FAMILIES across Wales are being encouraged to rediscover history on their doorstep this February half term, with more than 130 historic sites offering affordable days out.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, says its castles, abbeys and ancient monuments provide low-cost options for families looking to get out of the house without breaking the bank.

From dramatic medieval fortresses to Roman remains and peaceful abbey ruins, many locations are within easy reach of local communities, making them ideal for a short day trip.

Nearby highlights include Caerphilly Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Raglan Castle, and the Caerleon Roman Baths, each offering a mix of history, open space and hands-on activities.

Good value days out

New visitor research carried out by Cadw shows strong satisfaction among guests. More than 85 per cent rated their visit as good, while nearly two in five said their experience was better than expected.

Families are being encouraged to bring picnics, book tickets online in advance and consider membership options to keep costs down, particularly for repeat visits over school holidays.

History brought to life

Several sites now include improved interpretation and interactive elements aimed at younger visitors.

At Caerphilly Castle, recent restoration work has recreated parts of the medieval interior, allowing visitors to step inside spaces such as the Great Hall and gatehouse to see how the fortress would have looked in the thirteenth century.

Meanwhile, children visiting Caerleon can take part in a daily Roman Baths trail where they can touch, smell and explore objects linked to life in Roman Britain.

Quieter winter exploring

Cadw says winter can be one of the best times to visit, with fewer crowds and dramatic seasonal scenery.

Places such as Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle, Criccieth Castle, and Valle Crucis Abbey offer peaceful walks alongside striking historic backdrops.

Something close to home

With sites spread across the country, most families will have a Cadw monument within a short drive.

Membership options provide unlimited entry throughout the year, with children admitted free with adult members, alongside shop discounts and reciprocal offers at other UK attractions.

Further details on opening times, events and tickets are available at the Cadw website.

Grant from Ffilm Cymru Wales helps bring affordable independent cinema to Pembrokeshire

A SEASON of independent films chosen by local audiences is coming to Milford Haven this spring, as the Torch Theatre hosts a special programme designed to celebrate bold storytelling and community cinema.

Running from February through to mid-April, the Community Choices season has been made possible thanks to Wales-wide grant funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales. The scheme supports independent exhibitors to bring diverse and inspiring films to screens across the country.

At the Torch, audiences were invited to take part in programming workshops to help select the titles themselves. The final line-up reflects a mix of Welsh-language work, environmentally themed films and stories that break down social and economic barriers, ensuring something for all tastes.

Chelsey Gillard, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “We asked you, the people of Pembrokeshire, what films you wanted to see at the Torch – and we listened. There’s a terrific variety in this season, from family favourites to powerful dramas. We’re very grateful to Ffilm Cymru Wales for the funding that allows us to bring these wonderful films to the big screen, and we look forward to giving everyone a warm Torch welcome.”

The programme opens with Mr Burton on Sunday, February 8 at 4:15pm, followed by Flow on Tuesday, February 17 at 4:45pm. Fantastic Mr Fox screens on February 19 at 4:45pm, with Moonlight closing the month on Friday, February 20 at 6:15pm.

March’s line-up includes Born Free on March 4 at 2:15pm, Earth on March 12 at 11:00am, Sinners on March 15 at 7:00pm, Booksmart on March 22 at 2:00pm, and Gwledd (The Feast) on March 27 at 8:00pm.

The season continues into April with I Swear on April 2 at 2:00pm, One Battle After Another on April 5 at 4:00pm, and This is Spinal Tap on April 12 at 4:00pm, bringing the Community Choices series to a close.

All tickets are priced at £4 and include a free tea or coffee, helping to keep the screenings affordable and accessible for everyone.

For tickets and full details, visit the Torch Theatre website or call the box office on 01646 695267.

ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN is heading back to the stage at the Torch Theatre with a lively new production fronted by renowned Irish singer Danny Muldoon.

Tickets are already selling fast for the feel-good celebration of Irish music, which promises two hours of songs, stories and plenty of craic.

Backed by an award-winning five-piece band, Muldoon leads audiences through a packed set of sing-along favourites including Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, The Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey in the Jar, The Wild Rover and The Galway Shawl, along with many more well-loved classics.

The show recreates the atmosphere of a bustling Dublin pub, complete with fiddle, whistle, guitars, banjo, bodhrán, accordion and driving drums, transporting the audience straight into “Murphy’s Tavern” for an unforgettable night of live entertainment.

Fans can also expect hits from Irish legends including The Pogues, The Saw Doctors, The Dubliners, The Fureys, Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys.

One Night in Dublin comes to the Torch Theatre on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £26.50. Visit the theatre website or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267 to book.