October Half Term Round Up – What’s On
20th Oct
Looking for things to do in North Wales this Half Term? Then look no further, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best activities and events available in Snowdonia over October Half Term… just in time for the spooky Halloween weekend!
Here’s our recommended ‘must do’ activities and events:
Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Dolgarrog
Join us if you dare for an adrenaline filled Halloween Spooktacular. From zombies to ghouls, fiendish creatures of all kinds will be taking over our Adrenaline Indoors activities and eagerly awaiting your arrival, so what are you waiting for? Here’s your invitation to join us for our spookiest event yet… the question is, will you make it out alive?
For more information and to book, head to https://adventureparcsnowdonia.com/
Anglesey Sea Zoo, Anglesey
This half term you can join us for the book launch of Menai – A turtley unexpected visitor. Menai the turtle was rescued and rehabilitated here at Anglesey Sea Zoo back in 2016. She was a record-breaking and world famous turtle! To celebrate the 5 year anniversary of Menai’s rescue, Leah Green has created this beautiful children’s book packed full of information about Menai and marine conservation. Leah will be joining us for book readings and children’s activities this October half term and you can also get your hands on a signed copy!
Join us on the following dates to hear Menai’s story…
Sunday 24th October, Tuesday 26th October, Saturday 30th October
For more information, head to http://www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk/
Bala Lake Railway, Bala
We have just released ticket bookings for the whole of the upcoming half term holiday week, along with tickets for our very popular ‘Halloween Trains’ on October the 29th & 30th. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Head to https://shop.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/book/ to book your tickets
Cambrian Line Railway, Pwllheli / Machynlleth
Visiting by train is a great way to discover Wales. You’ll see much more from the train than you will by car and almost every town along the Cambrian Line has strong links with Welsh history and culture as shown on our map here. From the origins of the Welsh parliament in Machynlleth and the World Heritage site at Harlech Castle to the myths and legends of Borth’s ancient forest and the 26 stations along a 57-mile stretch of the scenic Wales coastal path. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Below is a snapshot of three of our favourite things to do.
Book your journey of discovery here https://www.thecambrianline.co.uk/
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, Porthmadog
Outstanding scenery, comfortable carriages and historic steam engines await you here in the heart of Snowdonia. Glorious coastlines, ancient oak woodlands, mountains, rivers and castles, all beckon as you embark on your journey on our award winning railways. With some of the most comfortable carriages on any preserved railway – standard or narrow gauge – you can step back in time to a more civilised age.
Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Snowdonia in comfort, with at-seat buffet service, snacks, refreshments and a fully-licenced bar featuring locally-brewed award-winning beers.
For more information and to book, head to https://www.festrail.co.uk/
Glasfryn Parc, Pwllheli
Enjoy a fantastic family day and evening out, whatever the weather! We have a wide range of fun activities for all ages- whether you decide to take the challenge of the Aquapark, Go-Karts, Cable Wakeboarding, Kayaking, SUP, Archery, or try your hand at Ten Pin Bowling. Homemade food is served all day until late. Admission and parking is FREE at the park.
For more information and to book, head to http://www.glasfryn.co.uk/
Great Orme Tramway, Llandudno
We’re back with our second Community Weekend!
Residents of Conwy county will be able to claim half price entry to the attraction on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October. Return tickets for the weekend offer will be £4.25 for adults and just £3.00 for children aged 3 – 16. Children under three will get free entry as usual. The offer will be given to anyone with proof of residency in Conwy county, such as a driving licence or utility bill.
For more information, head to http://www.greatormetramway.co.uk/
Greenwood Family Park, Felinheli
Discover heaps of Spooktacular treats as GreenWood transforms into SpookWood this October half term. Delve into our spooktastic forest playground to discover heaps of Spooktacular fun this October half term, from the 23rd to the 31st October. Enjoy the great outdoors with Halloween fun for the whole family, where a forest full of adventure awaits…
Join Merlin the Wizard for a Halloween show full of magic and mayhem, you’ll have the chance to show off your magical powers, create your own magic spell and explore the wonders of the other world in a fun-fill autumn family day out! Funny goings on have also been reported to the Park Rangers and they need your help to hunt down the monsters, into the creepy woods and through haunted hideaways to restore harmony for all. Don’t forget to bring your little monsters dressed for the occasion, that includes the grown ups to! it’s a frightfully fun day out for the whole family!
SpookWood is open from Saturday 23rd October – Sunday 31st October 2021
Tickets must be booked in advance, pre-book online. GreenWood Family Park is also open weekends throughout October.
