Family Days out at Colby Woodland Garden

Explorers at the ready during may half term.

From 22 April you can borrow a backpack to help you and your little ones explore the gardens in new ways. Alternatively have a go at our new Inside and Out trail from May 1 

Explorer Backpacks

These backpacks are inspired by ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’, with a compass to find your way, a tennis ball to measure velocity when rolling down hills, a magnifier for viewing bugs, binoculars for birdwatching and a tape measure and instructions for how to measure and age a tree. There’s also seasonal spotter sheets and a nature book.
The backpacks are free for anyone to borrow with no booking or deposit required (they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis). Ask the Welcome Team to borrow a backpack next time you visit and watch your little ones experience Colby Woodland in a new and fun ways. Runs from  22 April daily through to 2 November.
 

Inside and Out trail

This is a wonderful trail to do with family or friends and gives you the chance to explore this very special wooded valley garden. Come any time as this is a self-led trail so you can take as long as you want between the opening and closing times. Runs from 1 May  daily through to 2 November.

Early Spring highlights

There’s plenty to see in early Spring at Colby Woodland Garden as the landscape starts to come alive for Spring. There are little green shoots bursting into snowdrops in the beds on Cwms lane,  and soon the Camelias will show-off their blousy blooms along the foot of the west wood. Look out for the bluebell glades when the upper parts of the woodland are carpeted in blue, and their delicate scent is in the air.

It’s also a good time to explore the ‘Sky glade’ at the top of the wood where you can lean on a tree trunk and gaze at the clouds moving across the sky.

 

Pick up a “50 things to do before your 11 and ¾ ‘s” leaflet and chart from the visitor welcome centre when you arrive to give the kids an idea of how to make the most out of this giant outdoor play garden. 

 

Eating and shopping 

Find out more about  here, or if the weather is good pack a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a spread with the whole family in the meadow in the lower part of the garden. 

If you fancy shopping check out the Pembrokeshire Craftmakers Gallery above the tearoom or treat yourself or a friend to a Colby guidebook and second-hand book from the visitor welcome centre. 

Natural Play areas

The Woodland Garden is the perfect place for children of all ages to discover nature through natural play. Discover the sky gazing glade at the top of the woods or have fun building a den under the trees. Enjoy jumping on the giant stepping-stones or explore the flora and fauna that makes its home around the stream running through the meadow in the lower part of the garden. 

 

Planning your family visit 

To help you plan your day in advance, here’s some key information. 

• You can find our opening times here. Please check before you travel as opening times for certain parts of the garden may change depending on the season. 
• Take part in our events throughout the open season.
• The Bothy Tearoom serves scrumptious fresh food.
• We welcome picnics.
• There are natural play areas. 
• Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead throughout Colby Woodland Garden. Read more about visiting with your four-legged friend here 
• Toilets can be found in the courtyard next to the Bothy. There are baby changing facilities as well as accessible toilet facilities. 
• If you’re visiting with a wheelchair or pushchair, there is level access from a drop off point near to the vehicle access to the courtyard area. If you require assistance or more information, please ask a member of our friendly team. View our accessibility map here.