North Wales sites under the care of National Trust Cymru are ready for families this February half term.
Discover and explore trails in gardens, estates and historic buildings near you with a day out for the whole family across North Wales.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
The world renowned Bodnant Garden have been adding to their display of snowdrops for many years, from the Old Park Meadow and through the Yew Dell, right down to the Far End and the Willow Worm maze and picnic area. Why not enjoy a late winter adventure and see how many of these beautiful little flowers, sometimes known as ‘Lili Wen Fach’ in Welsh, you can see along the way?
Once you’ve been for a bracing walk, head to the Garden and Pavilion tea-room for a warming drink, open every day from 10am-4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. Dogs welcome on short leads (not extendable) at all times every day until the end of March.
• Gardens open 10am-4pm each day, last entry 3.30pm. Normal admission prices apply.
Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham
Start your visit to the magnificent Chirk Castle and Garden at the medieval Adam Tower, where signs of the castle's historic past can be still seen. Have fun dressing up in armour, go on the hunt for the medieval garderobes (or toilets to you and me) and murderholes, and venture down into the two-level dungeons... if you're brave enough!
For a breath of fresh air, the outdoor play areas at Home Farm are great to keep little ones entertained. They are conveniently located next to the Kiosk which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks, with ample outdoor seating. So it's a great place to stop to run off some energy, or for a rest before continuing your winter wander.
• Tower, garden, shop and café open daily 10m-4pm. Kiosk opening times may vary. Normal admission prices apply.
Erddig, Wrexham
Spend some quality time together this February half-term with lots of things to do at Erddig, from marshmallow toasting to running wild in Wolf’s Den. It’s fun to care for plants and watch them grow, so join us to create paper plant pots and plant cress seeds. This is an easy activity that will be sure to capture your little ones’ attention. Plus, cress heads grow quickly so you will see and taste the results in no time.
Award-winning storyteller returns to Erddig with exciting tales this half term. Join us in the Education Room with ever-popular Jake Evans to sit back and relax as he takes us all on an imaginative adventure. Jake will be taking the stage on 20, 22, and 26 February at 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm.
• Please visit the website for event dates and times. No additional event charges (excluding marshmallow toasting, where kits are £1.50).
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
High on the hill with views out to Eryri (Snowdonia), the estate surrounding Penrhyn Castle is the perfect place to explore and spend time together in nature. Enjoy a fresh winter walk on the woodland trail as you discover more about the woodland and wildlife around you. With the snowdrops appearing left right and centre, there’s no better time to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. You can also enjoy a circular walk around the lesser-known parts of the castle grounds on the Discover nature walk at Penrhyn.
During your exploration seek out the wooden arch which leads to the natural woodland play area created by the Ranger team. As you wander the estate and gardens, make sure you pack your sense of adventure and expect the unexpected.
• Woodland Trail, 11 February-20 March, 10am-4pm. Normal admission prices apply. No additional event charges.
READ MORE:
- Historic estate, bordering Chirk Castle, changes ownership after more than 400 years
- Outdoor cinema experience coming to Wrexham later this year
Plas Newydd House and Garden
The Grade I listed landscape at Plas Newydd, Anglesey, is made up of 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland. This remarkable setting with views across the Menai Strait of the Eryri (Snowdonia) peaks is the ideal place to spot some winter wildlife.
Catch sight of red squirrels by visiting the squirrel hide in Church Bank Wood. Squirrels don’t hibernate and with less foliage on the trees, winter is a great time to spot these shy creatures. There are two hides along the paths by the Menai Strait, where you can observe the huge variety of birdlife, both in the woodland behind and along the shoreline. Enjoy a welly wander with the family as you head around the gardens taking notice of the early signs of Spring. Ask the visitor welcome team for more information of additional walking trails in the area, and don’t forget to bring along your binoculars!
• Welly Wander, 18 February – 5 March, 10.30am-5pm, last entry to the gardens 4pm. Normal admission prices for the garden apply
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