Unbelievably May half term is here, and we want to find ways to entertain the kids,
The dates for this May half term are 27th through to 31st May.
We have a useful page listing and linking all the school term dates for every council in South Wales for 2024/25. It’s really easy to follow and a useful one to bookmark. You can find it here……
We’re particularly keen to find as many events which are FREE or at least under a fiver. We all need to save a few pennies right now, but still try to keep the family entertained. Enjoy the list and come back soon as the guide expands over the next few days. Just click on the areas below to get to the place that interests you.
Here’s a few other features which should give you some ideas of things to do…..
- A VIRTUAL BIG PIT JOURNEY
- GO POND DIPPING WITH THE KIDS
- ADVENTURE GOLF
- FOLLOW THE GAVIN AND STACEY TRAIL
- A FAMILY DAY ON A FARM
- SOUTH WALES SPLASHPARKS
NATIONAL TRUST
We have some of the best National Trust properties around South Wales, and let’s be honest, we love visiting them all year round, Half Term is always special as the weather begins to improve (hopefully).
They have a long, and really useful Q&A page, packed with information on what we can and can’t do – HERE.
TREDEGAR HOUSE – 17th century mansion of the Morgan family, with stables and parkland in Newport.
SKENFRITH CASTLE – Ruins of a 13th-century castle, which has origins in the Norman conquest of South Wales in Monmouthshire.
DYFFRYN GARDENS – Edwardian designed by Thomas Mawson in 1906 for John Cory, over 55 acres. Within the gardens is Dyffryn House, a Victorian mansion, acquired unfurnished in 2013 and under restoration. By 2016 some rooms were open and furnished with ‘hands-on’ items that can be played with. In the Vale Of Glamorgan.
RHOSSILI AND SOUTH GOWER COAST – In Swansea, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with visitor centre and headlands and bays from Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head south around the peninsular.
ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
St Fagans is an incredible place which has been Wales’s most popular heritage attraction for many years. It holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales. This is because St Fagans is a people’s museum, where we explore history together through people’s everyday lives.
The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948.
Since 1948 over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland, among them houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen’s Institute.
If you’d like to see what’s going on at the museum, or pay them a visit, you can get more details here – ST FAGANS
BARRY
BARRY ISLAND PLEASURE PARK
Barry Island Pleasure Park offers a great family thrill right alongside the terrific Whitmore bay beach’s natural treasures, boasting 7 thrilling rides including classics like the dodgems and the waltzers, plus another 6 which are just for small kids.
Established in 1897 Henry Danter & family welcome you to Barry Island Pleasure Park.
They are a proud family-owned business. Members of the showman’s guild of Great Britain. The rides range from classics like the Dodgems & Waltzer to the giant 32-seater space machine aerospace, the UK’s biggest thrill ride.
The parks have something for everyone. All rides are token-operated. Tokens can be purchased at token machines across the park & at the main park cash desk. You can pay by cash/contactless or by phone. Tokens are valid all year round & are non-refundable. They also have free-to-use cash machines in our arcades.
For more details on the Pleasure park go HERE.
CARDIFF
CARDIFF CASTLE
This is more of a reminder than anything else. If you are a Cardiff residents (or work in Cardiff) you get to have unlimited free days out at Cardiff Castle. The Castle Key, as they call it, gives you free entry to the castle grounds, Norman Keep, the Firing Line exhibition, the wartime tunnels and the Interpretation Centre as many times as you like.
Apply at the Castle Ticket Office, make sure to take proof that you live or work in Cardiff (a council tax bill or a letter from the boss is fine). The key used to be free but does have an admin charge, worth every penny though. Trust us, the kids love a castle and they will have a brilliant time this half term. For details, go here. CASTLE
- Enjoy free entry to Cardiff Castle for 3 years.
- A number of other special discounts.
- One off admin charge of £7.50 per adult card issued.
- No charge for Keys issued to children (under 16s).
HIGH ROPES AT ST FAGANS
Climb, swing, balance and wobble your way through the trees, and see the sights of St Fagans from above before zipping back down to earth. Tackle CoedLan’s 18 different obstacles, including a balance beam, zig zag bridge, cargo net and a zip wire.
The course costs £12 per person for one full circuit of the high ropes, including a 50m zip wire to finish. Tickets can be booked as an add-on when booking your entry ticket to the Museum or from the reception desk in the main entrance.
Participants must be 110cm tall and aged over 6 in order to take part. Children between 110cm and 130cm must be accompanied by an individual over 130cm and aged over 12. The maximum weight is 18 stone.
Weather-appropriate clothing should be worn. Closed in shoes, no sandals, high heels or flip flops. Pockets should be empty and jewellery removed, long hair should be tied back.
