New adventures for 2018 – 10 families on the one place in South Wales they want to visit for the first time this year

As you’ll know from reading Cardiff Mummy Says or following us on Instagram, we love exploring the attractions of South Wales. We have plenty of favourites we like visit time after time. But it’s good to explore new-to-us places too. In fact, Cardiff Daddy and I have set ourselves the challenge of visiting one new local place per month with our family this year.

We’re currently putting together a wish list of adventures to have in and around Cardiff. It got me wondering what places other local families would like to visit for the first time so I asked a few local bloggers for one place they’ve never been to before but which they’d love to visit this year.

Here are their suggestions, plus one each from me and Cardiff Daddy.

Is there anywhere you’ll be visiting this year with the family for the first time?

Do let me know in the comments below; on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page or you can tweet me on @cardiffmummy

Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, near Bridgend

“I remember going to the sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr as a child and it’s been on my list of places to visit with my own children for years but we’ve so far not made it. The beach and dunes are a site of scientific interest and an important wildlife habitat – but I think my children will be most impressed that they can go sledging down the dunes.”

Cathryn mum of three children age 8, 6 and 3, from Cardiff. I blo at Cardiff Mummy Says.

Photo by Debbie of An Organised Mess. Read her review of Merthyr Mawr here.

Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons

“I’ve climbed Pen-y-Fan a few times – but my children have never been there. They’ve always asked lots of questions about what it’s like to climb a mountain and have seen photos of it so I’m hoping this year we can get the three of them to climb the mountain. And hopefully without too much moaning or bribery too!”

Jon (AKA Cardiff Daddy), dad of three children age 8, 6 and 3, from Cardiff

Photo by Sally of Bear and Cardigan. Read about her adventure climbing Pen y Fan here.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales Carmarthenshire

“After a visit to the Eden Project a few years ago, I feel ashamed that I’ve never paid a visit to Wales’ very own tropical paradise. The glass structure looks amazing and worth the visit in itself and I’m sure the boy will love running around and exploring the plants.”

Paul dad of one age 2 from Caerphilly. He blogs at Cheeky Dad Blog

Photo by Alana of Baby Holiday. 

St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff

“We were meant to go to St Fagans in September 2017 but due to renovation works and then the subsequent decorating to our house we never got to go – it took longer than we thought. I’ve heard such fab things about it, and that it’s a great day out for families.” 

Hayley mum of two age 4 and 3 from near Llanelli. She blogs at Winging It With Two Boys

Read my review of St Fagans here.

Bute Park, Cardiff

“I’d like to take my children to Bute Park in the centre of Cardiff this year. We often visit Cardiff but have never been further into the park than Pettigrew Tea Rooms. I’d like to hire bikes to exolplore the Taff Trail or go on a boat trip to the Bay.”

Alana, mum of two age 3.5 and 18 months, from Llanelli. She blogs at Baby Holiday.

Read my review of Bute Park here.

Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfalls, near Neath

“Aberdulais Falls has been on my to-do list for years, but we’ve never made it there. As the children are now a little older and love the outdoors, 2018 seems like a good time to take them there. It’s a National Trust place and we joined last summer so we’ll be excited to use the membership to visit.”

Kerry-Lynne, mum of two children age 6 and 3, from Bridgend. She blogs at KerryLynne

Photo by Kelly Allen Writer. 

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary Abercrave, Brecon Beacons

“We have often visited the Henrhydd falls and seen the road signs for the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary but never been. I recently watched Sue Perkins visiting a sanctuary in America and it reminded me. I think my grandson would love it.”

Sally grandmother of two children, age 3 and newborn, from Cardiff. She blogs at Teddy Bears and Cardigans 

Read my review of the monkey sanctuary here 

Roath Park, Cardiff

“I’d love to go to Roath Park. I’ve seen so many photos of it on social media – such as the lake and the lighthouse and the enormous slide – and it looks lovely.”

Jo, mum of one child age 5, from Merthyr. She blogs at First Time Valley Mam

Cosmeston Lakes, near Penarth

Caerphilly Castle

“We have never visited Caerphilly Castle. It has a fantastic dragon hunt that you do via an app and it looks so impressive.”

Sarah, mum of one child, age 9, who lives in Ystrad Mynach. She blogs at Well Isn’t This Novel. 

Read our review of Caerphilly Castle here

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon

Cardiff Castle

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