Free family days out in Wales

Discover Welsh Mining History

Little ones will love discovering the National Slate Museum in Snowdonia. It's all aboard for rides on the mini mining train, and then children can get creative with slate painting activities. Why not explore the mining workshops, see the quarrymen at work or watch the slate-splitting demonstrations. All of this is set within the picturesque Snowdonia hills.

Location: National Slate Museum, Padarn Country Park, Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL554TY

Time:    Easter to October open daily 10am to 5pm

Contact: www.museumwales.ac.uk / 029 2039 7951

Explore the secret village of Nant Gwrtheyrn

Take the family back on a trip through time this summer at Nant Gwrtheyrn, an enchanted Victorian mining village tucked away beneath the rocks of the Llyn peninsula. Children will be captivated by tales of legends as they discover some of the most charming history that this corner of Wales has to offer. Take a breath-taking coastal or woodland walk for a spot of nature-watching from dolphins to seals and falcons.

Location: Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6NL

Time: 10am to 5pm 

Contact: www.nantgwrtheyrn.org / 01758 750 334

Get Creative at Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre

Take a step back two centuries to one of Wales' oldest and most picturesque venues, Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre. Built in 1857 as a Dower House for Lady Elizabeth Jones Parry of the Madryn Estate, the gothic styled mansion boasts a gallery and 12 acres of woodlands full of fun and adventure. The art gallery is sure to get the kids creative juices flowing with exhibitions from Welsh artists while a walk through the lost footpaths and coastal path is ideal for letting off steam.

Location: Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 7TT

Time: 10am to 5pm

Contact: www.oriel.org.uk / 01758 740 763

Get Crafty at Trefriw Woollen Mills

Come and delve deep into the history of crafts at Trefriw Woollen Mills, a mill still owned and run by the descendants of its founder in 1859.  Entirely traditional in its workings, the mill still generates its own electricity using water turbines from the 1930s and 40s, while all processes are carried out on machines that are over 50 years old. Learn the tricks of the trade on the hand looms in the Millworkers' cottage that sits next to a weaver's garden.  Then discover all there is to know about weaving on an intriguing tour of the working mill museum - and don't forget to pick up a traditional blanket from the mill's shop.

Location: Trefriw Woollen Mills, Main Road, Trefriw, Conwy Valley, LL27 0NQ

Time: 9.30 am to 5.30pm (Full Museum 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm)

Contact: www.t-w-m.co.uk / 01492 640462