Enjoy a packed programme of adventures this May half term at places cared for by National Trust Cymru, with nature trails, creative activities and outdoor play on offer across Wales.

From castle quests and wildlife spotting to garden games, craft workshops and hands-on challenges, there are plenty of opportunities for children to get active, use their imaginations and discover the outdoors.

Whether you’re exploring historic houses, picnicking in blossom filled gardens or taking part in family-friendly trails, there’s something to keep all ages entertained.
For more information, or to plan your visit, head to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/family-friendly

North Wales

Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham

Step into the past, present and future as you journey through time at Chirk Castle. Step into the past as you build your own den and imagine life before the castle was built, explore the present by caring for nature with hands‑on challenges, and then finally, look to the future as you launch bean bags like meteorites into starry targets that hang overhead.

Afterwards, challenge family and friends to a game of badminton or quoits on the lawn, or continue your journey through time in the new courtyard garden created in partnership with Stori Brymbo and Wrexham’s science discovery centre Xplore! From fossil discoveries and nature-friendly gardening to a journey across the galaxy, there’s plenty to discover.

Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham

Celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week this half term with a buzzing programme of nature‑inspired family activities. Take on the garden quiz to discover how bees and butterflies help gardens thrive, then head to the Education Room to enjoy creative activities inspired by the natural world.

Throughout the week, there are plenty of hands‑on sessions to enjoy, from pebble pal painting (booking essential) and themed bee and butterfly crafts to felting your own bee and making a seed bomb to take home and grow to help support wildlife in your own garden. Before you leave, be sure to visit Wolf’s Den, the natural play area, where little explorers can build dens, swing on ropes and climb to their heart’s content.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

Head off on an adventure around the garden with a nature-themed spotter sheet and keep your eyes peeled for bursts of spring colour and all sorts of natural treasures along the way. How many can you find as you explore?

Throughout the week, there’s a wheelbarrow full of activities to enjoy too. Go head-to-head in garden games, get creative with nature-inspired crafts, and take a closer look at some of the creatures that call this garden home as you try pond dipping. With a sensory walk with the Head Gardener, and an opportunity to an opportunity to plant your own seed to take home, you might even discover a budding future Head Gardner along the way.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

With plenty of space to explore and play, and something new to discover at every turn, Plas Newydd is the perfect backdrop for a half term adventure. Pick up an activity booklet and capture your spring highlights through sketching, poetry and storytelling as you wander. From vibrant bursts of colour and buzzing wildlife to iconic views across the Menai Strait towards Eryri (Snowdonia), what will you capture along the way?

Before you head home, visit the natural play area in Dairy Wood where little explorers can let off steam as they tackle the obstacles, or climb to the top of the treehouse to take in the sights – it’s the perfect spot for letting little imaginations soar.

Plas yn Rhiw, Llŷn Peninsula

Have you ever slowed down and taken a closer look at the flowers, leaves and insects around you? Discover what you can find this May half term as you explore this serene hillside garden, where grassy paths wind through vibrant spring blooms and colourful blossoms frame sweeping sea views over Porth Neigwl.

Take on the pollinator trail and set off on a meadow adventure to uncover fascinating facts about bees, butterflies and other bugs, or pick up a seasonal nature spotter pack to see what plants and animals call this place home. From the cottage garden to peaceful woodland and the blossom-filled orchard, there’s plenty to explore at your own pace.

Mid Wales

Llanercharon, Ceredigion

Escape into nature this May half term as you explore this traditional Welsh estate in the heart of Ceredigion. Follow a nature-themed trail through the garden and farmyard, whizz around the lake on a balance bike, try out the brand-new toy tractor, and meet the new Guernsey cows as well as chickens, horses, sheep and pigs.

Inside the Georgian villa, there’s plenty to discover too. Uncover the story of the Lewes family who once lived at Llanerchaeron, enjoy imaginative play in the Stable Playroom, and step back in time as you explore life below stairs in the Service Courtyard, complete with its dairy, bakehouse, salting room and dry laundry.

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool

‘Power Up’ your May half term as you explore this 13th-century castle and celebrate the start of an exciting project to upgrade its historic wiring. Step inside the ornate State Rooms and take on the role of a castle electrician, tackling hands-on activities and challenges as you go. Look out for the adorable felt mice in their high-vis jackets, hidden throughout the castle as they fix wiring and carry tools in the most unexpected places.

Outside, join the Tiger Tracking Trail in the world-famous garden, with its Italianate Terraces, Edwardian Formal Garden and formal woodland. Follow the paw prints and keep your eyes peeled as you spot paws protruding from hedges, tails peeking out from behind walls and ears popping over the tops of bushes – how many tigers can you spot along the way?