Is it safe to suggest days out in the open air without the fear of torrential rain and kagoules on standby? Let’s hope so! From outdoor cinema and medieval castles to grassroots music festivals, foodie weekends and family adventures, Wales is bursting with reasons to get out and explore before summer slips away. Here’s Buzz’s pick of 20 brilliant days out across Wales.
Street Food Circus: Fantastic Fête / Harbour Feastival
St Donat’s Castle, Sat 1, Sun 2, Sat 8 + Sun 9 Aug; Saundersfoot Harbour, Fri 4-Sun 6 Sept
Over the course of two weekends, visitors to St Donat’s can fill their day with high wire circus entertainment, Mexican wrestling and a swim in the lido pool, all fuelled by the best street food that Wales has to offer. There’s a range of circus-themed activities including Chris Bullzini’s circus show, the Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners, the Incredibly Clever Canine Circus, and Fiery Jack’s family circus show. The following month, Street Food Circus heads to Pembrokeshire to round off the summer with exceptional street food, live music, family entertainment and unbeatable sea views. Wander between independent traders before watching the sun set over the harbour.
Tickets: £12/£10/FREE under-16s. Info: Fantastic Fete / Harbour Feastival
Great Glasshouse & Summer Gardens
National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, throughout August
August is one of the best times to explore the National Botanic Garden Of Wales. The Great Glasshouse is bursting with colour, while woodland walks, butterfly displays and family trails make it easy to spend an entire day here. Whether you’re a keen gardener or simply after a peaceful escape, it’s one of Wales’ most beautiful summer destinations.
Info: here
Steam Through Summer
Various heritage railways across Wales, throughout August
Swap the motorway for the romance of steam as Wales’ heritage railways wind through mountains, forests and spectacular countryside. Whether you choose the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, Talyllyn Railway or Brecon Mountain Railway, it’s a wonderfully nostalgic way to experience the landscape while the kids marvel at the locomotives. Pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Info: festrail.co.uk / talyllyn.co.uk / bmr.wales
Pembrokeshire Coastal Adventure
Various locations, throughout August
Swap crowds for sea caves and hidden coves with a day of coasteering, kayaking or wildlife-spotting along the Pembrokeshire coast. Swim with sharks, stay in coastal cottages, go orienteering, book into an outdoor sauna or eat at one of the many restaurants along the coast. Whether you encounter seals, dolphins or puffins, it’s an unforgettable way to experience some of Wales’ most spectacular landscapes and world-renowned beaches.
Info: pembrokeshirecoastaladventure.co.uk
Zip World Phoenix
Zip World Tower, Hirwaun, throughout August
If your ideal day out involves a shot of adrenaline, Zip World’s Phoenix zip line delivers in spectacular style. Flying high above the former Tower Colliery, it’s one of the fastest and most exhilarating experiences anywhere in Wales. Plus kids eat free with every adult main meal purchased at participating Zip World locations with restaurants, so the whole family can refuel for less after a day packed with adventure.
Info: here
Sunset Cinema
Various venues across Pembrokeshire, Sat 8-Sat 29 Aug
Watching a favourite film beneath an evening sky is one of summer’s simple pleasures, and the Torch Theatre’s touring Sunset Cinema series offers outdoor screenings in a relaxed atmosphere where blankets, deckchairs and picnics are all encouraged. Arrive early, settle in and enjoy Shark Tale (Sat 8 Aug), Jaws (Sat 8), Jurassic Park (Sat 15), The Greatest Showman (Fri 21), Romeo & Juliet (Fri 28) and How To Train Your Dragon (Sat 29). Perfect viewing as the daylight fades over Pembrokeshire.
Tickets: £12. Info: here
Coblyn
National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, Fri 14 + Sat 15 Aug
Welsh folklore provides the inspiration for this enchanting open-air production. Down at the bottom of the garden, between the toadstools and the wonky pond, the Coblynnod live – an unruly gang of magical gnomes causing chaos and mischief! One day they stumble across a stranger covered in coal dust, but who is he and where did he come from? A family-friendly celebration of Welsh folklore, bursting with mythical mayhem, curious creatures, music, songs and folk dance, brought to you by Hijinx, Kitsch & Sync Collective and Theatr Iolo, Coblyn is a magical introduction to Welsh legends and a memorable afternoon for families.
Admission: FREE after entry. Info: here
Hollywood Vampires
Cardiff Castle, Fri 14 Aug
Rock royalty descends on Cardiff Castle as Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen bring Hollywood Vampires to one of Wales’ most iconic live music venues. Expect classic rock anthems, spectacular musicianship and a huge outdoor atmosphere beneath the castle walls. Another huge gig from the Depot Live and Cuffe & Taylor stable, and the penultimate one from their summer of shows this year.
Tickets: from £74.55. Info: here
Castell Roc
Chepstow Castle, Thurs 13-Mon 31 Aug
Chepstow Castle – the oldest stone castle in Wales! – once again becomes one of Britain’s most atmospheric outdoor venues with a packed programme of concerts, family shows and tribute acts. After the death of Phil Campbell in March, his band the Bastard Sons will pay tribute to their dad on Sat 22 Aug, with some friends lending helping hands. Tributes to Elvis, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Abba and K-Pop Superstars abound, and the month is completed by Jools Holland, Roachford and Ruby Turner on Mon 31. A beautiful setting, with wild camping and glamping available.
Info: castellroc.co.uk
Cardigan River & Food Festival
Quay Street Car Park, Cardigan, Sat 15 Aug
One of west Wales’ friendliest festivals combines artisan food, riverside entertainment, coracle racing, live music and local crafts into a wonderfully relaxed summer day out. Wander the historic streets before sampling some of the region’s finest produce overlooking the River Teifi.
