St Fagans National Museum of History

See Welsh heritage brought to life on a fantastic free day out with the children in South Wales at the award-winning St Fagans National Museum of History. This hugely popular heritage attraction on the outskirts of Cardiff is one of Europe’s leading open-air museums.

Standing in the 100-acre parkland of the impressive St Fagans Castle, the museum opened to the public in 1948. Today visitors can see over 40 original buildings dating from different historical periods. All have been re-erected. There are houses, mills, St Teilo’s Church, a farm, post office, tannery, tollhouse, Workmen’s Institute and more. Find out why Kennixton, a Gower farmhouse, has red walls. Take a whirlwind tour through home life from 1805 to 1985 at the Rhyd-y-Car Terrace of ironworkers’ cottages.

The range of traditional crafts and activities means there is plenty to engage children’s imaginations. They will be fascinated to visit workshops and watch craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills. Spot native breeds of livestock in the fields and watch farming tasks at daily displays. Take time to watch the resident blacksmith at work, find out how a water-driven corn mill operates and pop into the Gwalia Stores or Derwen Bake House. Visitors can hear Welsh used amongst craftsmen and interpreters.

Allow time to enjoy a family walk in the glorious beech woodland and find out more about wildlife on the nature trail. Encourage the kids to look for minibeasts and discover how Celts used trees to build houses. You’ll find more than enough family things to do!

There is an imaginative play area, which is inspired by the collections. Equipment includes swings, a climbing frame, slide and storytelling seating area for younger visitors to enjoy. An exciting programme of special events and kids activities runs throughout the year.

Please see the website of Museum Wales to find out what’s on when you are visiting.