Spring is definitely in the air here at the Oakeley Arms! And that’s because the first of the May bank holidays is nearly here! Next week will be a lovely short week for hoardes of people up and down the country, so here’s hoping for plenty of sunshine to add to the mix!

So what are you up to for the long weekend? If you’re heading here to Snowdonia then there will be absolutely plenty of things to keep you, and the whole family, entertained. But with the expensive Easter holidays not long gone and another school holiday on the way at the end of the month, additional holidays and days out can be a strain on many family’s finances.

So, here are our pick of May bank holiday activities in Snowdonia, and the best thing? They’re all totally do-able on the tightest of budgets. Have a happy bank holiday, and a happy wallet!

• A day at the beach – if the weather obliges then there’s nothing better than a day at one of our gorgeous North Wales beaches. There is plenty of choice – from the long and wide sands of Harlech to the coves and nooks of Borth-y-Gest. To keep the family entertained all day don’t forget to pack a ball for lots of beach games and of course, a bucket and spade. And the best thing – all you’ll need to pay for it parking (and maybe an ice cream).
• Pack a picnic – you know that summer has definitely arrived when it’s time for a picnic! Why not pack up your usual lunch and head out to one of Snowdonia’s numerous beauty spots for an al-fresco lunch?
• Climb a mountain – choose from one of dozens of mountains and hills and head out for a day of hill walking. Test yourself with Snowdon or choose a gentler peak for more of an amble. The only thing it will cost you is the car parking and perhaps a well earned beer afterwards!
• Beer Garden Drink – come and relax at the Oakeley Arms and enjoy a drink in our lovely beer garden. Plenty of sunshine (hopefully) and plenty of room for the kids to play!
• Visit a free museum – There are a few museums and attracted dotted around North Wales that offer free entry – the National Slate Museum near Llanberis, the Segontium Roman Fort near Caernarfon and Cymer Abbey near Dolgellau are all free to enter. Also look out for open days at local RNLI Stations
• Visit a Nature Reserve – find a nearby Nature Reserve and head out for  day of exploring and discovering. Most of the reserves are free to get into and many offer free parking. We love the Gwaith Powdwr reserve nearby in Penrhyndeudraeth; it’s a beautiful haven for wildlife on an old industrial site.
• Go for a walk – check out our walking section of the blog and find a walk nearby. All free, and you’ll feel pretty good too! www.oakeleyarms.co.uk/category/walks/