The Easter holiday weekend is fast approaching, and the country will be awakening to the joys of spring. It’s a favourite time of the year to get out and about after the long winter with its lengthy succession of storms and short chilly days. If you want a day out with a difference, you might like to consider a trip to Wales.

It’s a beautiful country at any time of the year, but during April the gardens and roadsides will be in bloom with Wales’ national flower, the daffodil, and an abundance of other flora and greenery besides. There are miles of unspoilt landscape to explore, from breathtaking valleys and lakes to rugged mountains and secluded sandy beaches.

If the natural wonders of Wales aren’t enough, it’s also richly blessed in historic and cultural legacy, with ancient castles, stone circles, and an array of native festivals, foods, and arts and crafts. Here are a few ideas to enjoy some memorable days out in Wales this Easter. 

Visit a spring fair

Spring fairs and festivals are a popular way to celebrate the new season and browse local produce and arts and crafts. Wales produces many hand crafted products that make excellent gifts for Easter or any other special occasion. It’s famed for high-quality wool and slate, but one of the most special and unique items is the Welsh love spoon. 

These are decorative wooden spoons that have been expertly hand carved from sycamore, walnut or limewood. They are thought to have been first produced in Wales in the 17th century, although there is some evidence that the origins lie in Scandinavia or Eastern Europe.

They are traditionally given as symbols of love, prosperity, God’s favour, and for other joyful and generous reasons. Today, the love spoon is enjoying a renaissance and it makes the perfect gift or authentic decorative item for your home. There are a variety of symbolic designs to choose from, such as an angel, a Celtic cross, a heart, a dragon, and more. 

Blackwood in Newport, south Wales, is holding a spring fair on Saturday 13 April. There will be a host of food and craft stalls, street performances, and a funfair, so it’s a great family day out as well as a chance to stock up on local produce. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Newport and a 40 minute drive from Cardiff.

Elsewhere, later on the 27 and 28 April, the National Botanical Garden of Wales will be holding a spring festival. Here you will be able to browse a variety of stalls, including food, drink, and artisan craft makers with a real passion for creating beautiful hand made gifts, and an opportunity to ‘meet the makers.’ 

During the weekend, there will be displays by the British Bird of Prey Centre and a free Red Robin trail to explore the gardens. The Gardens are situated just off the M4 and a 30 minute drive from Swansea. There is a range of themed gardens to explore with 5,000 different plant varieties across 560 acres of countryside, plus the world’s largest glasshouse. 

Visit a castle

You are never very far from a castle in Wales, whether a glorious run or a magnificently intact structure. There are over 600 to choose from, most of them are open to the public to explore and enjoy. One of the most impressive is Caerphilly Castle in South Wales. It was built in the 13th century and is surrounded by water, and is famed for its Leaning Tower. 

Visit the Royal Mint

For a day out with a difference, the Royal Mint Experience is Llanstrisant, South Wales, is a great place to visit. Particularly if the weather is not very springlike. It’s a fascinating opportunity to visit the factory floor where almost five billion coins are produced each year. You can watch expert staff at work, and have the chance to mint your very own coin.

There’s also an exhibition with displays of some of the world’s oldest and most valuable coins, plus interactive features to keep kids entertained and engaged. There are a range of events held throughout the year, and there are low-sensory tours available for people with special needs.