Tackle CoedLan’s 18 different obstacles, including a balance beam, zig zag bridge, cargo nets and a zip wire. The course costs £20 per person for one full circuit of the high ropes which includes a 50m zip wire to finish. CoedLan is open on weekends and during school holidays.
If you’d like more information and to book, just go HERE.
CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE
Sometimes it’s the things which are there everyday and we kind of take for granted that turn out to be the most fun for the kids. A day out at the barrage is one of those. It’s exciting, a brilliant way of getting some exercise (for all of us kids) and most of all, it’s cheap as chips.
Just seeing the pictures reminds us that maybe it’s something we’ve not seen in action for a while, or maybe even never. The kids can watch as the barrage’s lock system allows boats and yachts to go in and out of Cardiff Bay. Then walk along to the fantastic pirate playground or if you feel really energetic walk all the way round to Mermaid Quay. Parking at the Penarth end costs 50 pence an hour, but it is free to walk along the barrage and to play at the playground. Take some sandwiches and a drink and you’ve got a great day out for next to nothing
CWMBRAN
CWMBRAN BOATING LAKE
We love the lake and facilities in Cwmbran.
Cwmbran Boating Lake is only a few minutes walk from Cwmbran town centre. You can enjoy a stroll around the lake and feed the geese and ducks; have an ice cream in the café, picnic in the park or have fun in the children’s play area.
Cwmbran Boating Lake has something for everyone. During the Summer it hosts the very popular Cwmbran Big Event.
We’ve got to say, the Boat House Cafe is a bit special too, especially on a nice day. You can check their Facebook page HERE.
MONMOUTHSHIRE
Offering a playful platform for learning new skills, fostering confidence, expanding social circles, and, above all, relishing the thrill of sports, TMG is the ultimate playground for children and young people aged 5-11 years during the school holidays.
With a maximum of 30 spaces available per day at each site, TMG ensures personalised attention and fosters a supportive environment for every participant to flourish.
Taking place across Monmouthshire, join them at one of the following locations:
- Abergavenny Leisure Centre
- Monmouth Leisure Centre
- Caldicot Leisure Centre
- Chepstow Leisure Centre
or more details go HERE.
May Half-Term Stories & Crafts
The event is on May 28th between 2 and 3pm and is completely FREE.
It’s suitable for 4 – 9 years but please ensure that all children are accompanied by an adult.
For more details go HERE.
NEWPORT
FOURTEEN LOCKS
Fourteen Locks is the most spectacular flight of canal locks in South Wales. A scheduled ancient monument situated in this idyllic part of Newport. It lies on the Crumlin Arm part of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. Surrounded by striking landscape, it is one of the most beautiful scenic waterways.
They really are an engineering wonder of the industrial revolution and a very popular family attraction.
The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre is manned by volunteers ready to assist you. They can provide information on local knowledge, history, circular walks and more. By visiting the Canal Centre, or by becoming a volunteer or a member, you are helping MBACT maintain this 200 year old waterway. It could not have been possible without all involved!
It’s a May holiday so a treat in their cafe would be nice, they offer a delicious range of mouthwatering food. Produce is sourced locally and prepared fresh to order. Meals are perfectly accompanied by speciality coffees and fair-trade teas. The friendly staff can cater for any dietary requirement including gluten free, vegan and vegetarian.
The family and dog friendly centre holds events throughout the year including activity trails, forest school, fayres, family fun days, music festivals, BBQ’s, history talks and walks. The canal towpath is part of national cycle route 47 and the beautiful Sirhowy valley walk.
The current opening times: The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, Shop, Museum and Dadford Tea Room is open 7 days a week 10am to 4pm. Hot food finishes at 3:00pm. Takeaway only from 3:30 to 4:00pm
The toilets are available for public use but please make a small donation. The car park is operated by Newport City Council and a fee is payable.
If you’d like to find out more about the work they do, and what you can get up to during the holidays, and beyond, just go here – FOURTEEN.
NATIONAL ROMAN LEGION MUSEUM
We’re pretty certain the kids will love this one and it ticks lots of boxes. Fun for the kids and some great photos to send to Granny. Head along to the National Roman Legion Museum and step back in time to explore life in a far-flung outpost of the mighty Roman Empire.
Wales was the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire. In AD 75, the Romans built a fortress at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years.
This Bank Holiday they are running ARTIFEX Become a Roman Craftmaster!
Use the ARTIFEX app to explore the Museum & complete craft challenges.
- Decorate a Roman shield
- Fix a mosaic
- Make Roman pottery
The museum is absolutely FREE too, so all the better. It’s at the National Roman Legion Museum on the High Street in Newport. For more details, go here ROMAN
THE RIVERFRONT
THE BRICK PEOPLE
Love LEGO®?
