News
St Davids Cathedral named among Wales’ best free family attractions
Historic Pembrokeshire landmark ranked second in nationwide study by outdoor retailer GO Outdoors
ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL has been named one of the best free family-friendly attractions in Wales in a new nationwide study.
The historic cathedral ranked second overall in research carried out by outdoor retailer GO Outdoors ahead of the summer holiday season.
Researchers analysed UK search volumes, Google review scores and visitor popularity to identify the top free attractions for families across Wales.
St Davids Cathedral achieved an overall score of 9.53 out of 10, with 150,000 UK searches recorded in 2025 and a 4.8-star Google rating from more than 5,400 reviews.
The cathedral, located in Britain’s smallest city, attracts thousands of visitors every year and regularly hosts concerts, community events and family activities alongside its religious services.
Visitors praised the site online as a “beautiful, peaceful place”, with many highlighting its striking architecture and peaceful setting.
Taking the top spot was Big Pit National Coal Museum, in Blaenavon, which scored 9.83 out of 10. The museum offers free entry and explores Wales’ industrial heritage.
Third place went to St Fagans National Museum of History, near Cardiff, where visitors can explore more than forty original buildings from different periods of Welsh history.
Other attractions making the top ten included Llandaff Cathedral, National Museum Cardiff, National Slate Museum, St Asaph Cathedral, Swansea Museum, National Wool Museum and Ceredigion Museum.
Natalie Wolfenden, an outdoor expert and author at GO Outdoors, said: “The UK has an abundance of places to visit and activities to take part in. From walks in the Lake District to heritage sites, there is plenty on offer — and lots to do for free.
“If you are visiting an outdoor attraction, I would recommend packing for all weather conditions. A lightweight waterproof jacket and a pair of well-fitting shoes can make all the difference. No one wants to be wet and uncomfortable on a day out.”
News
Tenby lifeboat launched after man cut off by tide at Freshwater East
A MAN was rescued after becoming cut off by the tide at Freshwater East on Wednesday night (Jun 10).
Tenby RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9:30pm after HM Coastguard received a 999 call from the man, who had climbed part of the cliff but had become stuck.
The volunteer crew made best speed to the reported location, around 7.5 miles west of Tenby, and began searching the area using powerful searchlights.
After the casualty was located, the lifeboat stood by to provide safety cover while a Coastguard rescue helicopter arrived.
The man was then winched to safety at the top of the cliff, where members of the Coastguard rescue team were waiting.
With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station, arriving back at 10:50pm.
Charity
Family’s £570 donation in memory of devoted RNLI supporter
THE FAMILY of the late Gerald Hartry, of Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, have donated £570 to the RNLI in his memory.
Gerald was a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and had a particular affection for Tenby Lifeboat Station, which he visited many times over the past 40 years while staying at the family’s caravan near Narberth.
Relatives recently visited the station to present the cheque to the crew.
Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said it was a pleasure to welcome the family and thanked them for their generous donation.
Pictured, from left, are members of Gerald’s family with Tenby Lifeboat Operations Manager Carl Evans.
News
Rhun ap Iorwerth highlights first 25 days in office as First Minister
Plaid Cymru leader says government is moving quickly on NHS, farming and economic priorities
FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has used a social media video to set out what he says has been achieved during his first 25 days leading the Welsh Government.
In the short update, filmed while travelling by car, the Plaid Cymru leader sought to demonstrate early progress on key manifesto commitments, with particular emphasis on health, the economy and support for rural Wales.
Among the measures highlighted was work to tackle NHS waiting times, with the First Minister saying an NHS steering group is already underway as ministers attempt to address long-standing pressures on healthcare services.
The First Minister also pointed to efforts to improve economic productivity and wages, presenting the new administration as focused on raising prosperity across Wales.
On transport and regional development, Mr ap Iorwerth referenced early work aimed at improving connectivity and giving more attention to western parts of Wales, signalling a desire to spread investment beyond traditional economic centres.
Rural issues also featured prominently, with the First Minister citing action to reduce bureaucracy facing farmers. The Welsh Government recently launched an independent review into the administrative burden on farms, led by former NFU Cymru President John Davies, as part of a manifesto commitment made within the government’s first 100 days.
The video appears designed to reinforce a message that the new Plaid-led administration is moving quickly to implement election promises and deliver visible action.
However, opposition parties are likely to argue that announcements and reviews must now translate into measurable outcomes.
Questions remain over how quickly ministers can reduce NHS waiting times, improve economic performance and deliver practical support for farmers amid continuing budget pressures.
The First Minister’s update comes as the new government seeks to establish its political identity following a dramatic Senedd election result that left Plaid Cymru leading a minority administration.
While supporters may welcome signs of early activity, critics are likely to judge the government less on announcements and more on whether voters begin to see tangible improvements in everyday life over the months ahead.
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