Family Days out in West Wales over the Summer

As the Summer holidays are now here I thought I would share with you some family days out across West Wales. Many of which are places we love to visit as a family.

Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshire
Castell Henllys is an Iron Age Village situated within the Pembrokeshire National Park, between Newport and Cardigan. Open daily from 10.30am until 5pm. Entry is £5 for adults, £3.50 for Children and concessions £4.25 or a family ticket is £13.50. Throughout the Summer there are numerous fun events running, some of them have a small additional charge. The activities range from costumed guided tours, Druid School, Photo walks and other fun workshops. For further information visit here

Dyfed Shire Horse Farm
Just outside the Pembrokeshire village of Eglwyswrw, Dyfed Shire Horse Farm is nestled at the foot of the Preseli Mountains. A fun day out for all the family with demonstrations, Donkey grooming, land train, animal feeding and all new Pets corner for 2015. Entry costs £6.50 for Adults, 2-16 year olds £5.50, under 2s are free and dogs are welcome and cost £1. Group discounts are available but advanced booking is required. Visit here for more information

Scolton Manor, Near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
Scolton Manor is a Victorian Manor which houses Pembrokeshire’s County museum, set in 60 acres of park and woodland. There is also an award-winning eco-centre. The Manor house is open daily from 11am until 5pm April til October and the park is open daily (April – October) 9am until 6pm. Open Every Day (November-March except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) 9am – 4:30pm Admission to the museum in the Manor house costs: Adult – £3.50 Concessions – £2.35, Children over 4 years – £2.35,Family Ticket (up to 2 Adults and 3 Children) – £9.35. There is parking available at £2 a day and also a season ticket. There is a lovely adventure play area and picnics are welcomed. There is a fun Dragons Run Minibeast Exercise course that runs throughout the grounds. Additionally there is a lovely tea rooms located next to the Manor House. Dogs on leads are also welcomed. Visit here for further information

The Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire
The Welsh Wildlife Centre is part of the Wildlife Trust where you can enjoy nature in a variety of different habitats. From woodland, meadows, reedbeds, river and ponds. There is a series of walks around the reserve for you to enjoy as well as activities for children throughout the school holidays from Pond Dipping to Bushcraft and Family Fun days. The Welsh Wildlife Centre has a stunning Glasshouse visitors centre, Gift shop and café. There is also a delightful outdoor play area for children and you can also arrange canoe trips along the River Teifi as well as fire binoculars and explorer backpacks. For more information about the activities running throughout the holidays visit here for more information
Parking is available for a small charge, local residents can take advantage of the local resident scheme and receive free parking.

Cardigan Castle, Cardigan, Ceredigion
Now open to the Public after a £12 restoration Project, Cardigan Castle is worth a visit. Explore the regency gardens, Georgian House and Medieval defences and unlock 900 years of history. There is a restaurant serving refreshments and a gift shop. Picnics are also welcome. Entry is Adult with Gift Aid – £5.50,Adult without Gift Aid – £5.00, Child with Gift Aid – £4.40, Child without Gift Aid – £4.00. There is also the option of a season pass which gives unlimited access between 10am and 4pm expect for major events. Cardigan Castle is open 10am until 4pm daily. There is also a series events being held at Cardigan Castle from open air theatre to children’s activities, for more information please visit here

Cardigan Castle

National Trust Properties:

Cilgerran Castle, Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire
Cilgerran Castle is a 13th  Century Castle perched on the banks of the River Teifi. With various events taking place through the holidays from Falconary Displays, Medieval Weekend, History Man Tours and Sword in the Stones, Cilgerran Castle is open daily from 10am til 5pm. Admission to Cilgerran Castle costs: Adult: £3.50, Child: £2.65 or Family: £10.50 for more information visit Cilgerran Castle and for event information visit here and search Cilgerran Castle here

Llanerchearon, Near Aberaron, Ceredigion
Located outside the town of Aberaron on the road to Lampeter, Llanerchearon is an 18th Century Welsh Gentry Estate has walled gardens and Home Farm. Explore the 1790’s Villa with its own service courtyard with laundry, Salting house and Brewery before a stroll through the parkland and around the lake. Then visit the Home Farm which is a working Organic Farm with traditional buildings. Then stop at the tea rooms and small gift shop which are located next to the car park. Open daily from 10.30am until 5pm. There is also a variety of events running throughout the holidays from Conservation Crime Scene, traditional cooking in the kitchen, daily milking demonstrations, Soap Making to 50 things Fridays. Normal Admission charges apply for these events which are Gift Aid- Adult: £7.60 Child: £3.80 Family: £18.80 Standard – Adult: £6.90, Child: £3.45, Family: £17.09, Group adult: £6.60, Group child:£3.05. For more information on events and the property visit here

