Family Friendly Half Term Activities in North Wales
Published on 7 Oct 2024 by Amy GreenwoodAs a crisp breeze rustles through the trees and leaves collect in tempting piles, it can only mean one thing, autumn is upon us and the half term holidays are almost here. Whether you’re looking for an atmospheric autumn walk, a spooky Halloween experience, or a spot of pumpkin picking, we’ve got you covered with our selection of family-friendly half term activities to keep you occupied . . .
Castles
North Wales is known for its mediaeval castles and there was a time when the very sight of these impressive structures and their resident defending forces would’ve struck fear into the hearts of everyday folk. Today however, these same castles make for a great day out, and this autumn several of our local castles are hosting special events over the half term holidays.
On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October head to Beaumaris to take on a spooktacular children’s trail around the castle, look out for gruesome figures lurking inside, or find the resident witches in the creepy craft room and make some scary crafts to take home. The Spooktacular Halloween Trail is also running at Denbigh Castle on the same dates. Alternatively, visit Conwy Castle between the 28th October and 3rd November for a chilling escape room experience; discover the secrets of notorious Welsh magician Maldwyn mab Diafol, and test your skills by escaping the The Warlock’s Chamber.
With their spectacular settings and impressive history, the mighty coastal fortresses of Castell Harlech and Castell Caernarfon are also great choices for a family-friendly day out.
Historic Houses
If you like historic buildings and a good scare you might also enjoy Halloween at Plas Mawr. Visit on 31st October for their ‘Spooky Halloween’ event with face painting, a Halloween train, and lots of spooky fun. If you’re brave enough, why not stay for the Halloween Evening Tour. Do you dare to enter the manor after dark? Join Plas Mawr’s guides for a special evening tour with ghost stories.
Get outdoors with the National Trust. At Plas Newydd on Anglesey you can enjoy an atmospheric autumn walk, red squirrel spotting and some good old-fashioned leaf crunching. Or head to Plas yn Rhiw to explore the garden and woodland trail, have a go at making your own woodland creature with twigs and leaves, or challenge your family to a friendly competition with the woodland obstacle course.
Spooktacular Halloween Trains
Be prepared for a fright with spooktacular train rides on several of Wales’ heritage lines, grown ups can take in the ride while little ones dress up and enjoy some spooky fun!
Bala Lake Railway is running special services from Llanuwchllyn to Glan Llyn on the 30th and 31st October. Take a spooky trip down the line, stop at the haunted Flag Halt to meet the witches’ coven, before being entertained by the resident ghosts and ghouls at Glan Llyn, and finally returning to the safety of Llanuwchllyn. On Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October it’s all aboard the Talyllyn Railway in southern Eryri for a ghoulish steam train ride under the cover of darkness; put on your best Halloween outfits and prepare for a scary ‘Steam & Scream’ train trip to the creepy Dolgoch woods. Finally, Llanberis Lake Railway will be running Ghost Trains from 28th October to 2nd November – ride to Padarn Lake to help banish the ghosts from the ‘Witches Woods’ before returning to the station to claim your reward!
Fright Night
Older kids will delight in Zipword Betws-y-Coed’s ‘Ffear Forest’ scarefest. This Halloween experience takes place in a secluded woodland, offering those who dare the chance to conquer iconic Zip World adventures in the darkness of the night, whilst being chased, tormented, and terrorised by the terrifying clowns. Not one for the little ones!
Pumpkin Picking
If you fancy getting arty with some creative pumpkin carving then why not make a day out of it and head out to find the perfect pumpkin at a ‘pick your own’ farm.
Hooton’s Homegrown on Ynys Mon (Anglesey) has a huge ‘pick your own’ pumpkin field with a great range of shapes of sizes from tiny ‘munchkins’ to huge monster squashes. Hooton’s is ideally located to combine with a visit to Plas Newydd. On Pen Llyn, Ty Cynan Farm in Rhydyclafdy is offering pumpkin picking throughout October at their homegrown pumpkin patch, after you’ve found the perfect pumpkin why not enjoy a spiced latte or luxury hot chocolate, along with a delicious slice of homemade cake.
Fireworks
As half term runs into November there are also some great Bonfire Night events to look out for at the end of the holiday. Dylan’s will host the annual Criccieth Community Fireworks Night on Friday the 1st of November. The event takes place along the esplanade at Criccieth with hot food and drinks, cakes, and treats available from the Dylan’s food trailer. There’ll also be children’s events and live music, topped off with a magnificent fireworks display over the bay. Barmouth Bonfire And Fireworks Display (https://www.facebook.com/Barmouthfireworks) will take place on Saturday 2nd November and promises fun for all the family, including live music, a large bonfire, treats and games for children, and of course, an epic firework display. Finally, on Sunday 3rd November, Llandudno’s fireworks display begins at 6.30pm on the North Shore Promenade, expect a great atmosphere and an impressive display over Llandudno Bay.
