Children will not be complaining of boredom this Bank Holiday Weekend as a whole host of events arrive in Gwent for the Bank Holiday Weekend. From a teddy bear’s picnic at a railway to a First World War fair in Blaenavon, there are sure to be plenty of events to keep the whole family entertained.

WHILE the weather looks set to be mainly dry, families hoping to get out in the fresh air can head to the spectacular Raglan Castle where Cadw is hosting an impressive Tudor weekend.

From Sunday, May 24 to Monday, May 25, children can have a go at archery, try on traditional Tudor costumes and watch a re-enactment of the Battle of Bosworth when King Richard III met his sticky end.

Henry VIII will also be roaming the grounds of the castle and older visitors can enjoy a traditional Tudor brewery where revellers can enjoy various ales and meads before they enjoy a hog roast.

Raglan Castle is a perfect choice to host the Tudor event thanks to its proud Tudor History – the castle housed King Henry VII when he was a child. The castle’s former owner, Sir Charles Somerset, was also chamberlain to Henry VIII.

Jane McIlquham, custodian at Raglan Castle, said: “The Tudor Weekend is set to be a marvellous event with a variety of quirky activities and visual spectacles on offer to help our visitors travel back in time and re-live Raglan’s rich Tudor past.”

Also outside, fans of more recent history may enjoy the First World War Springtime fair being held at Blaenavon Ironworks from today (Saturday, May 23) until Sunday.

The historic site is to host an old-style Edwardian family funfair with traditional rides such as a waltzer, swing boats, “strongest man” striker and a coconut shy.

Craft and weaponry demonstrations as well as a First World War military re-enactment will also be shown throughout the day.

Also in Blaenavon, the Heritage Railway is hosting its teddy bear’s picnic three-day event all weekend. As well as a teddy bear hunt, there will be a quiz and of course a picnic.

Those looking for something indoors in case of poor weather, a calmer weekend activity may be charity Project Linus’ blanket-making day at Duffryn Community Centre today. The quilts, which are made on the day by adults and children from all walks of life, will be given to children in need.

Also indoors is the National Roman Legion Museum’s Slings and Arrows event, which starts on Monday and carries on all through half term.

The daily workshops invite youngsters to have a go at making Roman weapons including catapults, and families can also try their hand at archery in the garden.

SATURDAY

Newport Museum and Art Gallery, on John Frost Square, in Newport, invites families to their free family and toddler trail where children can hunt for knights hiding around the gallery from 9.30am.

For parents hoping to burn some of their children’s energy, Newport International Sports Village is holding a family tennis morning from 10.30am to 12pm. Child admission cost £1.05 and adults admission cost £2.10.

Children aged between eight and 10 are invited to Blaenavon Library’s Chatterbooks group from 10.30am to 11.30am. Children can have fun with books, try new stories and take part in craft activities. For more information contact 01495 742802.

The two-day First World War springtime fair comes to Blaenavon Ironworks today until Sunday with a re-enactment of military and social life at the time. Local historians will join family history research experts to ensure young and old can learn something new. The event is in support of the Royal British Legion. For more information, call 01495 792263.

The Blaenavon Heritage Railway’s teddy bears picnic starts today from 11am to 4.45pm, running until Monday. Children can enjoy rides on the railway’s steam trains as well as take part in quizzes and of course the picnic itself. The event is free although there are fees for train rides.

Charity Project Linus is inviting people to Duffryn Community Centre from 10am to 4pm today for a fun day of making blankets, which will then be donated to Children in Need. The day costs £5. For more information contact 01633 810801.

St Mary’s Church in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, will be holding its May Fair today from 2pm. Entry costs 50p and includes tea and biscuits. There will be a variety of stalls including cakes, flowers and toys.

Treowen Stars Ground in Newbridge is hosting a family fun day today from 12pm to 7pm which will offer face painting, a bouncy castle, a teddy mountain, penalty shoot out competitions, a junior football match, a barbecue, bar, live music and a DJ. Admission is free.

Blaenavon’s Big Pit is holding a guided bug hunt walk today from 11.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm at Coity Tip. Organisers are inviting families to “discover what lives on Coity Tip”. Visitors are to meet at the Big Pit reception. To book, if places are available, call 02920 57 3650.

SUNDAY

For families with older children who might enjoy walking, the South Gwent Ramblers leave Newport Civic Centre’s lower car park at 9.30am on Sunday for a 10 mile walk at Llanellen and Usk Valley.

The Tudor Weekend begins today and invites families to come and find out more about the Wars of the Roses at this living history event. Historian Emma Knight will be giving a talk on the ‘Real Anne Boleyn’, as well as appearances by Henry VIII and a Beefeater. The event, which runs from 11am to 4pm, costs £4.50 for adults and £3.40 for senior citizens, students and children under 16.

Steam engine fans may enjoy the annual Abergavenny Steam Rally which arrives in the town on Sunday. Life size and model engines are on display, including early tractors, farming machinery and stationary engines. There will also be a birds of prey display. The event is at Bailey Park, Abergavenny, from 9.30am to 6pm. Adults admission costs £6, 12-17 year olds and OAPs admission is £3 and children up to 11 years go free.

MONDAY

Newport Council suggests keen walkers may like to complete the Usk Valley Walk which follows the river valley for 50 miles between the Ship Inn in Caerleon and Brecon. The route is very well marked with yellow arrows.

The Friends of the Newport Transporter Bridge are inviting families to its fun day today. The event has a superheroes fancy dress them and there will be refreshments and a raffle. Visitors will also be able to walk across the bridge.

Blaenavon’s Big Pit National Coal Museum is holding a nature detective trail all this week [Monday 25 to Friday 29]. Visitors can pick up a nature detectives sheet and find out more about the history and biodiversity of Coity Tip. Admission is free.

Those interested in Roman life and weapons can go along to the Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon from today until Friday, May 29 from 11am to 3pm for the Slings and Arrows event. Children can make a working model of a catapult and have a go at archery in the garden. The workshop costs £2 and will teach youngsters about how the Romans used weapons. For more information call 02920 573550.