Summer is the perfect time to visit National Trust properties as many come with acres of land to explore and indoor activities just in case the sun is not shining. Of course, some of them are open areas of land, including the Brecon Beacons and Sugar Loaf, so the trust is encouraging visitors to follow the Countryside Code which includes respecting others, protecting the environment, planning ahead and following local signs.
For those of us in Cardiff it's a bonus that we can get out of the city and explore what's around us. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
Here are the National Trust properties not too far a drive out of the capital that are welcoming visitors. You can find out about becoming a National Trust member here.
READ MORE: We found the best holiday cottages within an hour's drive of Cardiff perfect for a late spring break
Tredegar House, Newport
Only the 90 acres of gardens, cafe and main house are open. The Orangery, stables and riding school are closed for summer 2023.
The red-brick structure was home for more than 500 years to the Morgans, later Lords Tredegar. The Morgan family owned more than 40,000 acres in Monmouthshire, Breconshire, and Glamorgan at the end of the 18th century.
Their lives impacted on the population of south-east Wales socially, economically, and politically and influenced the heritage of the area. You do not need to book to visit the house.
Where: Tredegar House, Pencarn Way, Newport, NP10 8YW
The Kymin, Monmouth
The Kymin's roundhouse is closed at present but the nine acres of pleasure gardens are open and they overlook the stunning Wye Valley. There's no need to book so you can just park up and drink in the views.
Originally a popular picnic site in the late 18th century, building on the roundhouse commenced in 1794. The Kymin is also home to the unusual naval temple, which was built in 1800 and celebrates some of the greatest British admirals and victories of the time.
Where: The Kymin, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3SF
Skenfrith Castle, Abergavenny
In Skenfrith in Abergavenny you can visit the remains of the early 13th-century Skenfrith Castle. It was built beside the River Monnow to command one of the main routes from England.
Where: Skenfrith, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8UH
Sugar Loaf and Usk Valley
Where the Black Mountains meet the open green land of the Usk Valley, this area is home to both Sugar Loaf and Skirrid mountains. And don't forget the Clytha Estate which can also be found in this area.
East of Abergavenny, the Clytha Estate is made up of landscaped park land and Clytha House and Clytha Castle.
Where: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7LA
Info: This is a vast area where lots of exploring can be done so click here for more information.
Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley
A little further out west from Cardiff is this National Trust area. Spectacular cliffs, caves where mammoths once lived, rare birds, an underground river, bat roosts, silver lead mining, ancient woodland, smuggling and limestone quarrying are just a few of the wonders of this area.
There's also Bacon Hole, which is as funny-sounding as it is interesting to go and see. Pwll Du Head is the highest headland on Gower and offers fantastic views of Pennard Cliffs and the coastline towards Mumbles. The car parks are open here.
Where: Put 'Southgate Swansea' into your satnav and hit the road.
Brecon Beacons
Again, another sprawling, natural and stunning landscape with National Trust car parks and maintained footpaths. Choose the well-treaded paths to see Pen y Fan, Corn Du, and Cribyn or try Cwm Sere, Cwm Oergwm, and Cwm Cynwyn, which are beautiful and serenely quiet glaciated valleys nestled at the feet of the central Beacons.
The terrain is much less challenging but the views are equally impressive.
Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
This beautiful Edwardian mansion has stunning gardens for an afternoon stroll around. The mansion is currently closed to the public but the gardens, shop, book shop and café are open.
Where: St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU
Book: Visit Dyffryn Gardens on The National Trust site.
Lanlay Meadows, Peterson-Super-Ely
An idyllic relic of pre-war farming which you can explore on two footpaths that wind from east to west. Wander through meadows still cut for hay and which explode into a riot of colour in early summer, through Rhos pasture and end your journey in a wild area of open scrubland slowing returning to woodland.
Where: Peterston-super-Ely, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6LF
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