10 of the best days out in Wales

Chirk Castle, Wrexham
This National Trust medieval castle, complete with both towers and dungeons, and beautiful gardens is the perfect family day out. Kids will love to meet the medieval guards, explore the dungeons, try on armour and join in with guard duty. There are lots of family activities to get involved in. Outdoors there is an excellent children’s play area, and the option to explore the fortress, gardens and woods. There are even giant-sized games in the garden. For a woodland walk with all the family take advantage of a Tracker Packs.
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Porthore and the Whistling Sands, Gwynedd
This is a beach with a difference. The English name is derived from the squeak or whistle emitted by the peculiar shaped sand particles being rubbed together when walked on in warm weather. The sound can be made by stamping or sliding the feet on dry sand. This popular beach adjoins a beautiful stretch of National Trust owned coastline. There is a car park in the lane above the beach and a seasonal cafe. Take in the scenery with the National Trusts walking route which is an easy route of approximately a mile which takes about 30 minutes.
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Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Pembrokeshire
Located near Tenby in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, Folly Farm is a great day out for the whole family. With six fun-filled amusement and activity zones, some of which are undercover, there is something fun to do whatever the weather. Children will love the farm animals and the indoor Funfair. For sunny days make the most of the outdoor Adventure Parks. Follywood Country Park and Zoo is also home to the only giraffes in Wales.
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The LC Waterpark and Leisure Complex, Swansea
The LC is South Wales’ premier waterpark and leisure complex. It's fantastic for a day out where you can reach new heights on the 30ft climbing wall; swing, jump and slide in the 4 storey interactive play area; make waves in the family-friendly waterpark or try your hand at surfing on the indoor surf simulator. Swimming lessons are available and there is a gym and a spa for grown-ups. It's both a place to get fit and a place to have a fantastic time.
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Brecon Beacons National Park, Breacon
The Brecon Beacons National Park offers some of the most beautiful views in Wales. It's a spectacular landscape, with high rolling hills that fall off suddenly into near-vertical drops carved by glaciers tens of thousands of years ago. You can tailor your walk to your abilities as there are excellent walks for people of all fitness levels and families may prefer to try one of the dozens of shorter walks taking in ridges, waterfalls, and even stone-age monuments.
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Anglesea Sea Zoo, Isle of Anglesey
See amazing marine life at the biggest aquarium in Wales. With over 150 native species, from the familiar to the strange, there's something for everyone. Come face to face with invertebrates like the Octopus and slugs in the No Bone Zone. Children will love to see if they can see if they can spot baby sea creatures like sharks, baby lobsters, and even tiny seahorses.
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The Welsh Mountain Zoo, North Wales
This conservation Zoo is set high above Colwyn Bay and has beautiful views. Spend a day learning about many rare and endangered species from Britain and around the world. Visit 'Sealions Rock' and watch the Californian Sealions being trained. Kids will love the exciting Jungle Adventureland and Tarzan Trail Adventure Playground. They have a vast range of animals including snow leopards, brown bears, Sumatran tigers, red pandas, camels, penguins, alligators, wild horses and much more. They also have a children's farm, so little ones can have a close encounter with goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens and guinea pigs.
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Portmeirion, Gwynedd
If you’re looking for a day out somewhere memorable then Portmeirion won’t disappoint. It’s a fairytale village with a sandy beach on the coast of Snowdonia. Surrounding the village are 70 acres of woodland with easy to follow woodland trails and coastal walks. Children will love the beautiful and clean sandy beach. With lots of cafes and restaurants, half a dozen shops, gardens and beaches it is the perfect and unusual day out for all the family.
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Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village, Penarth
Visit one of the most exciting heritage projects in South Wales, Cosmeston Medieval Village lets you step back in time to see, touch, and even smell how life was in 14th century Wales. Children will love the chance to meet the villagers, all dressed in period costume, and experience how they lived.
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Dewstow Gardens and Grottos, Monmouthshire
One of the most interesting attractions in south Wales, Dewstow Gardens, are a beautiful place to visit, with landscaped paths and beds, articifical waterfalls and man-made pools, but it's the Grottos that make this place really magical. The site covers 8 acres so there’s lots to see. The Grottos are artificial and the tunnels, archways, and sunken fern gardens have been excavated and restored in the last few years after being completely buried around the time of the second world war.
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