Kids can travel FREE this half term – here’s how

First published on Monday 5 February 2024

Advertisement Promotion with Transport for Wales

Planning a family day trip in the February school holidays? Then you’ll love this money-saving win…

The countdown to the school holidays is on. And it’s good news if you want to enjoy fun days out with the kids – without spending lots of money.

Transport for Wales offers FREE kids' tickets all year round. And what better time to make the most of the special offer than during the February half term.

Here’s what you need to know.

A train at Cardiff Central station

What is the ‘kids go free’ offer?

From city breaks and historic castles to beach trips, there are loads of places to visit this February half term. And taking the train is the easiest way to get there, without endless traffic jams or forking out for pricey fuel.

It's also a cheaper way to travel thanks to the Transport for Wales 'kids go free' deal.

Under 16s can travel for free off-peak all year round. And kids under 11 can travel for free at any time!

It's ideal for the whole family, with two children travelling for free per paying adult. All of which makes it perfect for days out with the kids in half term ... and beyond.

How can I get my free child's ticket?

The offer is only valid on Transport for Wales trains. Head to the ticket office for your free tickets, or ask the conductor on the train.

Where can I go?

The offer is valid for journeys around Wales and the borders. This means you can go as far afield as Birmingham, Manchester and Cheltenham. Popular Welsh destinations also include:

  • Cardiff
  • Barry Island
  • Carmarthen
  • Swansea
  • Tenby
  • Chepstow
  • Port Talbot

Our pick of days' out with the kids

Need some inspiration for your day trip with the kids? Here are four ideas ... and you can reach them all by train!

1. Plantasia, Swansea

Beat the bad weather this half term with a trip to Plantasia.

Housed in a glass pyramid, your kids will love getting up close to lizards and creepy crawlies.

If you have a valid Transport for Wales train ticket, you'll get 20% off the entry price. Book your Plantasia tickets in advance using the code “DAYSOUT20” at the checkout. Then show your train ticket upon arrival.

2. Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot

If your kids need to run off some steam, why not visit one of Wales' longest beaches.

It might be February, but they can still wrap up warm to build sandcastles and skim stones on Aberavon Beach.

The train station is an eight minute walk from the beach.

3. Chester

Fancy travelling a little further afield this half term? The kids go free offer is also valid for destinations that border Wales, including Chester.

Explore the ancient Roman ruins in the city. There are also lots of parks to explore, with playgrounds and space to kick a ball.

Make the most of the discounts you get through your train ticket too. This includes 2-for-1 tickets on the Chester Cathedral Discovery Tour. Show your Transport for Wales train ticket when you arrive to qualify for the cut price deal.

Got older kids? They'll love the Chester Ghost Tour. Your train ticket means you'll pay a special price of £25 for a family of four. (This is a saving of £5). Spooooooky!

Conwy Castle
Visit Conwy Castle

4. Historic castles across Wales

If your kids love Horrible Histories, they'll love exploring ancient castles. From Caerphilly to Conwy, Harlech and Chepstow, there are a number of ancient sites to visit.

Show a valid Transport for Wales train ticket and you'll get 2-for-1 tickets to the famous Cadw sites.

5. Manchester

From the Legoland Discovery Centre to sightseeing and shopping, there's loads to do in Manchester.

And you can get there for less with the 'kids go free' offer.

6. Shrewsbury

Catch a train to Shrewsbury for a day out with a difference ... a tour of the decomissioned prison.

Your kids will be fascinated by the ancient cells, and can even have a go in the escape room!

Get 20% off tours if you show your same day train ticket when you arrive.

Here are more fun places to visit in Wales with the kids this half term.

Discover Transport for Wales 'kids go free' offer

Netmums Newsletters

Yes, please! I want the best parenting news around

*By signing up you accept Netmums' Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.