Admission: FREE. Info: cardigan-food-festival.co.uk
Amplitude
Swansea Amphitheatre, Sat 22 + Sun 23 Aug
One of Wales’ best free festivals returns to Swansea with two days celebrating the city’s thriving grassroots music scene. Indie, folk, funk, disco and more fill the Amphitheatre as local artists perform in a relaxed waterfront setting. A platform for young talent to reach an audience, presented by Swansea Council, Amplitude shines a spotlight on homegrown acts while creating a brilliant weekend of free entertainment.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
Between The Trees
Candleston Woods, Merthyr Mawr, Thurs 27-Sun 30 Aug
Slow the pace before summer ends at this intimate woodland gathering near Bridgend. One of our favourite festivals, small and perfectly formed, BTT is a step away from everyday stresses and a perfect weekend to unwind, see new artists and explore nature. Live music, storytelling, wellbeing sessions, workshops and campfires combine to create one of Wales’ most laid-back festival experiences, where reconnecting with nature is just as important as the entertainment. Performances this year come from Ophelia’s Beard, Kellie Loder, Heron Island – to name three of dozens – and there are talks from Robin Ince, Efa Lois, Graham Loveluck-Edwards and Daniel Morden in eight themed areas across the site.
Tickets: £195 weekend/£85 under-18s/£50 under-13s/£1 under-5s; day tickets available. Info: betweenthetrees.co.uk
Great British Food Festival
Margam Park, nr Port Talbot, Sat 29-Mon 31 Aug
This bank holiday favourite returns to Margam – one of its many locations across the UK – for a weekend of artisan food producers, chef demonstrations, live music, family entertainment and myriad street food stalls. The main stage features events titled ‘Men v Meat’ AND ‘Men v Heat’, to give you an idea of the vibe, plus there are blind taste tests involving brownies and cheese; the Live Fire Stage, which is also based around heat and meat, is hosted by one Daddy Bear Grills. There are dog-friendly grounds and free car parking, two good things to have.
Tickets: £15/£7 kids. Info: here
Caerphilly Cheese Festival
Caerphilly town centre, Sat 29 + Sun 30 Aug
Cheese may be the star attraction, but this lively town-centre festival also features Welsh produce, live music, cookery demonstrations, street entertainment and family activities. It’s a delicious celebration of one of Wales’ best-known exports.
Admission: FREE. Info: caerphillycheesefestival.co.uk
Stargazing in Bannau Brycheiniog
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, from late August
As evenings become darker, Wales’ International Dark Sky Reserve provides one of the finest places in Britain to experience the night sky. Pack a blanket, head to a quiet viewpoint and enjoy an unforgettable evening beneath thousands of stars.
Info: here
Swansea International Jazz Festival
Various venues, Swansea, Thurs 3-Sun 6 Sept
From intimate club performances to big-band concerts, Swansea International Jazz Festival offers several days of jazz, blues, soul and funk performed by acclaimed musicians and exciting newcomers alike, from Claire Martin & Laurence Cottle to the James Allsopp Quartet and Power Of Gower. There’s also the now-traditional cruise on the Copper Jack, a local community boat which can accommodate 40 people and will venture up the River Tawe with a live jazz performance each day. Pair this with a stroll around Swansea Marina (which the boat departs from and returns to) and you’ve got the perfect late-summer city break.
Tickets: £175 full pass; individual shows priced separately. Info: here
Crisp & Potato Festival
Fonmon Castle, Rhoose, Sat 5 Sept
Fonmon Castle continues to be one of south Wales’ most imaginative family attractions, but today is a different beast from its dinosaur trail and medieval village (though you can also give those a go today): crisp lovers, this one’s for you! Yep, it’s a celebration of Britain’s favourite snack, filling you in on “the history of the crisp” in designated Crisp Zones and serving up blindfold crisp tastings, potato-centric street food and live tribute acts (Abba, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift) and a DJ. Every visitor even receives a free packet of crisps on arrival.
Tickets: £15/£14/£10 kids/FREE under-3s. Info: here
Newtown Food Festival
Newtown Town Hall grounds, Sat 5 + Sun 6 Sept
One of mid-Wales’ most popular foodie weekends returns with artisan producers, local drinks, cookery demonstrations, live entertainment and family activities spread throughout the historic market town. Plenty of fringe events, including safari supper, ceilidh music and demonstrations, plus the Cultivate Area is back for the second year running, with great workshops from Bwyd Powys Food.
Admission: FREE. Info: newtownfoodfestival.org.uk
Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle, Fri 11-Sun 13 Sept
More than 100 contemporary makers transform Cardigan Castle into one of Wales’ biggest celebrations of craft. Browse ceramics, textiles, jewellery, furniture and glass, meet the makers, enjoy live demonstrations, workshops and hands-on activities, and soak up a weekend of creativity in beautiful surroundings. Alongside the makers’ market, expect artist talks, children’s activities, live music, storytelling, exhibitions and food and drink.
Tickets: £17 weekend/£9 per day. Info: here
Royal Welsh 20th Anniversary Celebration
Cardiff Castle, Sat 12 Sept
This celebration promises a packed day of entertainment for all ages. Expect live music from the Regimental Band, historical re-enactments and the chance to meet the Regiment’s famous goat, alongside interactive displays of military vehicles including the Warrior and Ajax. Younger visitors can enjoy climbing walls, bouncy castles, face painting and family entertainment; adults can browse the Veterans Village, military traders, food stalls and bars.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
words ANTONIA LEVAY
