Latest news with #BlossomSpotterTrail
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Prioritising wellbeing through Newport's green spaces
As a multicultural city with green spaces, Newport highlights how time outdoors can play a pivotal role in supporting both mental and physical wellbeing. Two of the city's most beloved locations–Green Flag Award winner Belle Vue Park and Newport's National Trust treasure, Tredegar House, are doing more than being beautiful landscapes. These spaces provide a welcoming space where mental and physical wellbeing thrives. As a vibrant city, Newport's green spaces allow people to slow down and reconnect with nature and each other. Belle Vue Park, a family favourite, has become a go-to spot for families seeking an escape from city life. Whether that is a stroll through the park, attending their monthly artisan market, or visiting their daily tearoom, there is something for everyone. Belle Vue Park (Credit: Rhianon Hill) Reflecting on the park's beautiful atmosphere, Rhianon Hill, events coordinator at Belle Vue Park, shared: 'Belle Vue Park is a vibrant green space surrounded on all sides by urban development and retains its Victorian charm while Newport has changed throughout the years. "We support small businesses through our products as well as our markets, and have wonderful dedicated customers who support us'. Every first Sunday of the month between March and December, the park hosts a popular artisan food and craft market with its seventh year at Belle Vue Park. Belle Vue Park market (Image: Newsquest) That said Belle Vue Park is not just there to wow the public but also bring people together, encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors. A few miles away but still in the lovely town of Newport, the grounds of Tredegar House is set within 90 acres of land. Tredegar House offers a variety of seasonal activities for families with children, including the Blossom Spotter Trail as well as activity sheets, both printed and online. Tredegar House and grounds (Image: Nicky Greamstead) Reflecting on the beautiful grounds of Tredegar House and its role in supporting wellbeing, Chris Flynn, head gardener of Tredegar House said: "It's easy to forget you're just minutes from the M4 when you're surrounded by tulips and apple blossom in the Orchard Garden. "Tredegar House offers a real sense of calm, grounded in both nature and history. "Our partnership with Growing Space is a perfect example of how green spaces like our gardens and parkland can support wellbeing. It offers people a chance to volunteer, build confidence and connect with nature - all while helping us look after this special place." Growing Space - Mental Health Training Wales Parent Nicky Grimstead shared his opinion on the importance of these spaces and the positive impact being outdoors has on him and his family: 'It's a chance to slow down and disconnect from the usual daily stress. There's a noticeable shift of more energy, better moods and less screen time! 'Whether it's me or my children, being outside brings out a sense of calm and creativity that we just don't get from staying inside all day.' Nick's daughter Nelly (eight) (Image: Nicky Greamstead) Another local simply put it: 'It's just something different. Sometimes, just a walk among the trees can make a huge difference.' Both stunning locations recently had the event, Welly Walks by Newport Live's Community Sport and Wellbeing Team, giving families the perfect opportunity to exercise in a fun way. During the school holidays, children are encouraged to explore the outdoors through a number of green spaces in Newport. Welly walks in Newport (Image: Newport Live) Welly Walks launched in the February half term, and is free for all. Through their activities, such as the nature bingo trail, children are engaged, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. By stepping outside, families in Newport can make memories, boost their wellbeing, and find joy beyond the rush from everyday life.
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
10 fun things to do in Wales with the kids this May half term
All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this article. As the May half term approaches, it can be difficult to think of ways to keep the kids entertained. Fortunately, we've found 10 great places located right here in Wales that you can visit, making an action-packed holiday that promises fun-filled memories to last a lifetime. There are plenty of family-friendly adventures and activities across Wales to make this half term one of the best yet. From thrill seekers and nature lovers to creative enthusiasts and animal fanatics, there's something for everyone. Ninja Warrior UK Swansea (Image: Ninja Warrior UK) Get the little and big kids active this half term with incredible fixed obstacle courses and a giant inflatable obstacle course inspired by the hit ITV show, Ninja Warrior UK. Ninjas of all ages can take on obstacles such as hanging cheeseboards, stepping stones, balance beams, and the famous wall. With sessions starting from £10 per person for an entire hour, Ninja Warrior UK Swansea can help you keep the kids entertained and active during the holidays. Plus, Ninja Warrior UK has launched May madness offers* where you can enjoy two-for-one on all one-hour, 90-minute, and two-hour sessions with the code 'MADMAY' at checkout. Find out more: visit *Terms and conditions apply. See website for full information. Offer ends May 31, 2025. Kart Kingdom (Image: Kart Kingdom) Located in the heart of South Wales in a WW2 aircraft hangar, Kart Kingdom offers an indoor karting experience like no other. Boasting equal performance karts, exciting racing technology and a fun, competitive environment for all ages, this premier indoor go-karting venue is a must-visit this half term. Visitors can even try some 4×4 driving on a specially designed off-road course or get behind the wheel of a massive 44-tonne lorry. Group bookings and corporate events are welcome