Free Days Out in Bridgend

Slow. Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes is soft sand on a large scale, and climbing it takes far more out of adults than children, who tend to simply roll back down and go again. That makes it an excellent way to tire everybody out and a poor choice if anyone in the group struggles with uneven ground. Take water, take more than you think, and expect to be finding sand for days.

Parc Slip Nature Reserve records indoor as well as outdoor space, which gives a family somewhere to retreat to and makes a short visit viable in weather that would otherwise cancel it. Reserves work best with children when there is a specific thing to look for rather than a general instruction to enjoy nature. Any visitor facilities on such sites may keep shorter hours than the reserve itself.

Bryngarw Country Park is woodland and formal grounds, sheltered and green, which makes it the sensible choice on a windy day when Ogmore Beach would be unpleasant. The coast here is exposed, and the difference between a good and a bad beach day in South Wales is usually wind rather than rain. Having both on one list means the decision can be made on the morning.