Families across Wales are being invited to discover the myths, legends and traditions of Calan Gaeaf this October half term, with National Trust Cymru announcing a programme of seasonal activities at some of the country’s most historic attractions.
From monster hunts and fairy trails to spooky storytelling and after-dark castle experiences, the events will take place at National Trust properties across North, Mid and South Wales.
The programme celebrates Calan Gaeaf, the traditional Welsh festival marking the beginning of winter on 1 November.
The evening before, known as Nos Galan Gaeaf, was traditionally a time when communities gathered around fires and took part in customs believed to offer protection from wandering spirits.
According to Welsh folklore, it was also a time when the boundary between the living world and the spirit world was believed to grow thinner.
This year, families will be able to explore these traditions through interactive trails, craft workshops, performances and storytelling sessions.
Highlights include giant harvest vegetables at Penrhyn Castle, mythical monster hunts at Bodnant Garden and fairy-themed adventures at Dyffryn Gardens.
There will also be special performances from musicians and storytellers, including Gareth Bonello, known as The Gentle Good, and movement artist Osian Meilir at Tredegar House.
For those looking for something a little spookier, several properties will open after dark for special experiences inspired by Welsh folklore.
Halloween and Calan Gaeaf events in South Wales
Tredegar House, Newport
24 October to 1 November
Families visiting Tredegar House can explore Welsh folklore through a series of activities around the historic property.
Visitors can race around the gardens on broomsticks before following a trail through the house to find the mischievous Coedcernyw Pwca and discover the chaos they have left behind.
There will also be opportunities to create folklore-inspired clay characters in the Orangery.
On 31 October and 1 November, The Gentle Good and movement artist Osian Meilir will bring Welsh folklore to life through special performances.
Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff
23 October to 1 November
Dyffryn Gardens will host a magical autumn adventure inspired by the Tylwyth Teg, the fairy folk of Welsh legend.
Families can follow a trail through the gardens, searching for hidden fairy doors, giant mushrooms and other features linked to these mysterious creatures.
The programme will also include games, storytelling and opportunities for imaginative play.
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
17 October to 1 November
Newton House at Dinefwr will be transformed into a world of Welsh myths and legends.
Visitors can explore themed rooms featuring giant storybooks, an indoor forest and a life-sized Hwch Ddu Gwta, a creature from Welsh folklore.
The experience will introduce families to traditional figures including Mari Lwyd, Ladi Wen and Ceridwen.
Outside, there will be storytelling around the fire, marshmallow toasting, traditional games and opportunities to create stories in the Woodland Theatre.
For older visitors, Dinefwr at Dusk will take place on 28 and 30 October.
The after-dark theatrical experience, suitable for ages 12 and over, will take visitors through all four floors of Newton House, encountering characters inspired by Welsh folklore and stories connected to the property’s history.
Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire
28 to 31 October
Families can explore the myths and legends surrounding the ancient landscape at Dolaucothi.
Activities will include immersive trails and storytelling inspired by Merlin, the Five Saints and the legendary Hwch Ddu Gwta.
Visitors will discover how Welsh folklore and local history have become intertwined with the area’s ancient mines and countryside.
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
28 and 31 October
Colby Woodland Garden will offer free folklore-inspired activities during half term.
On 28 October, children can create seasonal masks inspired by creatures of the night, including owls and bats.
Families can also contribute stories, thoughts and dreams to the Colby Coelcerth, a creative interpretation of the traditional bonfire.
On 31 October, bilingual storytelling sessions will share seasonal tales inspired by Calan Gaeaf.
Normal car parking charges apply.
Halloween and Calan Gaeaf events in North Wales
Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham
17 October to 1 November
Erddig will host family trails inspired by traditional Welsh stories and seasonal customs.
Activities include wish stone decorating, seasonal crafts, bilingual storytelling and marshmallow toasting.
On 31 October, visitors can also enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and additional family activities.
Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham
17 October to 1 November
Families can follow a Calan Gaeaf trail through the castle gardens, discovering local legends and traditional Welsh folklore.
Interactive activity stations will encourage younger visitors to explore the stories and mysterious characters associated with the beginning of winter.
On 31 October, the castle will host a new immersive after-dark event featuring mystical characters, eerie encounters and storytelling throughout the historic building.
The evening experience is recommended for ages 14 and over, and booking is essential.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
24 October to 8 November
Bodnant Garden will invite families into the Otherworld for a monster-hunting adventure.
Visitors will encounter creatures from Welsh folklore, including the Hwch Ddu Gwta, Y Ladi Wen and the Conwy Afanc.
The trail will feature challenges and stories created by local author and illustrator Rowynn Ellis, helping children learn about the traditions of Calan Gaeaf.
Aberconwy House, Conwy
Selected dates from 24 to 31 October
One of Wales’s oldest houses will host a series of activities, including shadow puppet sessions, Welsh conversation sessions and storytelling.
Folklorist Mhara Starling, also known as the Welsh Witch, will lead a special after-dark event on 29 October exploring the mysterious creatures, customs and beliefs associated with Calan Gaeaf.
Booking is essential for the evening event.
On 31 October, storyteller Professor Llusern will also entertain visitors at the medieval property.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
24 October to 1 November
Families can explore the gardens and Rook Woods on a trail featuring giant harvest vegetables and colourful seasonal displays.
The activities will introduce visitors to traditional Welsh harvest customs, including Stwmp Naw Rhyw, a historic Calan Gaeaf feast made using nine harvest ingredients and associated with fortune-telling.
Artist Jŵls Williams will lead autumn printmaking workshops on 29 October, while storyteller Mair Tomos Ifans will share Welsh folklore in the castle’s Grand Hall on 30 and 31 October.
Plas yn Rhiw, LlÅ·n Peninsula
24 October to 1 November
Visitors can follow a folklore-inspired creature trail through the gardens and grounds.
Children will be able to make protective charms before setting off to discover mysterious beings from Welsh legend.
Harvest-themed activities will also take place in the orchard.
The property will be closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Halloween and Calan Gaeaf events in Mid Wales
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
21 October to 1 November
Llanerchaeron will host folklore-inspired activities celebrating the end of the harvest season.
Families can enjoy storytelling with children’s author and illustrator Peter Stevenson, mask-making workshops and games around the historic farmyard.
Inside the house, visitors can explore Ffest y Wrach, discovering herbs, remedies and rituals associated with the witches of Ceredigion.
There will also be opportunities to gather ingredients and spells to create magical potions.
On 29, 30 and 31 October, visitors aged 12 and over can join special after-dark house tours.
These guided experiences will explore strange happenings, unexplained events and ghostly sightings connected to the property’s past.
Booking is essential for the evening tours.
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
24 October to 1 November
Families can enjoy a pumpkin trail through the autumn gardens while searching for the legendary Hwch Ddu Gwta.
Other activities include bilingual spooky storytelling, autumn mask decorating and a sweet spotter trail, where visitors can hunt for colourful hidden glass sweets around the grounds.
How to find out more
National Trust Cymru’s Calan Gaeaf programme runs across October half term, with activities taking place on different dates depending on the property.
Some after-dark experiences have age recommendations and require advance booking.
Families can find full event details, dates and booking information at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calan-gaeaf.
