The August Bank Holiday is a time for getting out of the house and having fun, as it’s the last biggie before Christmas. Many of us would use this weekend to travel all over the UK, to Ireland, to the European continent, or beyond. I’m sure you remember the reports of very busy traffic is concerned, and gridlocked roads. Whilst it will be busy, this most certainly won’t be a ‘normal’ August Bank Holiday weekend (fuel, money etc)
In the UK, most shops remain open on the August Bank Holiday, but the operating hours can drop down to Sunday times.Some stores, however, do shut for the weekend, and schools and most non-retail businesses are generally closed. Public transport still runs, but again, it follows the reduced Sunday schedule.
So, let’s give you some suggestions and link to features on most of them, which will help you decide what you want to do. You can also visit our jam-packed WHAT’S ON DIARY to see the latest events day-by-day.
PONTYPRIDD SUMMER FUN DAY
Pontypridd Residents will have plenty to enjoy this August Bank Holiday weekend with a fun-filled family event planned by Pontypridd Town Council – its biggest event yet.
A variety of activities and entertainment are lined up for the SUMMER FUN DAY which all happens in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park on Saturday, August 27th. Go to the bottom of this page to see the full timetable and download a copy straight to your mobile device to take with you on the day.
Take a look at our feature on the day itself where you can also download the event timetable – PONTYPRIDD FUN DAY.
PRIDE CYMRU
PRIDE CYMRU’S big weekend is back this August Bank Holiday and we immediately come up with a huge problem. Where on earth do we begin to tell you what’s going on? To say it’s a big weekend is more than an understatement.
The organisers have just announced the performers for the main stage, with MELANIE C on Saturday and WELSH OF THE WEST END on Sunday, more of them shortly.
To use that well worn cliche ‘there’s something for everyone‘ is, well – cliched and well worn. The truth is we can’t actually tell you too much just yet as the weekend programme is still being finalised.
Take a look at our feature for more, and some history behind the event – PRIDE CYMRU.
FIND LOTTIE THE OTTER
It doesn’t matter what age you are, put some Lego bricks in front of you and before long you’ll have built something fun and imaginative. It really is a toy that will never go out of fashion.
Now, families can enjoy their favourite toy, and the great outdoors at the LEGO BRICK WETLAND SAFARI. It’s basically a giant Lego trail at brilliant Llanelli Wetlands Centre, which is always worth a visit at any time of the year.
The awesome Lego sculptures include an otter, owl, a kingsize kingfisher all following a laid out trail for families to follow. If you complete the trail and enter the competition you could end up with a Lego goody bag!
The fun Lego event and trail is included as part of the normal admission price (free for members).
The trail features 15 GIANT models, including 2 NEW characters never before seen at Llanelli Wetland Centre, this exciting trail will make you look at our real-life wetland superstars in a whole new light!
Our feature on all things Lottie is HERE.
OUTDOOR MOVIES AT DYFFRYN GARDENS
A stunning collection of botanical gardens, this estate dates back to 640 A.D. And while they don’t have any films from that era, we think you’ll enjoy the combination of the curated programme and a delicious picnic, in one of the top 100 gardens in the UK, as voted for by the British Tourist Authority!
MAMMA MIA – SATURDAY 27th AUGUST (8:45pm)
THE PRINCESS BRIDE – SUNDAY 28th AUGUST (8:45pm)
Screenings take place on the lawn in front of the mansion. Free parking is available in the main visitor car park. To get your tickets go HERE.
SUMMER OF FUN IN NEWPORT
With the summer holidays in full swing, finding things to do with the kids, that are both affordable and fun is never easy. The team at NEWPORT LIVE has secured additional funding to run even more exciting holiday activities throughout the summer. It’s dead simple really, more money, means more fun for all.
Thanks to funding from Newport City Council via a £5 million Welsh Government Summer of Fun fund, this year’s lineup of events, activities and programmes across sport, leisure, theatre, arts, and culture promises to be more exciting, varied, and most importantly accessible than ever.