For more information and to book, head to https://www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk/
Inigo Jones Slateworks, Groeslon
Experience a day out at Inigo Jones Slateworks attraction and enjoy a self-guided tour which includes a film presentation and audio commentary on provided headsets. Add to this geological, historical calligraphy and letter cutting exhibitions, explaining how this 500 Million year old product is mined, machined and marketed around the world. Children can complete a Quiz to win a Slate prize. The Inigo Jones Slate Works showroom displays a wide variety of quality natural slate products and Welsh slate crafts, along with other Celtic and Welsh products. There is a gift shop and cafe on site.
The works were founded in 1861 to produce school writing slates. Today the company prefabricates architectural, memorial, craft and landscape items from Welsh slate.
For more information head to https://www.inigojones.co.uk/
King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Corris
Our fabulous staff, and spiders, have been busy at King Arthur’s Labyrinth ready for a SpookTastic Half Term. Get lucky with our Lucky Dip running until 31st October, available in our Reception area & Gift Shop. Suspend your disbelief…. as you sail through the magical veil of an underground waterfall, back into a distant time of myths and legends. Our Underground boats are sailing daily into King Arthur’s Labyrinth until 31st October.
For more information and to book head to www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk
Llanberis Lake Railway, Llanberis
Halloween Hunt 24th to 31st October
We have heard that the naughty ghosts and spooks have made their way back to the Witches Woods at Padarn Country Park. Will you ride with us on the Ghost busting train through the Witches Woods to find them all!? Our Halloween Trains will start from Gilfach Ddu Station on Padarn Country Park on the following dates and times:
Sunday 24th October to Sunday 31st October (Daily) | 11.00am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm, 2.45pm
Book your tickets in advance online at www.lake-railway.co.uk
The Lloyd George Museum, Llanystumdwy, Criccieth
The Lloyd George Museum and Highgate, his childhood home, help us to understand the former Prime Minister’s life and times between 1863 and 1945. Here you can see a unique display of objects telling his story – brilliantly and uniquely decorated caskets and scrolls presented to him as freedom of the city honours, such as a stunning silver model of Cricieth Castle presented by the town. Also on display are, medals, paintings, pictures, documents such as the Versailles Treaty, ‘Lloyd George’s crown’ ( the first old age pension handed out in Wales), costumes and personal items. Learn how Lloyd George came to national attention because of a locked gate in Llanfrothen and have a look at the policeman’s helmet Lloyd George wore to escape an angry mob in Birmingham. Visit the garden where Lloyd George grew vegetables as a child and see the 2019 ‘No 10’ installation.
For more information, head to https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Leisure-parks-and-events/Museums-and-the-Arts/The-Lloyd-George-Museum.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2C7Lxi5JDv2CIe1AewOjSDTUB7NG0AYvZFqt9kH6Q65QfI10tA9Wzey1Q
Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, Pwllheli
If you fancy a Half Term break, why not come to Nant Gwrtheyrn and enjoy bed and breakfast and a Halloween themed afternoon tea in our magical and historical village. For prices and availability, please contact us by email at llety@nantgwrtheyrn.org.
If you’re looking for something completely different to do, why not join us on 27th October to take part in our Community Goat Counting Day.
For more information, head to https://nantgwrtheyrn.org/
National Slate Museum, Llanberis
Join us between 26-31st October for the Here Be Dragons Trail – Welsh Museums Festival.
There’s a baby dragon roaming around our museum! Can YOU help us find it? To do this, you’ll need to find out about dragons and how important they are here in Wales. If you do manage to find it, there’s a little prize and we can release the baby dragon back into the wild so it can grow to a big red dragon, like the one on our flag. FREE, family friendly trail.
For more information, head to https://museum.wales/slate/whatson/
Plas Menai, Felinheli
We are running a KIDS ADVENTURE WEEK this October Half Term. Get out and about, have fun and enjoy all that we have to offer at this great time of year, from mountain biking to kayaking, windsurfing to canoeing, den building and bushcraft to stand up paddleboaring, there is never a dull moment.. It will run from Monday to Friday for children aged 8+. For more information head to https://www.plasmenai.wales/product/adventure-week/117
Or, why not treat the family to a swim this October half term. We have family sessions throughout the week – 6 people for £20. For more information, head to https://www.plasmenai.wales/…/product/family-swim/146
Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth
Portmeirion Village is open Take a tour of the grounds, created by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams Ellis, or listen to the story of Portmeirion told by the man himself through a series of audio-visual displays. Soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere in the village centre with a home-made gelato ice cream, or enjoy a cup of fine tea or a cheeky cocktail with Riviera views on the terrace at The Hotel Portmeirion. Wander through 70 acres of woodland and stumble upon hidden gems such as the Dog Cemetery and the Chinese lake, or find your own special place amongst the exotic plants, ancient trees and secret coves.
