They say everyone has a story to tell. Well, Cardiff Council’s Child-Friendly team has created nine trails that prove some of the city’s most fascinating areas have amazing stories all of their own.
Each of the story trails is a unique adventure and presents an exciting, fun-filled way for families to explore our beautiful city.
They take you from the bustling and historic Cardiff Bay to the serene surroundings of Bute Park, from the lush Forest Farm to the ancient and mystic Caerau Fort and even more amazing locations in between.
Every path is not just a trail, but a chapter in a captivating story inspired by Welsh folklore, penned by local storytellers, and shaped by the creative minds of our schoolchildren living near each of the trails. Trails encourage playfulness, fun, and authentic engagement with the story – finding the next location, engaging tangibly with the outdoor space, such as taking a bark rubbing/building something out of sticks, and discovering secret places in well-known Cardiff landmarks.
The stories – available in English and Welsh – whisk you off on incredible adventure and you’re invited to join in the beachcombing excitement in Cardiff Bay’s Flotsam and Jetsam, brave The Witch’s Spell in Bute Park, cheer on the Smallest and Bravest at Forest Farm or meet The Boy with the Red Scarf in Cefn Onn.
We invite you to feel the rush of The Great Wave at Hendre Lake, relive the past at The Green Fort in Caerau, or discover the beautiful story of The Fisher Girl and the Swan Maiden in Parc Tredelerch. And chuckle at the whimsical Nan’s Handbag at Coed y Nant Park, or enlighten yourself by Becoming Bright at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir.
Cll Jennifer Burke, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks, Events and Venues, said: “These wonderful story trails are ideal for all the family to take part in during the long school holidays and align perfectly with the Council’s work towards achieving Cardiff achieving UNICEF Child-Friendly City status.
“As they explore, play and learn, children are also exercising their rights as children – the right to relax, play and join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities.”
The Story Trails, organised by the Council’s Child Friendly Cardiff team, are free, accessible and honour this right by providing a platform to enjoy, explore and learn from our rich Welsh heritage and beautiful surroundings.
If you’re ready to set foot on these trails, put on your best explorer outfit and follow the link to the Story Trails page – Story Trails : Child Friendly Cardiff – to start your journey.
