5 fantastic free family activities in Wales

If you are planning a family getaway in the UK, Wales is a destination you should definitely consider. Ideal for families hoping to stick to a budget, the country is full of fabulous free attractions that will keep visitors of all ages happy.

Here is a rundown of the top five free activities to add to your itinerary:

Walks

Walking is one of the best options available for families on a budget. Allowing you to spend some quality time together, it also gives you the best chance to explore the stunning Welsh landscape.

No matter where you decide to visit in Wales, there is the potential for memorable walks. Choose to go to Pembrokeshire, for example, and you and your children can tackle a section of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path. This route is something of a mecca for keen walkers, but those less experienced can easily take a gentle stroll along a small section of their choosing.

Indeed, since it is punctuated with glorious coastal views and headlands filled with colourful flowers, this path is a particularly scenic choice. Alternatively, you could head to Lake Vyrnwy and follow a nature trail; this is a great place for spotting birds.

Cycling

If you bring bikes with you, cycling is another fun activity that need not cost you a penny. There are a host of excellent destinations famous for their cycling routes, such as the Coed y Brenin forest. Travel here and you can tackle the Yr Afon trail, which is a favourite among families and couples seeking a relaxing ride.

This route is suitable for most families, but there are a few steeper, rockier sections that some may find a bit tricky. Following the River Mawddach, the path will take you past some absolutely stunning scenery, as well as the gold mines of Gwynfynedd.

Visit free museums

Museums are often a great choice for a family day out, since they offer so much to interest people of all ages - and give little ones the chance to learn while having fun. Among your options is Swansea Museum, which is the oldest in Wales.

Free to enter, it houses a fascinating permanent collection - which includes an Egyptian mummy bound to fascinate children - as well as hosting regular temporary exhibitions. For example, until January 2013, you can see Copperopolis, which looks at when Swansea supplied the bulk of the world's copper.

Wildlife attractions

Most children love seeing a little wildlife, and there are plenty of places in Wales where you can do so for free. As mentioned above, there are nature trails at Lake Vyrnwy, while you can visit free attractions such as the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran.

Situated on the River Teifi, this exhibition centre features much to fascinate children, including screens showing live camera feeds into sections of the nature reserve. There are also self-guided walks to try out here, as well as an adventure playground where little ones can burn off any excess energy!

Varied parks

Wales is home to a number of sites that offer a variety of attractions in one place. Margam Country Park in Neath Port Talbot is one such destination. Comprising 1,000 acres of beautiful parklands, it includes a narrow-gauge railway, deer park, mansion house and a hire-wire adventure course. So, if members of your family have quite different interests from each other, this is the perfect place to choose.