Cheap or free days out in South Wales this summer holiday

So, here are some family-friendly days out in South Wales, which are all free or relatively cheap to visit:

St Fagan’s National Museum of History, Cardiff

St Fagans National Museum of History has been Wales's most popular heritage attraction for many years.

More than 50 historic buildings from all over Wales have been re-built at the museum including a Victorian school, a medieval church and a Workmen’s Institute.

Cost: Free entry 

To find out more head to https://museum.wales/stfagans/

Lido Ponty, Pontypridd

This Grade II-listed lido has three heated swimming pools, offering great opportunities for families, dedicated swimmers and social swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Its restored features include the 1920s turnstiles and wooden cubicles, alongside the newly-built Waterside Café.

Cost: Free for children under the age of 16 and £2 per adult.

Find out at https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/SportsandLeisure/Lido/Home.aspx

Amelia Trust Farm, Barry

A registered charity care farm as well as being a donkey sanctuary.

You can spend time down at the pond or bird spotting in the Bird Hide, take the kids to play in the play areas, or enjoy a picnic in the Picnic Shelter or hire a barbecue.

Entrance charges currently apply during weekdays and weekends for safety reasons — £4.30 per person and must be booked in advance and no charge for children under 12 months old. 

To find out more head to https://ameliatrust.org.uk/

Brecon Beacons

This National Park is loved for its big green open spaces which offer miles and miles of wonderful walking.

Brecon Beacons has a year round programme on food and drink, with stalls from local producers and free musical entertainment.

To find out more head to https://www.breconbeacons.org/

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Penarth

Water and wildfowl, large open areas for a picnic, a fantasy play area for kids, a café in the park, loads of parking and another restaurant nearby – the Ego at Schooner Inn.

You can also buy some bird seed for £1 a bag.

Parking charges start on Monday, July 19. 

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Cwmcarn Forest, Caerphilly 

After being closed for six years, visitors are now able explore all seven miles of the new-look Forest Drive by car following the completion of major restoration and improvement works

Whether you want walking trails or a leisurely stroll, Cwmcarn Forest has it all, from challenging hill climbs up Twmbarlwm to gentle walks around the forest.

Costs: £8 for a car, £4 for a motorbike, £15 for a minibus and £30 for a coach

To find out more head to https://www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk/

Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary

Malcolm Jones who runs the Owl Sanctuary in Ebbw Vale with Ffion a 7 week old South African Spotted Eagle Owl

It's free to visit the sanctuary, at Festival Park, which was established in 1998 for the rehabilitation and care for injured, abandoned uncared for wild owls, hawks and falcons, with the main aim of caring for these animals until they can be released back into the wild.

Cost: Free entry 

To find out more head to https://www.theowlsanctuary.co.uk/

Blaenavon Ironworks

It is one of the best-preserved ironworks in the world and is the setting for BBC drama Coal House. The ruined furnaces are still visible as are the remains of the foundry, cast house and water balance tower.

There are exhibitions and advanced interpretation features as well as reconstructions to give a detailed insight into the industry.

Free tickets must be booked online for entry to the site.

To find out more head to https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/blaenavon-ironworks