FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

When betting safely and responsibly, online casinos can be an enjoyable form of entertainment. But, irresponsible or unsafe practices can lead to problem gambling and significant financial losses. Knowing how to gamble safely and responsibly is crucial. 

So, if you’re new to gambling or simply want some tips on how to gamble appropriately, then here’s a guide on how to stay safe with your online casino use. 

Stick to Licensed Platforms 

Always use licensed platforms when gambling. Many people wind up using an unregulated casino because they offer larger bonuses and less restriction, but it’s important not to get drawn in.

Unlicensed platforms aren’t regulated, therefore you can’t guarantee things like fair gameplay, responsive customer service, or proper dispute resolution, and the risk of being scammed is considerably higher. 

Licensed casinos will not only be safer, but also offer a much more enjoyable gaming experience.  

Ensure Payments Are Secure

Gambling does involve handing over your hard-earned money, so it’s important that you do it safely and securely. Only use online casinos that offer a variety of well-known, secure payment methods so you can have peace of mind while gaming. 

Recognise the Risks 

The biggest risk to gambling is financial loss. It’s crucial that you only ever bet what you can actually afford to lose to prevent considerable debt. 

It’s also important to track your spending. For example, using a 2 pound minimum deposit casino can make the risk feel less significant, but £2 here and there can add up quickly. Without knowing how much money you’ve spent, it’s easy to lose track and end up spending way more than you originally intended. 

Adopt Responsible Gambling Habits 

It’s important not to get caught up in the thrill. Ensure you are keeping your habits healthy by:

• Setting limits – if you struggle with knowing when to stop, setting time and financial limits is an effective way to stop you going too far 
• Accepting your losses – don’t chase your losses. If you lose, simply move on instead of trying to recoup your money 
• Not using gambling as a crutch – gambling should be a fun pastime and not a way to cope with strong emotions. Always avoid gambling while stressed or upset to prevent problem gambling 

Maintain Safety With Online Casinos

Safety isn’t a one-off, you need to consider the safety of the site and your gambling habits every time you gamble. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe, more enjoyable gambling experience.