They are welcoming The Brick People to The Riverfront, who’ll be offering a wide range of LEGO® related activities.
Events consist of various LEGO® activity tables, some containing self-building activities and other tables featuring monitored activities such as a timed speed or tower build, where names of the builders are entered onto a leader board for the day for all to see.
There are also a selection of amazing official and unofficial LEGO® creations by The BRICK People and the wider LEGO® hobbyist community.
It’s on Wednesday 29th May 10-11am, 11.15am-12.15pm, 12.45-1.45pm, 2-3pm and 3.15-4.15pm
For details go HERE.
PONTYPOOL
PONTYPOOL PARK
There’s never a better time to get out and enjoy what the countryside has to off and the park here is fantastic.
Pontypool Park is locally known as the People’s Park, covering some 64 hectares with several historical features – including Italian Gardens, Ice Houses and Shell Grotto – which have been restored with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and funding from Torfaen County Borough Council. There is also a link from the Park, through adjacent farm land to the Folly Tower, via a public footpath.
Facilities include a children’s play area, rugby pitch (home to Pontypool RFC), tennis courts, pitch and putt, bowls and a dry ski slope. There are footpath links into the Brecon Beacons National Park on the most northern boundary.
There are a few things to bear in mind when you visit………
- Feel free to have a picnic, play games or even hug a tree!
- Dogs should be kept under control and responsible owners are welcome, but please clear up after your dog and dispose of the waste in the bins provided.
- Use the litter bins – it helps to keep the Park looking good.
- No cycling allowed.
- No horses allowed.
- No motorised vehicles allowed.
- No fishing unless you have purchased the appropriate licence.
The park is just to the East of Pontypool Town Centre. To find out more, go here. PARK
PORT TALBOT
MARGAM COUNTRY PARK
Margam country Park is incredible and while a lot of what you can do will cost money, the best thing of all, a walk in the park, will cost you no more than the cost of travelling and parking. They have four walks ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. The 800 acres of the Park provides a perfect backdrop for a walk in the countryside, whether half term stroll with the kids, or an adventure hike along the Coed Morgannwg Way to Afan Forest Park Country Park, the sister country park in the Afan Valley.
If you prefer to follow a self guided trail we have four way marked routes for you to follow. ‘Walk packs’ giving full details of the routes and what to look out for along them are available to purchase from entrance cabin and Gift Shop.
Each walk is colour coded, they all begin just up the track from the Castle Visitor Centre. Entrance to the park is free and car parking is £6, but will all of you packed in that’s really good value. Below is a list of everything they offer with appropriate links to find out more.
Bear in mind again that there are restrictions so a lot of the information we’ve given will need checking before you can go ahead an do it.
- Established Country Park, Winner of Green Flag Award and voted the Nations Favourite Park in the ‘National Peoples Choice’ Awards
- 800 acres of rolling Parkland with Deer Herd
- Stunning gothic style castle, 17th Century Orangery and monastic ruins
- Landscaped gardens with Arboretum
- Dogs welcome on leads in Orangery Gardens and under close control in park
- Rare breeds farm trail
- Castle and garden tours available
- Visitor Centre Courtyard with Gift Shop and Charlottes Pantry Café. Please check on arrival for opening times for the Cafe and shop.
- Children’s Adventure Playground and Fairy Tale Village
- Narrow Gauge Railway (runs seasonally)
- Margam Discovery Centre offers high quality environmental education to all age groups, both residentially and for day visits.
- Ivy Cottage unique luxury holiday Cottage.
- Park Map
- Electric Trampers and Wheelchairs available
If you’d like to find out more about the park, and check the current restrictions, just head HERE.
SWANSEA
THE NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM
The museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years.
The Industrial Revolution in Wales had a tremendous effect on People, Communities and Lives as well as that of the rest of the World. Visitors can soak up the history with a breathtaking mix of old and new in the city’s rapidly developing maritime quarter.
The National Waterfront Museum puts you in charge of the experience, allowing you to delve as deeply into the exhibitions, displays and information as you want.
The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea is now open for details on times MUSEUM
DYLAN THOMAS CENTRE
The Dylan Thomas Centre is renowned for holding many free activities, keep any eye out for the brilliant things they do.
They are great believers in self-led play because that’s what the kids will do, take their own initiative. Activities include creative writing, make a mini comic, puppets, games, reading corner, crafts and dressing up costumes, all inspired by Dylan Thomas.
Under Milk Wood Self-Led Activities is currently running and the family friendly, accessible learning space is full of fun activities to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the first full performance of Under Milk Wood!
Get creative with word games, develop your own characters, and write a play for them to star in!