and you can even hire the track out for your exclusive use. Whether you're near Cardiff, Swansea, or Newport, you're just a short drive away from the fun and adrenaline of Kart Kingdom. Find out more: visit Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images, Trevor Ray Hart) This May half term, from May 24 to June 1, wander into spring at Tredegar House and celebrate the beauty of blossom. The Blossom Spotter Trail is a chance to slow down, look closer, and connect with nature in all its floral glory, set against the stunning backdrop of one of Wales' finest 17th-century estates. The gardens will be bursting with seasonal colour, and trail cards will offer fascinating facts about different plant species. Inside the mansion house, keep your eyes peeled for blossom-inspired motifs tucked into carvings, paintings, and ornate ceilings. No pre-booking is required. Normal admission applies, and National Trust members get free entry. Find out more: visit WWT Llanelli (Image: Aardman Animations Ltd 2024) WWT Llanelli has partnered with British animation studio Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society to bring families an exciting minibeast wetlands adventure unlike any they've seen before. The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt, taking place until June 1, offers families an opportunity to dive into the wonderful world of insects alongside well-known comedy character, housefly Lloyd, who features in Aardman's children's comedy series, Lloyd of the Flies. Families can also 'shrink down' to fly size and see the world through an insect's eyes by downloading Aardman's augmented reality app. Find out more: search WWT Llanelli at for more information. BBC Cymru Wales (Image: Patrick Olner) This summer, step into the future of broadcasting at the BBC's newest and most advanced studios at Central Square in Cardiff. Join friendly guides for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the modern television and radio studios, following in the footsteps of some of Wales' famous faces. Explore the exciting studios, featuring new technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotic cameras. BBC Cymru Wales has received a coveted Visit Wales gold award and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for the quality of its tours. Find out more: visit Folly Farm (Image: Drew Buckley) From humble beginnings to the multi-award-winning 120-acre attraction you see today, Folly Farm is a brilliant day out. A trip to the Jolly Barn gets you up close to your favourite farmyard friends, while the zoo is an opportunity to peer at penguins, gaze at giraffes, look at lions or peek at patas monkeys. You'll find 18 lovingly restored rides in the Vintage Fairground, plus numerous indoor and outdoor play areas. Didn't fit it all in? Folly Farm offers a 'free return within seven days' offer*, or you can 'stay and play' at its award-winning Holiday Park. Find out more: visit *Terms and conditions apply. You must collect your free return visit card from admissions staff and have it validated before you leave the park. Dyffryn Gardens (Image: National Trust Images, James Dobson) Experience Helios at Dyffryn Gardens from May 23 to 26 and May 29 to June 1. With rippling lights, solar imagery and sounds of the sun recorded by NASA, this is a unique opportunity to see this audio-visual wonder outdoors. And seeing Helios isn't all there is to do – there'll be solar-themed crafts, a dressing-up station with space-themed costumes (for both humans and dogs), creative kits so that you can make your own Helios-inspired artwork, a sun trail around the gardens, and more. On May 27 and 28, Helios will not be on display, but all the other crafts and activities will still be on. Normal admission applies, and National Trust members get free entry. Find out more: visit Better leisure centres (Image: Better) Come for the adventure, stay for the fun - discover a world of adventure for all ages this school holiday at your local Better leisure centre. Penylan Library and Community Centre's soft play is perfect for children aged 10 and under, and its dedicated under-two sensory area means your little ones can explore and have fun in safe surroundings. There are also fun swims with toys and floats in the indoor swimming pools, a giant inflatable obstacle course, and off-road cycle tracks. Enjoy spending time together and keep the whole family active, with dedicated adult and junior gym sessions (juniors must be aged 11 to 17). Find out more: visit for more information and to book. The Red Dragon Centre (Image: The Red Dragon Centre) Looking for half-term fun that keeps the whole family smiling? Head to The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay – the one-stop destination for toddlers, tweens, and teens. Dive into big-screen action, bowl your way to victory at the epic lanes, and take on the arcades for some serious high-score glory. Feeling peckish? Refuel like champions with a mouth-watering mix of restaurants. With up to six hours of free parking and a jam-packed Community Fun Day on May 28, it's the perfect spot for a day of laughs, games, and memory-making - all under one roof, so rain never ruins the fun. Find out more: visit to plan your adventure now. Continental Circus Berlin (Image: Continental Circus Berlin) Continental Circus Berlin presents 'Wunderbar', an amalgamation of thrilling circus acts from all four corners of the globe, including fantastic EXTREME® performers and high-level talent that has to be seen to be believed. This truly is a show with something for everyone, whether you're a petrolhead, thrill-seeker, theatre-goer, or simply looking to experience one of the most exciting live events of the year. Continental Circus Berlin will be in Cardiff from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, June 1, 2025. The show runs for approximately two hours and takes place in a climate-controlled, theatre-style Big Top with comfortable seating. Find out more: visit for tickets.
