With fun-filled activities and exciting events, there are plenty of great family days out to be had at National Trust attractions in West Wales this summer.

What’s more, Starling Bank are sponsoring the conservation charity’s Summer of Play offer, meaning some places have new and exciting activities.

Colby Woodland Garden is perfect for exploring nature this summer. Go on a bug safari and guided walk, join an art workshop, or simply enjoy a self-led trail through the woodlands. Every Wednesday from July 26 to August 30, you can also take part in archery sessions.

Discover the sky gazing glade at the top of the woods or have fun building a den under the trees. Enjoy jumping on the giant stepping-stones or explore the flora and fauna. Don’t forget to pick up a “50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ leaflet from the visitor welcome centre and see how many you can tick off.

The wildflower meadow with its network of streams and ponds is a popular spot with all sorts of species including birds, toads and even the occasional otter, so pack a picnic and a blanket and perch in the meadows and see what wildlife you can spot.

Find out more - click here.

Enjoy a Summer of Play every Wednesday from July 26 to August 30 with archery sessions at Stackpole Court. On July 27 and August 4, you can also visit Stackpole at dusk for a spectacular guided ranger walk to discover the rare resident lesser and greater horseshoe bats (booking essential).

Throughout the summer holidays you can enjoy the network of footpaths throughout the estate, leading down to Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Quay, Bosherston lily ponds and Broad Haven South beach. Try out the new orienteering trail in Lodge Park woods, you can grab a map from the Visitor Reception.

Find out more - click here.

Come rain or shine, Dinefwr has something for everyone this summer! At the front of the house you’ll find games on the lawn and a beautiful new addition for this year will be a tennis court, where families can go head-to-head. If the Welsh weather prevails, head to the house for wet weather activities to keep the whole family entertained.

One of the many highlights of visiting Dinefwr is seeing the White Park Cattle who have returned to graze the front fields with their calves. To get a closer look at these legendary animals, there are Tractor Tours on Wednesday, August 16.

Explore the parkland at our own pace, look out for deer, ancient oak trees and a secret fairy village along the way. There’s also plenty of ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities.

Find out more - click here.

Visit the Mine Yard and have a go at searching for gold in our new, accessible gold panning area and rill. Grab a pan and search for gold, you never know what you may find!  There’s also ample of space, rich in nature and wildlife to explore with 25km of footpaths through the estate, perfect for a summer walk.

Make it a summer to remember by exploring the only known Roman goldmine in Britain. You can also choose from three different guided underground tours (booking essential). The Roman tour takes you into a floodlit Roman mine (dogs welcome), the Level Tour is suitable for those with more limited mobility, and the Mining Through The Ages Tour takes you into a dark, Victorian working. Children must be taller than 1 metre and cannot be carried.

Join in with Festival of Archaeology events on selected days from July 16-30 to learn about the past, present, and future of archaeology at Dolaucothi. University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, will be on site to answer your questions and tell you more about the site, and there will be a whole host of activities for young archaeologists too.

Find out more - click here.

Take part in the Summer of Play at Llanerchaeron this summer. Go on a woodland walk, whiz around the trails on balance bikes, play games on the lawn and see how many ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can tick off. Children will also love the water and sand pit, so make sure you pack an extra pair of clothes!

Get competitive with family and friends over a game of Ping Pong in the house or every Wednesday you can join Forest School for woodland activities.

No visit is complete without visit the farm with its Llanwenog sheep, pigs and Welsh cobs, and exploring the Geler Jones collection.

Find out more - click here.

Most offers begin on July 22, 2023 unless otherwise stated. Normal admission applies (National Trust members for free).