Thinking about family plans for half term? Here’s a few ideas:
Coed y Brenin, 15 minutes drive from Graig Wen, is a firm family favourite. Thousands of acres of forest, pristine rivers and waterfalls make for a giant adventure playground. And it’s all free! Watch a short film here.
Bounce Below is the new attraction that so many children are excited about – and it’s fab fun and quite a work out for adults too. Hidden underground in a 176-year old disused slate cavern that is twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral, you will find this subterranean playground, installed with huge ‘bouncy nets’! These trampoline like nets are hung within two vast chambers at different levels, the highest being 180 feet up from the bottom of the cavern, linked together by walkways and slides. The walls of Bounce Below are covered with technicolored lights revealing the beauty of the underground cavern and add to the already unique experience. Bounce Below is about 30 minutes drive from Graig Wen. Advance booking is essential!
Climb a castle – Wales has more castles than any other country in Europe – at least 500! The magnificent castles of Harlech, Caernarfon and Conwy are all within easy reach. Our closest castle is a real hidden treasure. Castell y Bere is a beautiful 30 minute drive around the coast into a secret valley. Entry is free and it’s one of our favourite spots for a winter picnic.
Take a steam train – The Ffestiniog Railway runs during half term and you get great views of the mountains when the trees are not in leaf. Just 5 minutes down the road from Graig Wen you can ride the Fairbourne steam railway along the beach and enjoy the sweeping Mawddach estuary views. The shop is also a delight for young train enthusiasts!
Watch the birdies! Take a wander down to the Mawddach Estuary on our doorstep and you’ll see and hear birds from Little Egret to Curlew, Herons to Oystercatchers, Tawny Owls and swawking Jays. If you want to go to one of the RSPB reserves in the area then they often have family events at Ynys-Hir, which was recently used as the venue for BBC SpringWatch. Or just walk from here at Graig Wen to the seaside at Barmouth along the flat Mawddach Trail. You’re bound to see plenty of birds en route for a hot chocolate or fish and chips! There’s plenty of cafes and other family friendly places to eat out open for business in the winter. Check availability of our family friendly holiday cottages at Graig Wen here.