Welsh attractions to visit in the autumn (fall) and winter seasons

Wales is open all year. We have listed a range of attractions and activities that are open out of season, but please check individual websites for confirmation of times open.

There are many sites in the care of Cadw. These include castles, burial chambers, historic houses, abbeys and museums. With too many to mention, here is a selection open during autumn and winter. Please check seasonal opening times which vary for each property.

• Castell Rhuddlan (Rhuddlan Castle) - North Wales
• Chepstow Castle - South East Wales
• Castell Harlech (Harlech Castle) - North Wales
• Blaenafon Ironworks (Blaenavon Ironworks) - South East Wales
• Castles and Town Walls of Edward I - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

For opening times, prices, access, group discounts and complementary site for group booking visits and current advice please visit Cadw group bookings.

Register with the Cadw Tour Operator Scheme (CTOS) to become a member of Cadw’s online group booking scheme. Members benefit from preferential trade rates and discounts, complimentary admission for your tour leader, complimentary introductions to Cadw monuments, enhanced information for existing tours and invoicing following your visit. Travel Trade Explorer Passes can also be purchased. Please contact Cadwcommercial@gov.wales.

Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales have seven sites across Wales - all free and open during all seasons. Charges may apply to some aspects such as exhibitions, special events and tours. Please check websites for daily opening times. There are other museums to visit across Wales.

• Wrexham County Borough Museum - North Wales
• National Cycle Museum - Llandrindod Wells - Mid Wales
• Gower Heritage Centre - South West Wales
• Nantgarw China Works Museum - South East Wales

The great outdoors never closes. The landscape changes from season to season so it's a great time to discover Wales when it is less busy. Our Wellbeing Outdoors fact sheets include walking, cycling and mountain biking routes, both inland and on the coast. Most National Trust properties are also open all year but check their website for the opening times of their listed attractions.

Some of the gardens are open all year. They may however offer a partial opening on selected days, or open specifically for pre-booked private tours. Please check the individual websites.

• Aberglasney Mansion and Gardens - the gardens, shop and tearoom are open all year
• Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens - private tours for 30+ on non-public opening days
• Plas Newydd House & Gardens - the gardens, shop and café are open all year - the house is closed November to February
• Scolton Manor - although the manor house is closed to the general public from November to March, it can be opened during this time by appointment and pre-booking only. The park, grounds and garden are open all year.
• Bodnant Garden - All year

From food and drink festivals, distillery, vineyard and food tours, there are always food and drink inspired places to visit during the colder months. Below is a selection.

• Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard - offering tours and wine experiences throughout the year - North Wales
• Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt - behind the scenes tour of salt production - North Wales
• Loving Welsh Food - walking food and drink tours around Cardiff - South East Wales

Get kitted up and equipped to take part in a range of activities on the water, underground and on land. So many providers stay open all year who provide expert training and safety equipment to ensure clients have the best experience whatever the weather.

• ​​​​​​Go Below - climbing, traversing, zip-lining and abseiling underground - North Wales.
• Harley Davidson Adventure Centre - on and off-road experience with an expert - Mid Wales.
• Llangorse Multi Activity Centre - indoor climbing - Mid Wales.

• Mynydd Sleddog Adventures - husky rides through forest trails - North Wales
• Rib Ride - boat tours along the Menai Strait - North Wales
• Royal Porthcawl Golf Club - a world class links course - South East Wales
• Seawake - Puffin Island and trips along the Menai Strait - North Wales
• TYF Adventure - coasteering and a range of watersports activities - South West Wales

We have selected a range of the many Travel Trade friendly attractions which are open to welcome your clients all year.

• Cardiff Castle - a leading heritage attraction with over 2,000 years of history.
• Corris Mine Explorers - Exclusive tailored, bespoke Mine Exploration Trips arranged all year for groups between 2 and 10 explorers. And group visits for 10+ clients with discounts.
• A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum - go underground with a former miner on an award winning tour.

• Cwmcarn Forest Drive - a range of options including driving around the meandering road high into the forest for spectacular views. Mountain bike trails and walking trails can be taken from the visitor centre where there is a café and gift shop.

• Boat trips across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct with Anglo Welsh Waterways Holidays and Horse Drawn Boats - selected days only.
• Devil's Bridge Falls - a waterfalls attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains with opening hours varying during the low season.

• Gwrych Castle - closed on certain days from October through to December, and open weekends in January.
• Talyllyn Railway - limited timetable but open on selected days.

Not all wildlife hibernate for the winter! Some of their natural habitats need to be maintained all year, with some species requiring regular feeding routines. Staff are always on hand to talk about their passion when they open to the public throughout the seasons.

The British Bird of Prey Centre - based at National Botanic Garden of Wales, the centre is open 363 days a year.

Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Centre - open all year on selected days. Weekend opening hours throughout December. Feeding takes place at 1500hrs.

Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve - migratory wildfowl and wading birds arrive in Autumn. During winter, clients may see the largest flocks of birds including hunting birds of prey.

RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve - not just birds but mammal tracks can be seen in frost and light snow. The café and shop are open throughout the seasons.

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre - open 363 days a year - The Walk with a Warden event will ensure clients see the best of the season's highlights.

Wales comes alive with Christmas markets and festivals leading up to and during the holiday season. Here are a few of the main highlights.

Caerphilly Borough Council - Food and Craft Fairs and lantern parades at a range of locations throughout November and December.

Cardiff Christmas Market - the city is filled with stalls selling seasonal food and drink, arts, crafts and other goods throughout November and December.

Cardiff Winter Wonderland - set on the lawns outside City Hall,  it's biggest draw is the undercover ice-rink and Big Wheel. There's also a funfair, alpine ski-lodge bar, and other festive food and drink stalls.

Christmas at Bute Park - a one mile (1.6 km) light trail through the park with immersive illuminations and a Christmas village selling street food.

Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza - food, drink, gifts, funfair, entertainment over four days.

Luminate Wales - Margam Park.

Luminate Wales - National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair - artisan stalls, local produce and entertainment over three days.

Swansea Waterfront Winterland - the site includes an ice rink, fun fair, and Alpine Village food and drink area. Opens throughout November and December.

See our shopping fact sheet for seasonal gift ideas in our towns and cities.

Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.

• Find safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and safety tips from the RNLI for staying safe on the Welsh coast on the Visit Wales website.
• Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.