Diwrnodau Allan Am Ddim Yng Nghymru

Summer is here and schools are out, so the time has come to enjoy the good weather (we hope!) and spend time with your family and friends.

But the long school break can be an expensive time (particularly as the cost-of-living-crisis worsens) and money is scarce. Fortunately Wales is a wonderful country with plenty of beautiful sights to enjoy and free activities right on your doorstep.

So if you’re running out of places to go and things to do this summer, here’s some ideas:

• Dolphin spotting
  These adorable mammals can be spotted on a clear day from Cardigan Bay, which is the largest bay in Wales. All you will need is a little bit of luck and patience.
• The Little Cheese Festival
  The Big Cheese Festival  is a regular event at Caerphilly but this year it cannot take place in its usual format, due to development works, As well as an amazing cheese market there will be live music, with different music areas, food and drink stalls, craft sessions, and small funfair rides.
• StoryTrails
  Using archive footage and information and augmented reality you can go back in time in Swansea and Newport this summer. In Swansea the StoryTrails app and local performers will guide you through an immersive tour where you will travel through time and space. StoryTrails will be at the Civic Centre in Swansea on Wednesday, August 10, and Thursday, August 11 and at the Central Library in Newport on Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14. The event will run from 9am to 5pm on all days.
• Medieval Fayre
  Knights in shining armour and Welsh archers are battling it out again this year at the free Medieval Fayre on Llantrisant Castle Green. The event takes place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September from 11am to 5pm.
• Big Welsh Bite
  Taking place at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park,is another food festival not to be missed. Think wood-fired pizzas, Welsh Beef burgers, spiced tikka wraps, churros, fudge, ice cream, candy floss, and more alongside a buzzing beer garden. Big Welsh Bite  also includes live music and comedy are usually a staple of the weekend and the festival is running on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7.
• Museum Events
  National Museums of Wales has seven sites in total that cover every aspect of Welsh life, from the druids to the mobile phone. During the summer they are holding a wide range of digital events which can be accessed at home, along with exhibitions and workshops on site. See what National Museums  has to offer for you this summer.
• Castle Activities
  Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country – so with 400 or more to choose from you can get exploring right away! This summer Cadw has a whole range of activities on offer too, from falconry and weaponry to art workshops and World War I re-enactments.
• Wales Coast Path
  Get your little ones walking! Wales has 1,370 miles of coastline and you can pretty much walk all of it if you wish to (not all at once, of course). The Wales Coast Path  covers so many beautiful walks and views, with different stop-offs for refreshments. Read all you need to know about t
• Free local events
  Check the local council website for kid-friendly entertainment, such as crafting, library and sports days. Especially during the summer holidays, engaging with the local community in these events is a great way to do something different for free.
• Geocaching
  Use your smartphone (with GPS) and go Geocaching, a global game of hide-and-seek with almost two million hidden ‘treasures’. Natural Resources Wales also have two geocaching trails at Coed y Brenin Forest Park, near Dolgellau.
• Get Walking
  If there’s one thing we have in abundance in Wales, its dramatic landscapes. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy the fantastic scenery – you can also keep fit and healthy too! No matter where you live in Wales, you’re never far from a mountain walk with breath taking scenery. Some of the obvious choices are the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park.
• Wonders of Wales
  Visit Wales has a wealth of ideas for free days out this summer. So take a look at the many choices on offer.
• Pack you bucket and spade!
  Wherever you live in Wales, there’s likely to be a beach not too far away. Whether it’s the traditional Victorian resort of Llandudno, or paddling in the sea off the Gower, there’s no better time to be beside the seaside!

Whatever you’re planning to do this summer, remember spending time together as a family is worth more than any money in the bank.