If you are looking for a fantastic family day out then look no further than Margam Country Park, which is located in Port Talbot.
We attended a ‘Train Your Dragon’ event on Bank Holiday Monday (6th May 2019) It was a brilliant event. We witnessed lots of theatrics and magic. From fire breathers, pirate knights to dragons, this event was a must for fans of mythical creatures and magic.
We started our day on the Castle Lawns where we had a good giggle with Sir Aurelious Jones, a Pirate Knight who thinks he is a catch with the ladies! Sir Aurelious Jones captivated the audience with his jokes and spectacular stage presence. We met Epico The Dragon who Sir Aurelious was taking care of. As soon as Epico appeared the crowds of people gasped with amazement! Children were quite simply mesmerised by the large red Dragon with smoke escaping from his nostrils.
After our encounter with a Dragon, we had some lunch (I recommend taking a picnic) As we chomped away on our sandwiches we watched the fire performers.
After lunch we went to explore the Castle, the 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion is huge! It is a beautiful building, unfortunately only the main entrance hall and main staircase hall is open to the public.
I quickly found there is so much to do at Margam Country Park for families. You can explore the gardens, take a look around the 18th Century Orangery and be amazed by the 200-year-old Citrus House. There is also a Farm Trail and Wood Vibrations Trail!
Children can burn off some energy in Adventure Playground where you will find a castle, sky run and elevated walkway. The castles unique design has been built to hold up to 100 children at a time. It has four towers, a central keep and mock moat as well as slides, boulder field, an aerial runway, a large net swing and a rope bridge forming part of the castle theme. Ethan and Harry had lots of fun playing in the playground. Harry loved the slides and Ethan was a fan of playing hide and seek in the castle!
For children 10 and under, you have the Fairytale Land Village which has miniature houses all with Fairytale themes. My boys loved exploring, and being only a small women, I was able to have a look inside the houses. They were fantastic! Really well kept, you can see that Margam County Park prides itself on the upkeep of the Fairytale village.
After a run around Fairytale Land we stopped to do a bit of ‘Giant Dragon’ balloon modelling. We helped by adding balloons to the ever-growing dragon, ready for the ‘Balloon Dragon Parade’ later in the day.
We noticed the day was coming to an end, so we decided to have a walk along the Farm Trail before heading back to the car. The farm was a great addition to the day. Glamorgan cattle, Llanwenog and Badger Face sheep, Welsh pigs and Buff Orpington hens are just some of the interesting rare breed animals that you can see on the farm trail. The Welsh Mummy Blogs family were fascinated by the Glamorgan cattle which can be recognised by their chestnut coloured coat and broad white stripe along the backbone, down the tail and under the belly.
On our way to the car we got in harmony with nature with the ‘Wood Vibrations Trail’. All you need is a stick and you can bang out a tune! The trail was created with the help of local school children. On the trail you will find a series of giant musical instruments made from trees felled within the park.
We are looking to head back to Margam Country Park next Bank Holiday to review the discovery centre and to hopefully get a glimpse of the Margam Deer Heard – The herd at present consists of approx 300 fallow deer, 64 red and 34 Pere David.
Fantastic Beasts Event
27th May – Bank Holiday Monday
Come and join Captain John Voyage and Dr Goggins as they explore the Island of Honopopo. Roar into Summer with the Maiden of Flowers awe–inspiring lion. Meet ‘Yeshe’ the Yak, the BEASTS and learn about the Cryptid Petting Zoo! No real animals on show, it’s all amazing theatre! A great family day out. Wear your best animal onesie! The day includes the Margam International Kite Festival.
Early bird ticket prices (to include Fast Track entry) available online until midday Monday 20th May:
Children £5.95, Adults £7.65, Family (2+2) £25.60
Children under 2 years old are free
Free Parking
Fast Track Entry Tickets available online from midday 20th May until midday Friday 24th May:
Adults £9, Children £7, Family (2+2) £30,
Children under 2 years old are free
Free Parking
ONLINE TICKET SALES CLOSE midday Friday 24th May:
On the day prices:
Adults £9, Children £7, Family (2+2) £30,
Children under 2 years old are free
Free Parking
For more information and to book tickets, please visit – www.margamcountrypark.co.uk
