Head out of the city for lots of family fun attractions and to discover the rich heritage of South Wales.
The Royal Mint Experience
A must-visit attraction in South Wales, The Royal Mint has invested £9m in the Royal Mint Experience giving you the chance to go behind the scenes and discover how money is made and what it takes to strike 5 billion coins a year. Along with an interactive exhibition visitors get a guided tour of the Royal Mint in Llantrisant with unprecedented access to this iconic institution. You’ll see the real striking hall where blanks are turned into precious coins and even have the option of striking your own coin to take home as a very special memento. If all that wasn’t enough as you leave you can take a once in a lifetime selfie in front of one million pound. Now that’s an Instagram moment!
Dyffryn Gardens
A peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Cardiff, Dyffryn Gardens covers over 55 acres and offers up surprises and secrets with year-round seasonal highlights. The Grade I listed Edwardian gardens include grand vistas, an arboretum, garden rooms, kitchen gardens, glass house, café, shop and log stack play areas. Explore away!
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Step back in time with a visit to Llancaiach Fawr Manor, a 16th century manor house fully restored and furnished as it would have been in 1645. The four foot thick walls and stout wooden doors breathe with history and resonate with lives lived and lost long ago brought back to life by costumed characters who tell their stories with realism and passion. You never know who you might meet when you visit Llancaiach Fawr Manor. If you’re lucky you might meet the master of the house, Edward Prichard or his wife Mistress Mary Prichard. There are also the servants who no doubt have a grisly tale to tell. But whoever it is you can be sure of a warm welcome with someone pleased to show you around the master’s fine house
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience
The Black Gold Experience Underground Tour lasts up to 90 minutes and is led by guides who worked the coal mines of the Rhondda Valleys when they were boys. They have tales to tell of life underground and the history of the Black Gold that was shipped from South Wales around the globe. The tour ends with a virtual ride on a coal dram with a few surprises along the way. Make a pit stop at Caffe Bracchi for a great range of hot and cold food, including delicious cakes. This coal-dusted family day out is a great way for kids to learn about the history of the Welsh Valleys in a fun way.
Zip World Tower
The ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers who are looking for an unforgettable day of fun. This iconic attraction features several heart-pumping activites that you won’t forget in a hurry. Brave the Tower Coaster, which combines the speed of a zipline with the twists and turns of a rollercoaster, with tunnels, banked corners, dips and peaks. The newest attraction is Tower Climber, an adventure activity course set high above the ground. The biggest of its kind in the UK with 3 storeys, a viewing deck and 55 different obstacles for you to tackle. The main atttraction is the world’s fastest seated zip line, that will send you flying through the air at breakneck speeds, taking in breathtaking views of the Welsh countryside as you go.
The Llanelli Wetland Centre
The Llanelli Wetland Centre is a premier destination for people seeking an immersive outdoor experience. The expansive site spans an impressive 450 acres and boasts a wide array of indoor and outdoor exhibits and activities. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, walking trails and boat rides. Children will be delighted by interactive displays and the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. The Wetland Centre hosts numerous educational events throughout the year, including guided tours, bird watching walks and pond dipping sessions. This renowned nature reserve is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a day out in the natural beauty of Wales.
Plantasia
This botanical garden and animal exhibit boasts an extensive collection of exotic plants, from carnivorous to tropical and is home to a variety of exotic creatures, including meerkats, monkeys and reptiles. Visitors can wander along winding paths, crawl through the undergrowth or come face to face with pythons and tarantulas. With hands-on experiences like animal encounters and feedings, all geared towards educating visitors about the importance of conservation and the role plants play in sustaining our ecosystem. A great day out with the kids featuring Wales’ only Crocodile Feeding experience.
