Summer days out in North Wales Family days out in North

Summer holidays are almost here and National Trust Cymru have a whole host of events and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Explore vast Welsh castles, get stuck in with Summer of Play activities, or let off steam in natural play areas with National Trust Cymru this summer. With fun-filled activities and exciting events, there are plenty of great family days out to be had in Wales this summer. What’s more, Starling Bank are sponsoring the charity’s Summer of Play offer, meaning some places have new and exciting activities.

Tick off some ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities, get your heart racing with different sporty challenges, or balance and swing your way into summer as you explore their outdoor play areas.

Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham

Chirk Castle’s new summer experience awaits with a Medieval twist. Get ready to jump, climb, run and skip through bales, because this year the centrepiece of Chirk Castle’s Summer of Play is a huge straw bale castle. Within the straw fortress lies four unique play zones where you can discover different ways to play, be active, engage your senses and have fun. On selected weekends, there will also be archery and fencing sessions.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

Uncover more about the farmlands that once stood at Penrhyn Castle through a series of games, quizzes and activities this summer.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey: From making friends with bugs to building a den, connect with nature as you tick off some ‘50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ activities. Afterwards explore the adventure playground and newly restored tree house or try your hand at frisbee golf.

Plas yn Rhiw, Llŷn Peninsula: Enjoy a relaxing day out as you explore this picture-perfect cottage garden with glorious sea views. Little ones can run wild in the meadow or reconnect with nature as they take on the pollinator trail. Booking essential.

There are also two play areas to explore, the natural woodland play area can be found through a secret archway in the car park while the Adventure Playground can be found nestled amongst the woods near the Walled Garden. There’s plenty to see and do and what’s more, every visit help to support the National Trust Cymru’s work as a charity looking after special places for everyone, for ever.

Most offers begin on 22 July unless otherwise stated. Normal admission applies (National Trust members for free). For more information, or to plan your visit, head to the website.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham: Discover a historic estate with veteran trees and quiet bird hides, let off steam as you explore the two play areas, or get your heart racing as you challenge your family and friends to a game of tennis, quoits or badminton in the garden.

No visit would be complete without an exploration of the Medieval castle itself, with stunning gardens, preserved dungeons and state rooms fit for a king.

Erddig, Wrexham

Get active at Erddig this summer and put the whole family to the test with competitive games on the lawn. Whether it’s weaving wheelbarrows on the West Front, teaming up in relay, or racing around the Timber Yard on tricycles, there’s something to keep all ages occupied.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor: Follow a ribbon trail through the wood or hop and skip your way through the wild meadow; there’s plenty of activities to keep little ones active. Don’t miss the natural play area, swallow sculpture trail or, on Thursdays, the chance to try a spot of tennis on the Chapel Lawn.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy: Fire young imaginations as you jump over steppingstones, play pooh sticks in the Dell or spot wildflowers in Old Park meadow. That’s not all, there’s the Play Park to explore too with zig-zag walkways, a mini suspension bridge, and rope walks.

On selected days there will also be art workshops and the award-winning storyteller Jake Evans returns with three magical sessions of storytelling that will keep little ones gripped to their seats.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Erddig, Wrexham: Enjoy hours of fun as you wobble over balance beams, build dens and let loose on rope swings in Wolf’s Den, the natural play area. If that’s not enough, join award-winning storyteller Jake Evans on an active adventure every Wednesday throughout August.

Get the family together and complete all the activity stations throughout the garden at Plas Newydd this summer. Have a go at flying a kite, play giant Jenga and other garden games. Families can also go head-to-head in a game of frisbee golf, a firm favourite with visitors, and little ones will love exploring the treehouse.

The Adventure Playground in Dairy Woods is the perfect place to let off some steam at Plas Newydd. Nestled in the woods you’ll find a big climbing frame with a slide, climbing wall, tunnels and bridges, but you’ll need to complete the obstacle course to get to it!

@NTWales www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales

Wednesday 16th

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Experience Shakespeare’s comic tale of marriage, wealth, jealousy and lies, filled with live music and colourful characters. £12 child (under 16), £15 adult, £48 family of four. Port Sunlight Village. W: www.portsunlightvillage.com

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships

An exciting five-day young-horse showcase taking place near Chester. 16th-20th August. W: www.bolesworth.com

Thursday 17th

Circus Skills with Hula Fun

Enjoy a fun-packed circus workshop and learn all the skills you need to become a circus sensation. From hula hoops, spinning plates and juggling balls, to bucket stilts, flower sticks and gymnastic ribbons, there’ll be plenty of activities to keep you moving. Running at 11am and 2pm. Gordale Garden Centre, Chester High Road. £8.50 per child, two for £16, book online. W: www.gordale.co.uk

Denbigh and Flint Show and Food Festival

Main Ring attractions feature

The Stannage Stunt Team and Shetland Pony Grand National, plus much more. Not to be missed vintage tractor display, food festival, dog show, show jumping, live music, livestock exhibits and light horse show. Hundreds of trade stands for you to visit. The Green, Denbigh, LL16 4UB. W: www.denbighandflintshow.com

Saturday 19th

Family Fun Weekend

Gordale Garden Centre has been growing with your family since 1948, so this year they are celebrating their 75th birthday. Go along for a weekend of family fun with children’s entertainment, delicious food, music and more. Also on 20th August. 11am-4pm. Gordale Garden Centre, Chester High Road. Book online. W: www.gordale.co.uk

US Auto Show

Returning to Oulton Park in 2023 for a second successive season, with another flat-out day devoted to the raw power of American motoring. Including a range of themed attractions to create a spectacular family day out.

