Let it rain
The summer may nearly be over and the heatwave all but a distant memory but there’s still plenty to do during a trip to The Forge, even on a wet day. Here’s our Top Ten guide of things to do and places to visit when the sun may not be shining...
For thrill seekers…
For those of you seeking an adrenaline rush check out Bounce Below at the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, just a 45 mins drive from here. For anyone aged 7 and above you can bounce, slide and climb your way through disused slate caverns in one massive underground adventure.
Surf Snowdonia is another great place on a wet day – once you’re all togged up in your wetsuit who cares what the weather is doing! This world-first inland surf lagoon is only a 50 min drive away.
And for some good old-fashioned swimming pool fun, we are lucky enough to have not one but three pools within a 20 min drive and a little further afield Plas Madoc also has a wave pool and slides.
For history hunters…
We are spoilt for choice with National Trust properties around us, but our favourite on a wet day is Chirk Castle where you can experience what life would have been like in the huge banqueting halls and the dungeon (if you are brave enough!).
Errdig is another great place for a real flavour of upstairs/downstairs life – plus there is a lovely café and a bookshop for browsing once you’ve finished exploring this perfectly preserved family seat.
For art lovers…
We have several beautiful art galleries within an hours’ drive of The Forge, perhaps the most scenic being Ffin Y Parc near Betws-Y-Coed which also serves up the most magnificent afternoon teas.
Oriel Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno has an impressive collection of contemporary art with lots of events, workshops and festivals.
And the Ruthin Craft Centre has a fantastic selection of art, pottery and crafts and runs lots of workshops during the holidays. It also has a lovely café on site.
For children…
Park Hall Farm near Oswestry has activities for every weather eventuality! Large indoor play barns and undercover ‘meet the animal’ areas mean that even on a wet day there is plenty to do.
Closer to The Forge in Bala is Gorwelion with an indoor play barn and a lovely café serving up tasty local food.
But sometimes it can be very calming just to lie back on your bed in one of our bell tents, listening to the pitter patter of rain drops, while enjoying a good book or perhaps getting retro with one of our many board games. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of cosy competition under canvas on a wet day!