The Welsh Museums Festival returns this half-term, offering an exciting lineup of events across the country, celebrating both the rich history of Wales and the magic and mystery of Halloween. Running from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November, the festival invites families, history lovers, and Halloween enthusiasts to explore an array of free, family-friendly activities that bring Welsh history and traditions to life.

Wales History Trails Passport Challenge
The Wales History Trails Passport Challenge returns: your gateway to discovering the unique history of Wales. Pick up a passport from any participating museum this half-term and embark on an adventure, collecting stamps as you visit different locations. As you journey from museum to museum, you’ll uncover fascinating stories, cultural treasures, and ancient legends.

The Celtic Roots of our Halloween
Many museums are adding a spooky twist this half-term, providing an enchanting blend of history and Halloween fun, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Younger visitors can enjoy a ghost hunt, and free booklet delving into past Halloween traditions in Wales, including turnip lanterns, the fearsome ‘Cropped Black Sow’, dirty blackberries, a lucky stone, and the intriguing ‘Magic Mash’.

Events Across Wales
Wherever you are in Wales, the festival has something special in store. Return to this website in early October to check out all of our events, but here’s a sneak peek:

• In Mid Wales, help create a 2D ‘Dragon’s Cave’ installation in Rhayader or take part in artist-led workshops exploring local artwork and museum collections in Ceredigion.
• North Wales offers thrills and chills with art workshops at Sir Henry Jones Museum, a monster disco and haunting trails at Greenfield Valley Museum, and the Legends and Lanterns trail in Penmaenmawr. 
• In West Wales, challenge yourself with escape rooms at Swansea’s Egypt Centre or enjoy hands-on activities like face painting and quizzes at Pembroke Dock. Don’t miss Tenby’s Y Calen Gaeaf Halloween party, filled with storytelling and family-friendly activities.
• South Wales brings history to life at the Blaenavon World War II Experience with military re-enactments, while Cyfarthfa Castle’s Halloween trail offers spooky crafts and fun facts about Halloween’s origins.

Join the Fun!
This half-term, don’t just visit a museum, but immerse yourself in the stories, legends, and mysteries that make our Wales unique. With the Passport Challenge and a wide variety of engaging activities, this is the time to explore the fascinating world of Welsh museums. 

Make this half-term one to remember, and share your festival experiences on social media using the hashtag #WalesHistoryTrails