17/09/2026
If your in area this weekend and looking for things to do,
Sunday is the strongest outdoor day this weekend. Saturday 19 September may begin wet and breezy before brightening during the afternoon; Sunday 20 September should have sunny intervals around 19°C and lighter winds. Met Office forecast
This weekend’s picks
1. Denbigh Open Doors – best Sunday outing
More than 30 historic places are participating, including Denbigh Castle and the town walls, alongside children’s workshops, guided tours and an interactive family show.
* When: Saturday and Sunday; castle entry 10am–5pm
* Travel: Around 30–35 minutes
* Cost: Free
* Ages: All ages, but the activities and castle should particularly suit school-aged children
* Effort: Expect hills, steps and uneven ground around the walls and castle
* Booking: General entry is drop-in; check the programme because particular tours may require booking
* Weather: Choose Sunday for exploring the outdoor sites
Denbigh Open Doors | Denbigh Castle information
2. Bala Model Railway Show – rainy-day favourite
Sixteen miniature layouts, refreshments and a vintage bus connecting the exhibition with Bala Lake Railway make this especially appealing to train enthusiasts.
* When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am–4pm
* Travel: Around 35–40 minutes
* Cost: £7 adult, £6 concession; one child free with each adult or concession, additional children £2
* Ages: All ages, especially roughly four upwards
* Parking: Free
* Booking: Exhibition tickets appear available on arrival; book separately if adding a train journey
* Bonus: Permanent North Wales residents currently receive half-price railway travel until 4 October
* Weather: Exhibition is indoors, so Saturday is ideal
Bala Model Railway Show
3. Free Open Doors day at Erddig
Explore the historic house, servants’ rooms and gardens without the normal admission charge. The new Earth Photo exhibition adds something for older grandchildren.
* When: Saturday only, 10am–5pm
* Travel: Around 25–30 minutes
* Cost: Free
* Ages: Suitable for everyone; best for children happy to mix house exploration with garden time
* Booking: No advance ticket is advertised, but arrive reasonably early because it may be busy
* Weather: Start inside if the morning is wet, then explore the gardens as conditions improve
Erddig Open Doors details | Erddig visitor information
4. Family Art Club at Tŷ Pawb
A hands-on session of painting, drawing and making, themed around the International Day of Peace and led by guest artist Sophie Nina. Grandparents are encouraged to join in too.
* When: Saturday, 10am–noon
* Travel: Around 20 minutes to Wrexham
* Cost: Pay-what-you-can donation
* Ages: All ages; children must have an accompanying adult
* Booking: Drop-in is allowed, but reserving a place is recommended
* Weather: Fully indoors; wear clothes that can get messy
Tŷ Pawb Family Art Club
5. Llangollen Motor Museum – closest indoor fallback
A small, quirky collection of classic cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia. It is manageable without requiring a full-day commitment.
* When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am–4pm
* Travel: Around 15 minutes
* Cost: £5 per person; take cash as a precaution
* Ages: Best for older primary-school children, teenagers and anyone interested in vehicles
* Booking: None normally needed
* Weather: Indoors and particularly useful for Saturday morning
Llangollen Motor Museum listing
My pick: Denbigh Open Doors on Sunday for the most varied day out. For Saturday’s uncertain weather, choose the Bala Model Railway Show or the shorter, inexpensive Tŷ Pawb Family Art Club.
Mel