W: www.oultonpark.co.uk

Passion for Power Classic Motor Show

An eclectic mix of powerful and unique performance cars, from Ferraris to Lamborghinis. There will also be live entertainment and a funfair. Tatton Park, Knutsford.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

Bubble Trouble Workshops

Learn how to make super-sized bubbles, square bubbles, and even try to get a person inside a bubble in this workshop bursting with fun! 12.30 and 3pm. Running until 3rd September. Catalyst Science Discovery Centre Museum. W: www.catalyst.org.uk

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Thursday 24th

Hey Duggee Family Fun Day

Join Duggee as he explores the Bury Transport Museum! The family fun continues with a selection of fun fair rides, face painting and craft activities. Complete your day out with a ride with one of the heritage steam or diesel trains through the Irwell Valley. Also on 25th August. Tickets online. W: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Saturday 26th

Summer Country Fare at the Farm

A weekend of traditional English fayre and fun. Traditional country crafts, food and drink plus demonstrations and a daily programme of activities to take part in. 26th-28th August. Tatton Park, Knutsford. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

Family Fun Day in Port Sunlight

A fun day in Port Sunlight filled with children’s entertainment, games and activities on the Museum Green. Free. W: www.portsunlightvillage.com

Sunday 27th

Knights’ Tournament

Don’t miss the thrilling Knights’ Tournament at Beeston Castle on the 27th & 28th August, where swords will clash as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill! Book online and save 10%, search Beeston Castle.

September

Sunday 3rd

Classic & Performance Motor Show

Cheshire will be treated to displays of classic cars, light commercials, motorcycles, kit cars, custom, modern classics, and classic Land Rovers, as well as an exciting auto jumble and a host of trade stands. Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich.

W: www.arleyhallandgardens.com

Friday 8th

Heritage Open Days

Join a fascinating talk and tour of Port Sunlight’s historic Gladstone Theatre, explore Bridge Cottage and step back to wartime Port Sunlight inside the Church Hall to join in family activities and meet people in costume. Also on 9th and 11th September. Free.

W: www.portsunlightvillage.com

Fun Dog Show at the Farm

Ten novelty classes including Saddest Eyes, Waggiest Tail and Scruffiest Dog, plus a fun agility course (try it if you’re fit enough!). ‘Show Champion’ trophy to be won and rosettes awarded up to 6th place. W: www.tattonpark.org.uk

Heritage Discovery Day

Chester Cathedral’s Heritage Discovery Day is returning for its third year! Explore the ever-popular theme of Tudors as never before in this free event. Set to include lots of interactive and engaging ways to reimagine Tudor heritage in the heart of Chester.

W: www.chestercathedral.com

Saturday 16th

Jamboree Weekend

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip…or promise!

Follow the critically acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel. Speke Hall, National Trust, Liverpool.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy an incredible discounted admission price of just £12 per person for a group of 20 or more, plus one free leader place with every nine children. Perfect for Uniformed Youth Groups such as Brownies and Scouts. Also on 17th September. Gulliver’s World Warrington.

W: www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Cheshire Steam Fair

8th & 9th JULY

Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4AS

Attractions include: West Lancs Dog Display Team, Falconr y Display, Ken Fox’s Wall of Death, Owl Adventures and a host of steam fair attractions

Astle Park Traction Engine Rally

12th & 13th AUGUST

Astle Park, Chelford, Cheshire, SK11 9AD

Attractions include: Over 80 Traction Engines, Falconr y Display, Chainsaw Car ving, Saturday Night: The legendar y Dr Busker and Huge Firework Display plus a host of rally attractions

READER OFFER - Book Tickets online and receive an additional 10% DISCOUNT - Use Promo Code: primar y www.outdoorshows.co.uk

01751 200839

Autos de France

Saturday 8 July

The revered French automotive industry will be celebrated at the Cheshire circuit with on and off-track activities catering for the motoring Francophile. There’s a full programme of racing on-track, together with a big display of French cars, demonstrations and French inspired cuisine too!

Ford Power Live

Saturday 15 July

All things Ford-related will take over the Cheshire circuit as it hosts a northern edition of the popular Ford Power Live show for the first time. Racing from the Modified Ford series and Historic Formula Fords will headline the on-track action, with a big car display dedicated to the famous blue oval marque

Tunerfest North

Saturday 22 July

Tunerfest is an adrenaline-charged event focused on high-end tuning, with hundreds of aftermarket-modified machines set to descend on the venue! Circuit action is headlined by Time Attack and the Drift Pro UK Championship. Away from the circuit you will find huge displays from car clubs!

OULTON PARK HAS A SPECTACULAR CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 2023. ALL OF OUR SUMMER MEETINGS ARE LISTED HERE, BUT FOR IN-DEPTH INFORMATION CALL US ON 0344 225 4422 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

Oulton Park Gold Cup

Friday 28 - Monday 30 July

Oulton Park’s signature historic event will feature a thrilling mix of classes from many different retro race organisers, whilst off-circuit entertainment will tie into the retro theme, including extensive classic car displays.

US AutoShow

Saturday 19 August

This exciting family-friendly event blends V8-powered headline race action with a supercharged off-track show featuring muscle cars, NASCAR demos, a Corvette anniversary race and much more.