5 Affordable Family Days Out in South Wales
Summer is coming, the weather is starting to warm up and we’re all planning our long-awaited holidays – but you don’t need to wait for a week off or have a big budget to enjoy some of the scenery and activities here in Wales.
The team at https://royaljokerbet.com/ has compiled this list of some of the best days and afternoons out for families living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan which won’t break the bank:
1. Roath Park
The park and lake at Roath are perfect for families, and a visit is often a ‘Sunday treat’ for kids living in Cardiff, where you can feed the ducks on the 30 acre lake, enjoy the beautiful views and ‘lighthouse’ clock and explore a variety of gardens on this listed grade 1 historic park. There is also a number of trails to explore, as well as a café, ice cream van and ply area. It’s also handy for shopping at nearby Albany Road and Wellfield Road, and perfect for all ages.
2. Cosmeston Lakes
Just outside Penarth, Cosmeston Lakes is a stunning country park with a medieval village. Like most attractions these days you will have to pay for parking, but as it’s only £2 for up to 4 hours, it won’t break the bank and as well as spectacular scenery and a variety of wildlife, the site has a café and an adventure playground. The restoration of the mediaeval village of Cosmeston gives families a chance to explore life in 1300s, and often there are re-enactments with actors, allowing them to interact.
A great day out for youngsters, history lovers and wildlife lovers.
3. Porthkerry Park
Porthkerry Park, just outside Barry, seems a world away from the sitcom Gavin and Stacey, with 220 acres of woods and meadowland to explore.
As well as lovely views, you will find a historic village and a picture-postcard viaduct dating back to the late 1800s. There is a café and play park for children, and a walk to the pebbled beach means you can burn off all their energy while enjoying beautiful views. Again, you’ll pay just £2 for up to 4 hours parking, with no entry fee and photographers will love capturing both the viaduct and the scenery – you won’t want to leave your camera at home!
4. The National Museum of History
Have you ever wondered how our ancestors lived? The National Museum of History, set in the grounds of St. Fagans Castle and Gardens has a collection of Welsh historical buildings from across Wales, lovingly restored, each capturing a moment of Welsh history. Thank to Welsh Government support, entry is completely free although there is a charge for parking.
Kids will love exploring the buildings, although wear comfy shoes as there’s plenty to explore, from ancient miners cottages and local working mens’ clubs to modern buildings which envision the future. However move over McArthur Glen, kids love spending their pocket money in the sweetshop in the ‘ancient shopping village’ and attending the craft workshops and demonstrations. Meanwhile, not to be out-done, grown-ups are often drawn in by the smell of the freshly-home-made bread in the olde-worlde style village bakery!
There’s also a café and play area, and a gift shop. Plenty to do here, and you should allow a few hours for your visit.
5. Big Pit
Travelling East from Cardiff towards Blaenavon, and perfect for a Rainy Day, every family should explore Big Pit National Coal Museum at least once!
Staff include ex-miners, who take visitors 300 feet underground to explore the former mine and share their real-life tales from their career in the pits (although as it is a real former mine, children must be at least 1 metre tall to go on the underground tour).
Above ground you’ll find plenty of exhibits and mining equipment, AV experiences, and learn about the history of mining right up to the present day, covering everything from Geology to Trade Unions.
Entry is completely free, although there is a charge for parking. There is also a café and the Museum regularly hosts both in person and virtual events.
This is by no means an exhaustive list and thanks to the Welsh Government making many museums free to visit in Wales, and an enviable choice of beaches, South Wales is blessed with plenty of affordable days out for all ages. We hope this helps get you started on exploring the low-cost days out on your doorstep!