Clwyd is a historic and picturesque preserved county in northeast Wales with rich heritage, coastal resorts, and scenic landscapes.
Castell Rhuddlan is a historically significant Edwardian castle featuring a unique concentric design with twin-towered gatehouses and a deep moat, located by the River Clwyd. Visitors can explore the extensive outdoor grounds, learn about medieval military engineering, and enjoy facilities including a gift shop and refreshments. The site is accessible, child-friendly, allows dogs on short leads, and offers seasonal open times with admission charges.
Chester Roman Amphitheatre is the largest Roman amphitheatre uncovered in Britain, located in Chester, Cheshire. The outdoor site features extensive ruins dating back to the 1st century, seating around 8,000 spectators in its prime, and is managed by English Heritage. Visitors can explore the historic archaeological remains and view a mural that recreates the original structure visually.
Chester Castle in Cheshire features medieval castle remains combined with neoclassical buildings designed by Thomas Harrison, housing a military museum and Crown Court. Visitors can explore historic Norman architecture including a chapel with frescoes, extensive castle walls, and experience the castle's role through English history.
Chirk Castle is a historic Grade I listed castle and stately home in north-east Wales, built in 1295 and managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore both the castle interiors and extensive formal gardens and parkland surrounding the site. The estate also features notable landscape elements such as Offa's Dyke and has historic significance dating back to the Marcher Lords and English Civil War periods.
Chester Zoo in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, England, is one of the UK's largest and most diverse zoological collections, featuring over 35,000 animals from 500+ species across extensive outdoor habitats and impressive indoor exhibits. Visitors can explore themed zones like the Heart of Africa savannah, Islands exhibit, and Tropical Realm, with facilities including cafés, restaurants, play areas, and educational programs, making it a premier destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Plas Mawr is a Grade I listed Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy, North Wales, built between 1576 and 1585. It features rich Renaissance architectural details, original plasterwork with heraldic emblems, restored formal gardens, and serves as a museum with exhibition displays showcasing the social and architectural history of the period.
Bodnant Garden is a large National Trust hillside garden in Conwy, Wales, renowned for its extensive plant collections, historic terraces, woodland areas, and the longest Laburnum arch in the UK. Visitors can explore formal gardens, riverside areas, and woodland with a variety of rare plants and trees.
Welsh Mountain Zoo is a 37-acre zoological garden near Colwyn Bay, Wales, offering visitors an outdoor wildlife experience with various animals including endangered species, family-friendly attractions such as a Children's Farm and Adventureland, and facilities like a Lemur Walkthrough and Gibbon Heights.
12 Oct (next Monday)
A seasonal guided walk at Bodnant Garden explores autumn foliage and colour, with practical ideas and inspiration for bringing autumn interest into your own garden.
Conwy is a historic walled market town in Wales famous for its medieval castle, town walls, suspension bridge, and preserved Elizabethan architecture, offering rich cultural heritage and picturesque riverside views.
Speke Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor manor house in Liverpool, renowned for its historic timber-framed architecture, ancient yew trees, and scenic views over the Mersey estuary. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors both indoor exploration of historic rooms and outdoor gardens with walking paths.
12 Oct–8 Nov (next week)
Visitors follow an outdoor trail around the grounds of Speke Hall, completing five activities to discover a magic word and reunite the Sorceress of Speke with her lost animal familiars.
Ysbyty Ifan is a small historic village in Conwy, Wales, known for its medieval Knights of St John hospital and its location on ancient pilgrimage routes. The area features a large National Trust estate with natural moorlands and river valleys, ideal for walking and outdoor activities. The village also offers amenities such as a primary school, rugby pitch, and children's playground, reflecting a family-friendly community.