Everyone loves a free treat, and there are a huge variety of choices around Cardiff and Swansea. Free days out in South Wales range from gentle wanders through some of the UK’s most interesting museums to high adrenaline mountain biking expeditions, strenuous mountain walks, and more. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a day out the whole family will remember.

Of course, most local parks are free. That’s a good starting point. Then there are the well-known institutions like the National Museum and St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life, and the natural fresh air attractions of the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains, the Gower Peninsula, and other beauty spots. But the list doesn’t end there. Many of the smaller and less well known South Wales parks and gardens are also free for visitors.

Anyone can explore Bryn Bach Park, Bedwellty Park, or Parc Taf Bargoed without paying a penny. The Old Station at Tintern offers free entry and so do Cyfarthfa Park, Beechwood Park, and Belle Vue Gardens. It’s always worth taking along a little cash for a drink or a snack and some of these places also offer bike hire, for example, but there is no reason you can’t enjoy them without opening your wallet.

Most of the other Featured Gardens may not be 100% free but they may offer free entry to accompanied children or free parking. These are amongst the best cheap days out in Cardiff and the wider South Wales area.