Things to Do in South Wales
We’ve collected your views to put together a fabulous list of recommended places to go and things to do during the February half-term 2018 in South Wales & the surrounding areas. Thank you to everyone who took the time to offer up their knowledge to share real recommendations from real people.
FD Local Group
THE FD LOCAL GROUP IS THE OFFICIAL LOCAL GROUP OF FAMILY DAYS TRIED & TESTED – THE AWARD-WINNING SITE FOR FAMILY FUN.
“Our family have discovered so many wonderful places to visit in south Wales thanks to the FD local group – Adam”
“The FD local group has been such a great source of local information, thanks to your postings I took my sister to see her first waterfall, it was amazing!! thank you – Sarah”
Hunt for Fairies in Forest Fawr (Cardiff)
The sculpture trail is located in the woods behind Castell Coch just outside Cardiff.
Look carefully and you’re sure to find a magical fairy door by making sure you don’t wake the sleeping dragon.
It’s FREE to walk the trail and a real feast for the imagination.
Info: www.forestry.gov.uk
*prices apply to the castle
Barry Beach after dark (Barry)
Have you been to Barry Island since its new regeneration? Apart from the beach, penny arcades, a fitness park and oodles of ice creams and fish and chips it’s a great place to take a stroll when the sun goes down, and there’s now an awesome light tunnel and a climbing wall…all FREE!!
Cross the Billy Goat Gruff bridge at Biblins (Forest Of Dean)
See our Biblin Bridge Adventure.
Search for The Mysterious Lady of the Lake at Llyn y Fan Fach (Brecon Beacons)
We went frog hunting at Llyn y Fan Fach.
Learn about Welsh Mining Heritage (Blaenavon)
Take a tour 300ft underground with real miners and experience what life was like for our Welsh pit folk who worked at the coal face.
Above ground you’ll find multi-media tours, exhibitions and a coffee shop at Big Pit National Mining Museum, Blaenavon.
Where: Blaenavon, NP4 9XP
More info: www.museumwales.ac.uk/bigpit
Guardian Six Bells (Abertillery)
In the heart of the valley over looking the community stands ‘The Guardian Memorial‘, towering 20 metres into the sky this steel structure of a sinewy minor is a memorial that stands as a stark reminder of the 45 miners that lost their lives in the towns 1960 underground mining explosion.
Recommended Places to Visit
Amelia Trust Farm, Five Mile Lane, Barry
Margam Country Park, Port Talbot
Pembrey Country Park, near Llanelli
Roath Park, Cardiff
Cwmcarn forest drive, crosskeys
Cosmeston lakes
Bryngarw park.
Pierce Field House (pictured below)
Always such an awesome walk in Chepstow, but a fabulous one to watch the seasons change.
Go on a pirate adventure to the Worms Head and spot Dolphins (The Gower)
Worms Head is a fantastic tidal island governed by the sea, and it’s the perfect spot for a pirates adventure. When the tide is out you can cross over a rock pool filled causeway to explore the island. On the banks you will be able to spot seals that congregate there. There is a natural bridge on the Island which you can cross and keep your eyes peeled and ears open to hear the sounds of the islands natural blow hole that eerily sends out noise. During the right conditions the blow hole is heard to emit impressive boomings and hissing; in fact, there is an old Gower saying – “The old Worm’s blowing, time for a boat to be going”.
This was a favoured spot of famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas whom is said to have sat on the grasslands of the worms head for inspiration in his writing. Please be aware of tide times before heading out to ensure you do not get stranded by the incoming tide.
Do check the Worm’s Head crossing times.
Visit one of our Best Beaches (The South Coast)
Visit one of the many fantastic beaches along the South Wales coastline.
See Our Guide to the Best Beaches in South Wales.
Climb Skirrid (Abergavenny)
Challenge yourself to a hike up to the top of Abergavenny’s most spectacular viewpoints to watch the sunset. Here’s our Skirrid Fawr Mountain Sunset Walk.
365 steps (Tintern)
Nestled in the Forest of Dean is the Eagles nest, walk the 365 steps and take in the view.
Watch the sunrise beneath the Severn Bridge
We often marvel at the Severn Bridge from the Welsh shores.
Pull on those walking boots to climb the highest mountain in South Wales (Brecon Beacons)
Pull on those walking boots to climb the highest peak in South Wales. Here’s our Corn Ddu Walk blog post.
Swim Under a Waterfall (Mid Wales)
There are loads of waterfalls to explore in Wales and the most ideal place to start on an adventure is to begin at the Waterfall Centre in Pontneddfechan in Glyn-Neath, South Wales. Have a look at our Swimming Under Waterfalls article.
So there you go, some of our favourite spots. Get your wellies or your walking boots on, grab your buckets and spades and head out on your own adventure this half term.
Free Places to Go
Bellevue Park in Newport
A fab landscaped park in the centre of Newport: tea rooms, veranda, play parks and hoards of friendly squirrels. A real treat in the autumn as the park bursts into colour. Great for conker collecting and picnics. Parking is free.
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, near Bridgend
The sand dunes are a great place to explore! The dunes are a site of special scientific interest and even boast of the second highest dune in Europe. Plus, it’s fantastic to roll down! The dunes provided the setting for parts of David Lean’s film of Lawrence of Arabia. It makes for a great day out day and is ideal for exploring the adjacent ruins of medieval Candleston Castle or hiking over the dunes to the beach.
National Museum Cardiff
Situated central to Cardiff, the museum is a must visit if you head to the city for a day out and it’s free! It’s great for children and adults alike. The dinosaurs and mammals section is fantastic for the children and has a great interactive concept. The museum is crammed with treasures waiting to be discovered.
St Fagans National History Museum
St Fagans is one of Europe’s leading open-air museums and is one of Wales’s most popular heritage attractions. And admission is free!
It’s a real treat and an insight into traditional Welsh living. With lots of beautiful gardens to explore, and plenty to do for the kids it makes for a great family day out.
Cardiff Bay Barrage
The barrage is a fab place to cycle, scoot or walk alongside the water looking over to Cardiff Bay. There are some fabulous play parks, an exersise park, skate park and lots of wide open spaces to let the kids run free. The barrage itself is a fantastic feat of engineering to watch the bridge rising and falling to let boats into the bay.
Penarth Pier
Penarth Pier is a gorgeous step back in time. The pier itself is free to walk to the end of and as a treat there is a great oldie-worldie sweet shop to stop off at. You can go down onto the shore for a paddle or walk to one of the parks adjacent to it.
Other Highly Recommended Places
Alexandra Park, Beach Road, Penarth
Bute Park, Cardiff
Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr
Newport Wetlands, Newport
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, Torfaen
