.
Gull
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