This half term, the Welsh Museums Festival is shining a spotlight on the amazing small and independent museums across Wales – many offering free admission and free activities (including drop-in) until 2 November.
Small Museums, Big Welcome
While Amgueddfa Cymru’s seven national museums are famously free, it’s less well known that dozens of our small, community-run museums also open their doors all year round at no cost. This year’s festival has inspired free entry at Llandudno Museum this week, with lots more having year-round free admission including Museum of Cardiff, Cowbridge Museum, Oriel Môn, and Carmarthenshire Museum. These buildings are packed with stories that bring Welsh history to life.
A few museums charge a small admission fee – such as Porthcawl Museum (£3 adults, £1 children) or Ruthin Gaol – helping to preserve local heritage for future generations.
Free Hwyl (Fun)!
Lots of the 50+ museums taking part this year also offer free, family activities throughout half term. Wonderful examples include:
- Haunted House Competition at Park Howard Museum, Llanelli
- Halloween storytelling and free soup at Yr Ysgwrn
- Family Craft Sessions at Chepstow and Abergavenny Museums
- Halloween Art Club at Oriel Môn
- Free Halloween booklet at the Museum of Cardiff
Plus, don’t miss the free ‘History of Hwyl’ booklet by poet Aneirin Karadog, celebrating Welsh joy, creativity, and community.
Wales History Trails Passport Challenge
You can pick up a free passport at any participating museum, or download a copy at home, to start collecting stamps from the 34 museums taking part in the challenge.
- Visit one museum by 2 November to enter a prize draw for a den-making kit
- Visit six museums by Easter 2026 for a chance to win a scooter
Affordable
At a time when family budgets are tight, the Festival proves that discovering culture doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Museums are warm, welcoming spaces that offer entertainment, learning, and connection – a chance to uncover treasures on your doorstep and make memories together.
So this half term, find your nearest museum, and join the hwyl!
#WalesHistoryTrails #FeelTheHwyl #YearOfCroeso