Pancakes, bugs, rockets and piglets...... oh and steam train adventures!

February Half Term Family Fun in Carmarthenshire - pancake flipping, mini-beast hunting, rocket launching, junior farmer courses and steam train adventures

Head to Carmarthenshire this February half term where there is plenty on offer to keep families of all ages entertained; from minibeast hunting and bird watching at WWT Llanelli, to rocket launches at Dinefwr Park and pig keeping courses for budding young farmers at Cwmcrwth Farm.

With tons of exciting activities and events planned, plus a host of family-friendly accommodation options available, Carmarthenshire is the perfect destination for a fun family getaway this February half term. For more information, visit www.discovercarmarthenshire.com.

Half Term Events...

Rocket Launches and Tractor Tours at Dinefwr Park and Castle, Llandeilo

There's nothing quite like fresh air and family time, and Dinefwr Park offers this in spades, and there are plenty of events and activities for families of all ages to enjoy this half term. Families can look out for wild animals in the specially built nature reserve, head to a science-themed workshop where kids can make and launch their own paper rockets, blow off some steam in the adventure playground or stop beneath a 400-year-old oak tree for a picnic. After lunch, hop on board Dinefwr’s popular Tractor Trailer Tours, where families can get up close and personal with the Park’s ancient breed of White Park Cattle whilst learning more about the work that goes on at the Nature Reserve.
Details: £6 per car for admission to the parkland. No additional charges for other activities apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr.

Minibeast Hunting and Pom Pom Owls at WWT Llanelli

Head down to WWT Llanelli for a fun-filled wildlife weekend this half term. From 16th - 20th February, the centre will be running a range of daily activities suitable for mini David Attenboroughs in the making. Start off the day with a ‘minibeast hunt’, where young adventurers will visit the purpose made minibeast area - complete with old rotting logs and dark, damp hideaways - to discover what creepy crawlies love to call this home. They can then bring their findings back to have a closer look at them under a microscope, using ID books to discover what they’ve caught. Then, families can head to the observatory for a guided bird-watch- using telescopes and binoculars to spot as many species of wildfowl as possible. Plus, a craft workshop is on offer later in the day, where little ones can have fun making pom pom owls and bird feeders.
Details: All events included in admission cost - £8.14 per adult and £4.50 per child over 4. Under 4s go free. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli.

50th Anniversary Celebrations at Gwili Steam Railway

Visit Gwili this half term, where the Steam Railway is commemorating 50 years since the last public passenger train between Aberyswyth and Carmarthen. Hop on board a 1950’s steam hauled service, running daily from Sunday 15th to Friday 20thFebruary, where families can have an authentic taste of the golden age of railway. Take a ride alongside old station buildings, vintage carriages, steam locomotives and diesel railcars, all with picturesque views of the village cricket pitch and Gwili River. Plus, on Friday 20th there will be 1960’s costumes, pop-up exhibitions and nostalgic treats- giving families the chance to take a real step back in time.
Details: Open from 10am each day during Half Term. Tickets available from £10 per adult, £4.50 per child and under 3s go free. A family ticket is priced at £24.50. www.gwili-railway.co.uk.

Walk in the Footsteps of the Romans - Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Nestled in the heart of a huge 2,500-acre estate, Dolaucothi offers many waymarked walks for active families keen for a taste of the great outdoors this half term. Travel back in time by 2,000 years at what is the oldest known Roman gold mine in the UK, where free self-guided audio walks will be running throughout February half term.  Families can follow old Roman trails through the Carmarthenshire countryside, whilst audio headsets bring exciting stories of Celts and Romans to life around them. Keep eyes peeled for the boundary of a Roman fort, mining pits, pick marks and the Pumsaint Stone – surrounded by ancient history.
Details: Self guided trails on the estate are free of charge. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dolaucothi-gold-mines or call 01558 650177.

Things can only get batter

The National Botanic Garden of Wales will be going flat out for pancakes this half term with making, baking and pancake races on the menu. There will be fun family activities every day of the upcoming mid-term school hols with cooking, magic and much more - and don't forget: Kids go FREE at half-term. Celebrity chef Lisa Fearn - from the Pumpkin Patch Cookery and Gardening School, in Whitemill, Carmarthen - will be on hand on Shrove Tuesday to show you how to cook - and flip! - the best pancakes. Lisa will also be in the Garden cooking up a storm on Wednesday, too. In addition to daily activities (every day from Saturday February 14 to Sunday February 22), there will be a visit from the Purple Routes play bus, on the Thursday and Friday of half-term. And, on the Saturday (Feb 21st), Folly Farm’s resident magician, juggler and balloon modeller Luke Jugglestruck will be in the Theatr Botanica to wow us with his magical stylings.
gardenofwales.org.uk  01558 667149