They’ve got puppets, books, magnetic poetry and dressing up costumes to help you stage your own masterpieces.
Opening Times…..
- 25, 26 & 29 May, 10am – 4pm
- 30 May, 10am – 12noon
- 1, 2, 8, 9, 26, 22, 29 & 30 June, 10am – 4pm
Visit their site for more details – HERE.
MUMBLES PIER
They have so much going on at the pier over half term, everything from the POKEMON CLUB, ROCK PAINTING, IT’S A TOTS DISCO – FEATURING STITCH, to the LEGO CLUB and WOODEN GLIDER CRAFTING.
The great thing is, most, apart from the disco are all FREE.
For more details go HERE.
TO DO AT HOME
If you want to stay home during the holiday and want to keep the kids off the tablets, phones or TV then here’s a few (old-school) ideas which we guarantee will entertain them and make more memories than watching them stare at a screen all day long.
GET BAKING
With the Bake Off series at an end there really isn’t a better time to get into the kitchen with the children. Baking is a great way to keep them happy and entertained on a rainy half term. As far as killing time goes, it’s brilliant for that too.
Involve them in the whole process. Choosing the recipe. Shopping for ingredients. Preparing the kitchen and then the actual baking itself. It’s a fantastic way to kill time too. Choose recipes that include lots of time for decorating, as kids find this to be the most fun part. Don’t be afraid of getting messy, kids love to help but might be a bit messy in the process.
ROCKY ROAD
INGREDIENTS
- 100g butter, roughly chopped
- 300g dark chocolate, broken into squares
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- 140g rich tea biscuits, roughly crushed
- 12 pink marshmallows, quartered using scissors
- 2 x 55g of Maltesers (my favourite), Milky Way or Crunchie
METHOD
- Gently melt the butter, chocolate and syrup in a large pan over a low heat, stirring frequently until smooth, then cool for about 15mins.
- Stir the crushed biscuits and sweets into the pan until well mixed, pour into a 17cm/6 ½ inch square tin lined with non-stick baking paper and spread the mixture to roughly level it.
- Chill until hard and then take out of tin and remove paper. Cut into squares. Store in an air-tight container.
CUP CAKES
INGREDIENTS
- 125g plain flour
- 250g Carnation Condensed Milk
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 85g buttery spread
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- For the icing
- 200g icing sugar
- 55g buttery spread
- Few drops vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp Carnation Condensed Milk
- Sugar sprinkles or cake decorations
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 180°C, (160°C for fan ovens), Gas Mark 4.
- Beat flour, condensed milk, egg, vanilla, buttery spread and baking powder until pale and fluffy.
- Spoon mixture into 12 muffin cases. Bake for 15-18 minutes until springy and golden. Allow to cool.
- Beat icing sugar, buttery spread and vanilla with enough condensed milk to make a smooth creamy icing. Spread onto cakes and top with sprinkles and decorations.
LIGHTER COOKIES
INGREDIENTS
- 80g rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
- 160g wholemeal flour
- 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 135g light-brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons agave nectar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 115g milk chocolate, chopped
METHOD
- Preheat the oven to 175°C. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a food processor and pulse until the oats are finely ground. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar and agave nectar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth and glossy. Reduce mixer speed to the lowest setting and gradually add the flour mixture until just incorporated; stir in the chocolate.
- Drop level tablespoons of the dough onto silicone mat lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart (12 cookies per sheet). Transfer the sheets to the refrigerator and chill the cookies until solid, about 30 minutes. Bake until lightly golden around edges, about 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let cool on the sheets for 1 minute; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Be aware, these cookies like to spread. If you are bothered by them touching, bake on 3 trays.
OPEN UP THE OLD-SCHOOL BOARD GAMES
There really isn’t anything better than watching the kids learn a new, or get re-aquainted with an old favourite board game. I don’t know what it is but the effect is far better than watching some character drive aimlessly around a track on some console game. Now don’t get us wrong, we play the kart games as much as the next person, but once the board game is out, the real fun begins.
READ TOGETHER
The simplest of things can often be the best. I used to love settling down with a good book, having the kids squash up on the sofa and read away with my terrible voices and corny impressions. You know what? They hung on my every word and they will with you.
Encourage your children to read along if they’re old enough. Make a hot chocolate and snuggle together on the sofa and get stuck into a classic.
BUILD A DEN
It’s amazing what you can do with a few bed sheets, towels, cushions, chairs and a great imagination. This is the perfect way for the kids to get creative. Then when you’ve got it all put together you can get inside, eat what you’ve baked. Play one of the board games. Read your book to together. Or if they really insist, grab the tablet and watch a bit of TV.
We have a series of features look at OUR SOUTH WALES take a look by clicking on the link that interest you.
