What’s On During The October Half Term
The leaves are changing colour, and there’s a nip in morning air, which can mean only one thing – Autumn is upon us, but that doesn’t need to mean the holidays are any less fun! It’s the ideal time of year to wrap up warm and get out for a beach walk, some rock-pool exploring, or a woodland wander in the crisp newly fallen leaves, followed by a cosy evening back at your cottage.
In addition to everything you can enjoy onsite here at Croft Farm & Celtic Cottages this Half Term we’ve done a quick roundup of family friendly events which are taking place near us here in North Pembrokeshire – we think there’s definitely something to please everyone!
Castell Henllys
Set in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Castell Henllys is the only Iron Age Village in Britain where the expertly recreated Iron Age Roundhouses have been reconstructed on the exact site where our Celtic ancestors lived 2,000 years ago.
There are a number of events scheduled for Half Term including :
Discover The Iron Age : A costumed guided tour of the Iron Age village to learn about daily life of the people who inhabited the village over 2000 years ago.
Druid School : Druids knew all about the magic and usefulness of plants. Join the Druid School session and make a druid’s crown and staff. 7+ years
Totally Tribal Warriors : Be brave defenders of the village or painted warriors and learn the skills and art of Iron Age warfare. An energetic but fun day of activities for ages 3+
Haunted Henllys : Are you brave enough to meet the ghosts of those who lived at Castell Henllys over 2000 years ago on a ghost walk? Keep your eyes & ears open, who knows what lurks in the woods!
Celtic Celebrations : Calling all Celts! Join the tribe as they celebrate Samhain, the ghostly Celtic Halloween on October 29th, with activities and stories and watch the wickerman burn at the end of the day.
Get full details of events here : Castell Henllys Events
Fishguard Autumn Festival
Held between 24th – 31st October this family friendly festival has a host of events taking place celebrating local artisan talent – including food, live music, theatre performances, arts & crafts, local nature, fireworks, and the renowned ‘Cawl Crawl Challenge’
Get the schedule and further details here : Fishguard Autumn Festival
The Welsh Wildlife Centre – Teifi Marshes & Cilgerran
This local wildlife centre is always a popular with our guests, and as well as the walks, bird hides, treasure trail and displays which are open all the time anyway, there are also a number of events scheduled for half term, including :
- Make own owl mobile
- Decorate your own bird feeder
- Silent world’s bizarre beasts
- Make your own autumn leaf lantern
- Meet the owls, and owl slate painting
- Autumn bushcraft
- Create your own spider webs & bark owls
- Halloween spooktacular
- History and haunting walk
For further details click here : Welsh Wildlife Centre Events
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo
Winner of the Best Day Out in Wales 2015, a day out at Folly Farm is always a family favourite. In addition to everything already available (allow at least half a day to see everything and go on all the rides!) on Tuesday 22nd Oct there will be a Toddler Takeover Day with the theme of Halloween Hoots – with additional activities for todders including storytelling, art and craft fun, and hands on experiences.
For more information check out their website : Folly Farm
Carew Castle
Carew Castle is set in a stunning location overlooking a 23 acre millpond (the only restored tidal mill in Wales), and the castle itself displays the development from Norman fortification to Elizabethan country house.
They have a number of event on over half term including :
Fireside Tales : Settle around the fire in the Lesser Hall as the costumed storyteller recounts spooky tales and stories of brave knights and beautiful princesses
Bat Quest : Carew Castle is famed for its resident bats, which like to hide in the dark nooks and crannies of the Castle walls. Join the bat quest to see if you can find them all! Included in normal admission price.
Halloween Spooktacular : Where spookier to spend Halloween than in a castle? Enjoy ghostly activities and games, including spell casting and wand making! Come in your favourite spooky costume for a costume parade
Fabulous Falcons with Pembrokeshire Falconry : Fancy handling a hawk, an eagle or an owl? Learn all about these magnificent birds of prey from an experienced falconer and for just £1 per person enjoy a one-to-one session with a bird. The static display is included in normal admission.
Get full details here : Carew Castle Events
More Castles and Ghostly Goings On
There are a host of castles here in West Wales, with lots of different Halloween themed events running – perfect for an outing with plenty of added atmosphere!
Cardigan Castle, which was recently renovated, has a wealth of mysterious stories from its 900 year-old history. Castle historian Glen Johnson will be leading two Halloween Ghost tours on 31st October concentrating on the castle’s spooky stories.
Find out about the mysterious woman in black, what exactly happened in the Rainbow room and why World War II soldiers asked to be transferred from the castle barracks. Get more details here : Cardigan Castle Ghost Tours
Pembroke Castle is well worth a visit with its labyrinth of passageways and towers to explore, views from the 75 ft high Great Keep, and some excellent exhibitions and displays to bring its history alive. They are running a ‘Tales of Spooks, Spectres & Witches’ event during Half Term. Expert guide Howard will take you and your children on a tour of the Castle and tell you tales of the ghostly sightings and witches’ wizardry that have been encountered throughout the years. Learn the differences between Ghosts and Poltergeists; Witches, Wizards and Warlocks. Get more details here : Pembroke Castle Halloween Events
Finally….Some Fireworks
To round off Half Term with a bang, take a short trip up the coast to Llangrannog Beach for their spectacular annual fireworks display. The bonfire is set on the beach to coincide with the rising tide to extinguish it, rockets are launched from the cliff tops on either side of the cove, as well as hundreds of fireworks from the beach. Wrap up warm and enjoy this dramatic fireworks show over the sea of Cardigan Bay, with the lights and colours reflected in the water. 30th October with a 6pm start.
If you’d like to find out more about our family friendly farm holidays here at Croft Farm & Celtic Cottages please feel free to browse our website to check out our cottages, and our indoor and outdoor facilities. Give us a ring on 01239 615179 to find out about our Special Offers, or check our Availability online.