National Trust Cymru is hosting a week of fun-filled activities and Jubilee events this May half term in North Wales.
There are Welsh castles to explore, parks and woodlands with wildlife to spot and hours of fun in wild play areas.
May half-term is perfect for getting close to nature with the family and having a go at some of the '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'.
Discover all sorts of half term events and activities at places in Wales for your kids to let their imaginations run wild.
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Read more: The City of Wrexham: History made as city status is granted for jubilee.
This May half-term, young explorers can run off some steam in two play areas at Home Farm or pick from a variety of family-friendly walks through the woodlands – it’s the ideal spot to tick off some ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities.
Explore the parkland at your own pace, spot wildlife from the quiet bird hides along the way with benches to rest weary feet at Home Farm, Kitchen Garden and in the meadow.
From Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, step back in time to the 1950's to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Chirk Castle. Dress up for a royal family photo under the Jubilee Arbour, play traditional games and enjoy Punch and Judy shows in the garden on Thursday and Friday.
Pack a picnic, round up friends and family and enjoy a celebratory lunch outdoors, or indulge in a traditional afternoon tea on the lawn. A tea tent in the garden will be serving refreshments, Victoria sponge and Jubilee cake pops throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
Erddig, Wrexham
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Children of all ages will enjoy hours of fun in the Wolf’s Den, Erddig’s natural play area. Let your little explorers run wild as they wobble over balance beams, let loose on rope swings or have a go at building a den out of sticks.
Spot spring lambs playing in the fields, look out for ducklings and Coot chicks around the garden Fishpond and Swans on the lake in French Meadow. Take the family-friendly waymarked red trail into Big Wood to spot Kingfishers along the Black Brook. Listen out for the colourful Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, or you may even be treated to a glimpse of its timid relative, the Green Woodpecker.
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Erddig with Punch and Judy shows throughout the four-day Bank Holiday weekend from June 2-5 with a tea tent serving up traditional cream teas.
On Thursday and Friday there will also be live music in the garden.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
At Penrhyn Castle you will find lots to keep the whole family entertained in May half-term. From Saturday, 28 May to Sunday, 5 May, follow the sensory trail or pick up a spotter sheet to learn about the wildlife supported by meadows. Learn about the value of wildlife, spot some honeybees, swoop like swallows and discover more about meadows.
For families who prefer a longer walk, head to Cwt Ogwen hide and the natural woodland play area at Rook Wood. From there, you can also stroll along the boardwalk that runs along Afon Ogwen, with views towards Bethesda and Y Carneddau mountains.
Read more: Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with song – Male voice choir to hold a concert
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey
Be inspired by stories and history at Plas Newydd this May half term. In the house discover the hidden secrets in Rex Whistler’s famous 17.5-meter-long mural. Talks take place on Thursday and Friday mornings, 11am-11.30am and are suitable for all ages. Booking essential.
The Adventure playground in Dairy Wood is perfect for a wild time with the family and great for ticking off some of the '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'. Go exploring in Dairy Wood and find a secluded spot to create your den tucked away amongst the trees in the Arboretum. See how many kinds of trees you can see?
Read more: The best spots in North Wales for bluebells are revealed by National Trust Cymru
Bring a Frisbee from home or purchase one from the shop and see if you can master the Frisbee golf course that is open every day.
Throw your Frisbee and try to land it in the basket – it’s not as easy as it sounds.
For more information, or to plan your visit, head to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales
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