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Woodland & Forest in Cardiff

Woodland close to Cardiff mostly means a drive out to Caerphilly. Fforest Fawr Car Park has free parking, a sculpture trail and picnic tables right by the cars, with valley views to take in while the kids eat their sandwiches. A short way on, Coed y Werin is free too, with sunny glades, boggy dips, ancient rocks and fungi to hunt out along the paths. If you want something further afield, it is a longer trip out to Bristol for Prior's Wood, free to walk with bluebells in spring and buzzards overhead, though the paths get properly muddy, so wellies earn their keep. For toddlers and buggies, Fforest Fawr's picnic spot by the car park is the easiest start. Older children who fancy a proper ramble will get more from Coed y Werin's rocks and fungi, or the muddier trails at Prior's Wood if you are making a day of it.

✓ 3 places✦ 3 free to visit