To book your tickets, head to https://portmeirion.wales/
RibRide, Menai Bridge
As the long summer days recede into the distance our thoughts are turning to the cosy days of autumn and winter. RibRide operates throughout the year and we are looking forward to some beautiful fresh days out on the water. We are running our Bridges and Swellies and Puffin and Seal tours throughout October, Tuesday to Saturdays and every day over Half Term. Trips can be booked online, or by calling the office on 0333 1234 303. So wrap up warm, come aboard and experience the spectacular autumn colours of the Menai Strait. The Virginia Creeper on Plas Newydd is particularly spectacular this time of year.
For more information or to book, head to https://www.ribride.co.uk/
Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis
Take a once in a lifetime adventure on the Snowdon Mountain Railway which has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.
We’ll be running to Clogwyn Station up to the 31st October, then we’ll be closed for the winter. Book online at http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/
STORIEL, Bangor
Come and learn more about our collection of carved slates and have the opportunity to decorate some slates yourself. Children can experiment with drawing on our traditional school slates and on our wall chalkboards. There’s also a dragon hunt for the youngsters. A baby dragon has hatched and run amok in the museum and sharp, young eyes are needed to help track it down. STORIEL needs young visitors to help find the dragon and return it to the wild so that it can grow big and mighty like the dragon on the Welsh flag.
For more information or to book your free tickets, head to https://www.storiel.cymru/whats-on/addurno-llechi-dathlu-statws-safle-treftadaeth-y-byd/
Sygun Copper Mine, Beddgelert
Winner of the Prince of Wales award for tourism, Sygun Copper Mine is one of the wonders of Wales – a remarkable and impressive example of how our precious industrial heritage can be reclaimed, restored and transformed into an outstanding attraction. Our self-guided audiovisual tours allow you to explore the old workings on foot. There are winding tunnels and large, colorful chambers, magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations and copper ore veins which contain traces of gold, silver and other precious metals.
For more information, head to https://www.syguncoppermine.co.uk/
Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn
Experience the nostalgia of historic steam trains in some of Wales’ finest countryside this half term. The railway starts on the coast at Tywyn, snakes through the foothills of Cader Idris to Dolgoch Falls, Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol. The train clings to the hillside as it passes through woodland and over ravines. The trip takes about an hour each way.
For more information and to book, head to https://www.talyllyn.co.uk/
The Fun Centre, Caernarfon
Head over to the biggest indoor play area in North Wales this half term, with two giant drop slides, swinging ropes, dark maze, tumble tower, spining discs and so much more, we cater for children from toddlers to 12yrs old even the adults can join in!!
We have an under 5’s soft play area, 5yrs and over play are, cafe, Go Karts, Lazer shooting, museum, and patio area.
For more information head to http://www.thefuncentre.co.uk/
Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay
FRIGHT WEEK – This spooky season, we’re holding Halloween themed events between 23rd – 31st October!
Take part in our GHOST HUNT TRAIL which is running throughout Fright Week! 👀Hunt down every ghost to be in with a chance of winning an amazing bag of WMZ goodies!
Together with Conwy Libraries, we’ll be holding SPOOKTACULAR STORYTELLING sessions on Monday & Wednesday in our WILD Centre between 11am-12pm. Pop along to enjoy some spooky stories!
Join us for some CREEPY CRAFTS on weekdays during Fright Week. Running between 2-3pm come along for some frighteningly good fun.
We’ll also be holding a CARVED PUMPKIN COMPETITION! Bring your carved creations with you to the Zoo to be in with the chance of winning some petrifyingly-good prizes! Judging of the top 3 pumpkins will take place on Friday October 29th at 3.30pm.
For more information and to book, head to www.welshmountainzoo.org/events/fright-week-2021
Zip World, Betws Y Coed
FFEAR FFOREST NIGHTS – You’ll have a scream with us this Halloween at Zip World Fforest.
If you’re wanting to join us this October half term for the fright of your life at our Fforest site, now’s the time to get those Night Passes!
Night Passes start from £30, and include 2 goes on the ‘Cursed Coaster’ and access all evening to the clown infested ‘The Nets’.
Added extras include Screamride, a giant 5 seater swing, and Nightfall, a terrifying 100ft drop through a trapdoor.
Grab your Night Pass on https://www.zipworld.co.uk/ffear-fforest