Bryngarw Park has a rich history dating back to 1755, with the estate made up of the House, gardens and over 100 acres of parkland originally owned by the Traherne family. Last year, since first opening to the public on 23rd May 1986, Bryngarw celebrated it's 30th anniversary. The park receives over 200,000 visits a year to explore the picture-perfect picnic spots, abundance of wildlife and interactive trails. The Park released a special video to capture the best of Bryngarw and after also being awarded a prestigious Green Flag by Keep Wales Tidy there was a lot to celebrate!
To help you make the most of a visit to Bryngarw, here's a round up of the top five things to do and see…
1. Rediscover nature with woodland walks
The park is home to variety of landscapes from bluebell laden woods to a fast flowing river, choose from three different routes and explore Afon Garw with the Riverside Ramble, the picturesque meadows with the Meadow Meander or rugged woodlands with the Woodland walk. Each route has colour banded waymarker posts to guide you or download the walking guide to help you spot the best wildlife.
http://www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk/en/park/things-do/nature-walks/
2. Cycle the Garw Valley Community Route
For a faster paced activity explore Bryngarw by bike with the traffic free Garw Valley Community route. The trail runs for 8 miles from Bryngarw Country Park to Bleangarw, along the way pass the Garw Valley railway and the bird watching haven Garw forest.
http://www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk/en/park/things-do/cycle-trails/
3. Wildlife Spotting
Bryngarw's 113 acres is home to mossy wetlands and secluded glades, which make perfect environments for nature to thrive. Check the online directory to see a full list of species or the park Rangers can tell you what to look out for, in January early spring flowers begin to flourish and rabbits can be tracked in the meadows. http://www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk/en/park/rangers-diary/
4. Mini adventures at Bryngarw
A perfect place to explore the great outdoors with the whole family, with park's list of '10 Things to do in Bryngarw before you grow up' meaning even the youngest explorers can have a great day out. From creating environmental art to finding the tallest tree in the park there is an activity to suit all ages making for a family friendly trip.
http://www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk/en/park/things-do/childrens-guide/
5. The Keepers of Bryngarw
To celebrate Wales' Year of Legends discover Bryngarw's very own legends and meet The Keepers of Bryngarw, the park's mythical guardians. The Keepers of Bryngarw quest is an exciting way to explore the park and its wildlife combining sculpture and music for a truly interactive experience. See the visitor centre for details.
http://www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk/en/park/things-do/keepers-bryngarw/