School's nearly out for summer so we've put together a handy guide to five great family days out in North Wales over the holidays.

We're spoilt for choice here in Flintshire and Wrexham, with a whole host of places on our doorsteps or a short drive, bus or train journey away.

So if you're stressing over how to keep the kids occupied - and away from their screens - over the long summer break, then take a look at our ideas below.

I'm a stressed out parent, get me out of here!

Follow in the footsteps of Ant and Dec at Gwrych Castle

The Leader: The living quarters and external view of Gwrych Castle. First picture: ITV

Stunning Gwrych Castle in Abergele, location of last year's hit ITV reality show, I'm A Celebrity, is well worth a visit for a walk around the grounds.

Follow in the foosteps of Ant and Dec by visiting the Grade 1-Listed gothic castle, which is reputedly haunted.

It played host to a group of brave celebs, including Radio 1 DJ Jordan North and presenter and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2020 series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here.

Gwrych Castle is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm with last admission at 4pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, with under threes free. A family ticket for two adults and three children costs £15.

For more info about Gwrych Castle, you can visit the website here.

https://www.gwrychcastle.co.uk/

Take a leisurely stroll around historic Erddig

The Leader: BBC Antiques Roadshow at Erddig Hall Wrexham..cc260718A..Landmark GV Erddig.

If you fancy pretending you're to the manor born then take a stroll around stunning Erddig, a National Trust property just outside Wrexham.

Erddig is a top spot for a bit of fresh air and beautiful scenery and if you're a National Trust member then it's free.

The house itself may not be open just yet due to Covid restrictions, but you can still explore the gardens, including the popular Wolf's Den adventure play area.

And if you're making a day of it, you can pack a picnic or visit the cafe for a bite to eat. The gift shop is also open.

There's a heck of a lot of history to absorb or you could just soak up the atmosphere in the extensive landscaped grounds of this historic building, which was once home to the Yorke family.

Erddig is open from 10am-5pm every day.

You do need to book by 3pm on the day before you visit, with tickets costing £9 for an adult and £4.50 for children aged five to 17 and a family ticket for two adults and up to three children costing £35.

For more information visit the website.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

Enjoy a fairytale visit to Bodnant Garden

The Leader: Stepping stones at Bodnant Gardens. Picture: Gwenda Roberts

Another popular location for a great day out is the world-famous Bodnant Garden in Conwy, which is another National Trust property.

Get the kids away from electronic devices and out exploring the beautiful fairytale-esque surroundings of this 80 acre garden, which is nestled on a hillside in the Snowdonian foothills of North Wales.

You'll be spoilt for choice, with a chance to wander through wildflower meadows, along flower festooned terraces or past riverside dells.

Why not pack a picnic or refreshments are available via the tearoom or the riverside refreshment kiosk.

The garden is open from 9.30am-5pm daily.

Do bear in mind that, just like Erddig, you will need to book tickets by 3pm on the day before you visit. Tickets cost £14 for adults and £7 for children, while a family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £35 or one adult and up to three children will pay £21. National Trust members get free entry.

For more information visit the website.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

Have a wild time at Welsh Mountain Zoo

The Leader: The £1million enclosure for the Snow Leopards is complete. Pictures: Welsh Mountain Zoo

A trip over to Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay will give your little ones or even not-so-little ones a chance to get up close to some real wild life.

You can see more than 140 different species of animals, from Sumatran tigers, snow leopards and penguins to chimpanzees, bearded dragons and alligators.

There's also a children's farm section for youngsters, with a chance to see guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits. If you're feeling hungry, head along to the Safari restaurant or the Zoolicious sweet shop. There's also the Zoovenirs gift shop if you want a memento of your day.

The zoo is open from 9.30am-6pm daily until October 30, with the last admission at 4.50pm. Tickets must be pre-booked up to 9.30am on the day of your visit. They cost £14.39 (or £15.87 with Gift Aid) for adults and £10.83 (or £11.92 with Gift Aid) for children. Under 3s go free.

To find out more, visit the website.

https://www.welshmountainzoo.org/visit/find-us

Connect with nature at RSPB Conwy

The Leader: RSPB Conwy nature reserve. Picture: RSPB North Wales

Ditch the electronic devices and immerse yourself in nature as you enjoy some old school 'tweets', courtesy of our feathered friends in this gem of a place.

This scenic wetland, which is next to the Conwy estuary, is home to a whole host of wildlife, including the exotically-titled black-tailed godwit, lapwings, sedge warblers and colourful shelducks.

Keep an eye out for the Carneddau ponies too, who may well be grazing as you wander around.

Take a leisurely stroll along the board walks and soak up the sights and sounds of nature all around you. You may even spot some waders and water birds in the reserve's two lagoons, especially from August right through to March.

Kids can also pick up a special nature bingo card from the visitor centre or do a self-guided activity trail.

There's a cafe and picnic area plus a gift shop for souvenirs.

The car park is open from 9am-5pm, with the welcome hub and shop open from 9.30am-5pm.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children, with a family ticket for two adults and up to three children costing £15. Entry is free for under 5s and RSPB members.

For more information visit the website.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/conwy/