Historic Places of Interest in and around Cardiff that are Great for Kids!
St Fagans National History Museum
St Fagans National History Museum, also known as the Welsh Folk Museum, is located in the village of St Fagans. It’s an open air museum that chronicles the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people (Wikipedia).
Best of all St Fagans is free! They’re open daily from 10am-5pm. The site is currently undergoing redevelopment, but the open-air museum and historic buildings remain open (apart from Garreg Fawr, Llwyn-yr-eos). For more information about the redevelopment click here. The main points of focus are to create a striking entrance to welcome visitors. They also plan to create activity and event spaces, an auditorium and better facilities for schools, as well as a dedicate research space where you can study the collections on site. Plus a café with views across the site and access to a new play area.
One of the most exciting developments in my opinion is that there will also be a brand new eco-friendly building with facilities for craft workshops and open-air performances.
So, what does St Fagans have to offer?
The 16th century castle (manor house) is truly magnificent to look at. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it really is stunning. You’re free to explore inside and look at the artwork, furniture and various rooms. Of course this is just one of the many historical buildings there are to explore. There’s also the Kennixton, which is a typical farmhouse from Gower in South Wales. It’s eye catching blood red walls were thought to protect against evil spirits.
One of my favourite set of buildings are the six homes that travel through time. From 1805 to 1985, the Rhyd-y-Car Ironworkers houses are fantastic and I’m not sure why, but I love the way they smell!
You can take in all the rooms, furniture and objects that illustrate what life was like during the different periods of history in Merthyr Tydfil – where our twins were born, but also one of the most important iron-manufacturing towns in the world in the 19th century.
There’s also the Derwen Bakehouse, Gorse Mill, Gwalia Stores, Maestir School and lots more building to explore!
Aside from the buildings, St Fagans offers up a real taste of nature. You can take a walk through the wonderful beech woodland and learn about the wildlife with the hands-on nature trail. You can find minibeasts and learn how to be a wildlife tracker!
I remember going to St Fagans when I was little with the school and we were allowed to dress in historical clothes. It was plenty of fun!
There are also animals such as sheep and pigs, plus tractor rides. There’s a park for children to play in, a shop and a café, plus plenty of greenspaces for children and adults to explore. It’s always worth checking the ‘What’s on’ page as there’s always something going on!
National Museum Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff is a museum and an art gallery. It’s free to visit and has lots of different exhibitions to discover.
Every Friday during term time they have toddler time, which runs from 1.30pm-4pm. This is free event where you’ll find special boxes of toys, games and books hidden in different galleries to help parents and children aged 1-4 explore the museum through play. There are also activities in the Clore centre each week and you can join them from 3pm for a story of song in a new part of the museum each week. There are different themes each week such as space and woodland.
The National Museum Cardiff has a busy programme of exhibitions and events so there’s bound to be something for everyone!
I think one of the most popular exhibitions has to be the dinosaur exhibition. The Evolution of Wales exhibition starts in space with the big bang and takes you on a 4,600 million-year journey, brining you face to face with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths along with way!
There’s lots of natural history where you can witness Wale’s diverse history on an expedition that begins at the seashore and ends in the mountains. The Clore Discovery Centre offers hands on exploration of museum objects such as insects, fossils and Bronze Age weapons.
The National Museum Cardiff also offers a café which uses welsh product whenever possible. There’s also a gift shop.
The museum is an ideal place for a family visit. Plus you don’t need to worry about pushing your buggy around or carrying bags and coats around as you can leave your buggy in the buggy park and make use of the lockers which are just £1 (refundable).
Castell Coch
The fairy-tale castle that is Castell Coch is built above the village of Tongwynlais in South Wales. It’s a 19th century gothic revival castle and it’s also a very popular wedding venue
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| Castell Coch. Photo courtesy of Joshua Lynam |
You do have to pay to go into the castle, but I would say it’s worth it. Adults are just £6.00. Children are £4.20, or you can buy a family ticket for £16.20.
Upon entering Castell Coch you arrive in the cobbled courtyard. Follow the steep stairs up and you can explore the exquisitely decorated rooms.
If you don’t want to go inside, you can always explore the grounds for free. The woodland walks are just beautiful on a warm summers day.
2 Comments
Mellissa Williams
May 23, 2016 at 7:53 am
I love St Fagans. I used to take children there when I was working in a school. I haven't been to Castle Coch for years but remember it is beautiful inside with painted animals all over the walls
kerry norris
May 24, 2016 at 7:51 am
This is a great post. We recently went to Castell Coch and loved it. I haven't been to the museum in a while so I'll have to go but will save it for a rainy day x