This year’s SUMMER OF FUN encompasses activities across the whole city, so whether you plan a visit to one of the centre’s or join in with one of the events in the community. From Welly Walking to Crafty Saturdays, to intensive swimming lessons, multi-sport camp, youth track cycling sessions, and with the success of Big Splash recently in Newport’s city centre, this summer promises to be the most fun yet – and let’s face it, we all deserve it after the last couple of years.
To see the full timetable and download your free booklet, go HERE.
MARGAM COUNTRY PARK
This 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion was designed by the architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
The house was built in 1830 – 40 at a cost of £50,000 (just remember the price when you see it) using sandstone from nearby Pyle quarry. Listed Grade I as a mansion of exceptional quality, the Castle has some spectacular features such as the vast staircase hall and octagonal tower.
Until 1942, the Castle and estate remained in the ownership of the Talbot family when it was acquired by a local landowner, Sir David Evans Bevan, and in 1974 by the County Council, the present owners, when it was of ruinous state.
A disastrous fire in 1977 gutted the interior. An ambitious restoration programme was embarked upon, much has been achieved and the programme continues.
The outbuildings house the Visitor Centre and park administration. Charlotte’s Pantry is open for take away snacks only. They do have a wood fired pizza takeaway and the Gower Brewery Double Decker bus – both on the castle lawns alongside the visitor courtyard.
The Entrance Hallway and Staircase Hall is open to the public. The Library, Dining Room and Drawing Room are now used for a variety of events. More details of the building listed status and history can be found HERE.
To find out more head here MARGAM
And early September The GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL is at Margam Park on the 3rd and 4th September. For full details (and there’s a lot of them), head to their website HERE.
A CRAZY GOLF ADVENTURE
I think what we all love so much about Crazy, Mini, Adventure or whatever sort of golf you want to name it, is that, if you’ve ever or never played before, everyone has a chance to be champ. We’ve seen many so-called proper golfers being beaten by a six year old who’s barely able to hold the club.
Most of our Adventure Golf venues are the perfect place to visit over the Bank Holiday weekend. There’s indoor too, just in case we are treated to a little downpour.
One of the big things at the moment is FOOTGOLF, which is exactly what you’d think. Where two great sports come together Foot Golf is simple. You kick the ball from the tee to the hole in as few a shots as possible. It’s the perfect game to play with friends or family.
There are places that offer Foot and regular Adventure Golf, if you’re feeling energetic, you could play both.
Once again for the majority of the courses, you turn up, pay your money and play. We have a feature directing you to most of the venues in South Wales, take a look and pay a visit GOLF
EAT OUT
This one is really simple. We’re going to be eating on Bank Holiday Monday so why not take advantage of some of the deals around at the moment. Just remember that it’s not only restaurants; cafes, fast food outlets, attractions and the list goes on.
Watching the pennies is now more important than ever, so the South Wales Life team have dug out some of the best deals. If you’re looking for a weekend/weekday treat with the family, or before work, it’s worth checking in with your local supermarket who have some great ‘Dine In’ deals.
Our feature has so many suggestions, and places to visit around South Wales. Give it a look here – EAT OUT
We’ve also put together a guide as the WHERE OUR KIDS CAN EAT FREE during the holidays.
VISIT WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP
We ran a series of features here at SOUTH WALES LIFE to mark the end of lockdown restrictions. OUR SOUTH WALES dropped in on places right on our doorstep. Those places we should really know about, because they are where we live, but surprisingly we don’t.
We were amazed that people who live in Cwmbran for example, have never visited the beautiful boating lake. Those with the stunning Brecon Canal barely walk along the Towpath and enjoy the incredible scenery. And in Abergavenny, it’s surprising just how few people visit the historic castle.
We accept that we can occasionally take for granted the places we live, but in these times when funds are tight and restrictions are in place, some of the best, and most fun things to do, are within a few minutes walk from our home.
