Things to do on sunny days in Wales

Llyn Tegid in Bala is the largest natural lake in Wales is the ideal place to cool off by on a sunny day. There’s the Bala Lake Railway running along the shores, and the full monty of watersports on the lake itself, whose 1km width makes it a favourite for sponsored swims.

Read more: Wonderful Welsh rivers, lakes and waterways

Pembrokeshire’s offshore islands are bird sanctuaries of world importance, and a clifftop picnic on Skomer Island, among the wild flowers, with thousands of sea birds wheeling overhead, while seals bask on the rocks below, is a fabulous experience. 

Read more: Welsh islands you can explore

The impossibly pretty Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs for 35 miles along the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). There are several boat hire fleets along the way, from which you can hire a day boat or canoe and enjoy a memorable potter (at a top speed of 4mph…).

Read more: Narrowboat and canal boat holidays in Wales

The mountain biking in Wales is world-class, and here’s where it all started, Coed y Brenin in the wooded hills of Eryri (Snowdonia). You don’t have to be a Lycra-clad warrior to enjoy it, though: there are easy trails that are specifically designed for families and beginners to make a gentle start. 

Read more: Guide to mountain biking in Wales

The Red Kite is now so common over Mid Wales that they’re a constant presence in the skies. But seeing them en masse – several hundred at a time, at a kite-feeding centre like Gigrin Farm in Rhayader is still one of the most awesome sights that British nature has to offer. 

Read more: Up close with the red kites in Wales

For a good run-around and a picnic in glorious garden surroundings, Dyffryn Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan is hard to beat. This beautiful National Trust property has gardens and an arboretum with just the right kind of nooks, hidey-holes and water features that children love.

Read more: 10 great gardens around Wales

The huge greenhouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales' heart looks like a spaceship has crashed into the Towy Valley, and there are always events to appeal to kids: Pond Dipping Mondays, Going Green Tuesdays, Time Travelling Wednesdays, Creepy Crawly Thursdays… you get the picture. It’s stunningly beautiful, too.  

The sun’s out, so let’s go skiing at Pembrey Ski and Activity Centre. Makes sense, right? The slope at Pembrey Country Park is one of many things to do on a sunny day, including crazy golf, train rides, adventure play, horse riding, nature trails and a whopping eight-mile dune-backed beach. 

Quite apart from the classy stately-home-and-garden thing, the National Trust has devised lots of child-friendly activities at Powis Castle: wilderness walks, ranger trails, treasure hunts, and games on the croquet lawn. Rolling down the grassy slopes, while saying ‘Wheee!’, is also strongly encouraged. 

Read more: National Trust family days out

Snowdon Mountain Railway heads along two major viaducts via a waterfall and an ancient forest. This journey to the peak of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) takes on volcanic rock and sea, ending at a visitor centre with marvellous views across Eryri (Snowdonia). Exorcise the ghosts of run-of-the-mill train trips on one of the most spectacular journeys you’ll take.

Read more: The narrow gauge and miniature steam trains of Wales