Colby Woodland Gardens, Amroath, Pembrokeshire
Located near Amroath, Pembrokeshire Colby Woodland Gardens is set in a hidden Valley. There is so much to do from using one of the free pond dipping kits to borrowing ducks to race on the stream that runs through the meadow. Build Dens in the wood and cook on one of the camp fires. Enjoy the butterflies and Dragon Flies along with the glorious flowers. Stop at the tea room for refreshments or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the meadow. Then enjoy the walled garden or a stroll in the shady woodland. There is also a Gallery and Bothy Exhibition to take in. Colby Woodland Gardens is open daily from 10am until 5pm except the tea room and Gallery which close at 4.30pm. Admission costs: Gift Aid Whole property Adult: £6.00, Child: £3.00, Family: £15.00, Group adult: n/a, Group child: n/a Standard – Whole property Adult: £5.40, Child: £2.70, Family: £13.50, Group adult: £5.00,Group child: £2.50. Again there is a variety of events running throughout the Summer, please visit here for more information

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Pembrokeshire
A fun packed day for all the family, Located at Begelly, Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo has a whole host of things to see and do from the Jolly Barn to Vintage Fair, Folly Zoo and Adventure Play. The attractions are varied between outdoor and indoor attractions making it an all weather venue for the family. There is a gift shop and several options for eating from taking your own picnic to Fun fair restaurant, carousal Café or coffee shop. Folly Farm is open daily from 10am until 5.30pm, entry is £10.95 for adults and £9.95 for children aged 3 years to 15 years) Children aged 2 and under are Free. For more information visit http://www.folly-farm.co.uk/

Manor House Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Manor House Wildlife Park offers you the chance to get up close to animals with it’s walkthrough experiences, Wonder with the Wallaby, Lemur walk-through, Valley of the Apes and African Village. Manor House Wildlife Park is the home of Anna Ryder Richardson and her family who along with a dedicated team are carrying out vital conservation work, this Summer they will be welcoming the endangered Sumatran Tigers. They join the parks South-ern White Rhino who are the first in Wales in over 400,000 years. Wonder around the park and meet the other residents from the Meerkats, Macaw to the Flemish Giant Rabbits and Bactrian Camel, there are lots to meet. There are daily talks throughout the park. Then enjoy the lawn outside the house with lots of play equipment and an amazing dragon sculptor with hidden tunnels to play in. There is also a café and gift shop or you can take your own picnic. Admission costs, £11.95 for adults aged 18-64 years, £9.95 for children aged 3-17 years, 2 and under are Free and Concessions aged 65 and over, registered disabled, registered carer or student card holders with photo £9.95. Manor House Wildlife Park is open all year round from 10am until 6pm. For more information visit http://www.annaswelshzoo.co.uk

Wallaby Walkthrough at Manor House Wildlife Park

Heatherton World of Activities, St Florence, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
With free admission all year round Heatherton has a whole host of activities for you to get stuck into. There are four activity zones which are Family Fun, Adrenaline Zone, Play Zone and Golf and Bowls so you are bound to find something for everyone. Heatherton uses a credit pass system so each activity has a credit value as well as an individual price. There are big savings to be made if you buy a credit pass instead of paying for the activities individually, the passes vary in price and are available as individual passes or family passes. Both are only valid on the day of purchase. For prices visit Credit Passes The manned activities are open from 10am until 6pm during the summer holidays and the Coffee Shop, Driving Range, Arcade, 18 hole Golf and Adventure golf are open from 10am until 8pm. You are welcome to take your own picnic or can enjoy a variety of food outlets from the Sizzler BBQ and Triangle Restaurant to the Craft Shack Café and Coffee Shop. For more information visit http://www.heatherton.co.uk/

The Dinosaur Park, Tenby
Located just outside Tenby The Dinosaur Park is a dinotastic day out for young and old. With a purpose-built indoor play area, Dinosaur Trail, Outdoor playground, Games Garden and rides. There is also a shop and café or bring your own picnic. The Dinosaur Park is open from 10am until 5pm daily. Pay once and all manned rides are free, adults £9.95, Children £9.25, OAP’s £9.25 and registered disabled £8.25. For further information visit here

Blue Lagoon, Bluestone, Canaston woods, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire
Blue Lagoon Water Park is Pembrokeshire’s Water Park located next to Bluestone. With water flumes, lazy river and Nippers Pool for children. There is also an outdoor spa with ten hydro jets to help you relax. Throughout the Summer Holidays Blue lagoon is open until 9pm with Summer Nights. There is inflatable obstacle course to attempt on some evenings. Blue Lagoon is open all year round and during the summer holidays from 11am until 9pm. You can book online and save 15% off tickets which range from Under 4′s £2.00, 4 Years+ (adult) £12.50, Family Ticket (4 people) £46.00, Poolside Spectator – £3.00. For more information and to book your tickets visit Blue Lagoon

In addition to these attractions there is a whole wealth of fantastic beaches and sea-side towns to visit throughout Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. From Tenby to New Quay each is unique and offers a great day out for the family. Browse the colourful shops with local crafts and products. Enjoy a bite to eat in one of the welcoming cafes, coffee shops or restaurants. If visiting Aberaron you must visit The Hive and try one of their delicious Honey Ice Creams.  Another must too is The Pizza Tipi in Cardigan where you can enjoy a freshly baked pizza on the banks of the Teifi.

Aberaron Harbour

I know I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again but we’re very lucky to live where we do.  I hope if you have the opportunity to visit I have given you some ideas for fun family days out locally.