Take a look at our features for a few ideas. There were created around the lockdown period but still have some useful ideas.
SHOPPING
We don’t need a Bank Holiday to be our reason to shop, but perhaps if the weather isn’t great, this would be a good chance for the whole family to get out and enjoy some retail therapy. Dare we remind you that schools are returning and things will need to be bought for that momentous occasion.
We really are blessed with such a variety of shopping locations. Whether you want indoor, open air, or even our incredible array of markets, we have them all here. We have a few suggestions to get you into gear and of course we have a huge feature on our markets, which are nw reopened for business. You can take a look at that here. SOUTH WALES MARKETS
- BRIDGEND DESIGNER OUTLET
- CARDIFF INDOOR FLEA MARKET
- CWMBRAN CENTRE
- FESTIVAL PARK
- FRIARS WALK
- NEWPORT RETAIL PARK
- QUADRANT – SWANSEA
- ST DAVID’S DEWI SANT
- TRAGO MILLS
THE GAVIN & STACEY TRAIL
Without doubt it is one of the most successful television shows ever filmed in South Wales. What has been a real pleasure, for those of us who know Barry so well, is that it showed what a close-knit, friendly community of people they are. As for the locations, they are now as famous as the show itself and attract thousands of visitors each year, and no doubt even more following the Christmas Special.
Most of the series, including many of the scenes that are meant to be in England, were actually filmed in and around Barry. Even the Shipman’s Essex home is really in South Wales.
When you walk through the door of the Island Leisure Arcade, armed with a pocket full of change for the machines, you instantly the know this is the place where Nessa works. Her stamp and face, are all over the walls. On top of that, it’s a proper seaside Amusement Arcade. Once you’ve finished your chips you have to go in to play. This is also the place where Nessa and Bryn practiced their duet to the Frank and Nancy Sinatra song ‘Somethin Stupid’.
What’s nice about doing the trail over the Bank Holiday is that you can indulges in a few of our suggestions in one day. Eating, shopping, day out, and if the weather is bad, still have a bit of fun checking out the locations.
If you’d like to follow the entire trail, take a look at our feature with all the locations in full – GAVIN & STACEY
If you still need a few ideas, try these…..
- A FAMILY DAY ON THE FARM
- WE KNOW WHAT WE’LL DO THIS SUMMER (A guide we put together during lockdown)
- HAVE A STAYCATION
And as our summer drifts into Autumn, here’s a few ideas which you could actually begin early…….
Go on an autumn walk
Grab your coat, put on your wellies and get out and about wherever you are in the UK! One of our favourite things about autumn is the changing colours; see trees change from green to brown and watch as grass and paths are taken over by leaves. Whether it’s down your local park, exploring a forest or even just a walk around your town or village, why not make your own scavenger hunt of things to look out for?
Drink hot chocolate
Warm up after a day outside with a tasty hot chocolate. Feeling fancy? Make your own using real chocolate.
Listen to spooky stories
Get in the mood for Halloween, by hosting your very own haunting bedtime story! Choose something spooky to suit your kids ages, then read by torchlight for extra fear-factor. Don’t fancy reading? Sign up for a free trial of Audible and listen together whilst a famous name reads it out loud for you!
Learn about bats
It’s the start of mating season for bats, ahead of winter hibernation, but there’s still plenty of time to learn about these amazing creatures. Check out the National Trust guide.
Watch an autumn sunset
Sunset is getting earlier and earlier, which is great news if you’ve got younger kids in tow. Check online to see what time it’s due to set, and aim to be in the perfect spot about 10 minutes before. Once it starts, it will disappear quicker than you think, then it’s home and off to bed!
Collect pinecones
Pinecones fall in autumn, and just like conkers, are a great thing to collect on your next outdoor adventure. Pinecones make great decorations and can be used for printing too. Or, why not try a pinecone bird feeder?
