days out with little ones in Bristol or Cardiff

[Toowittoowoo]

Every winter we struggle to think of reasonably priced days out with the kids (both DDs now 5 and 2). It is so much easier in the summer because we go to parks or woods and take a picnic. In the winter I feel so tied to home because we need to be home for lunch as eating out is so expensive. For days out we like either Bristol or Cardiff and pay for a Severn tag so crossing the bridge is no extra cost.

Do you frugal people have any suggestion for
1, good cheap/free days out in either city or surrounding area and
2, cheap places to eat so we don't need to rush home?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Cardiff Museum in the city centre is free and has a bit with dead animals, dinosaurs, bugs etc. My kids loved it when they were little. Next to it is Winter Wonderland...an outdoor funfair and skating rink. It's expensive there, but OK for a wander round and just one or two rides for the kids.

St Fagans is fab...it's an outdoor attraction though, so better to be on a dry day. www.museumwales.ac.uk/stfagans/

Re food...in st Fagans, there is a lovely homely pub called the Plymouth Arms. It's not too expensive.

Obviously in Cardiff city centre, you have the pic of all the usual chains, fast food places etc. Can't think of anywhere particularly cheap though.

Techniquest in Cardiff bay is bloody brilliant. Kids will love it!! Not sure how much it is to get in there. But the bay is a great area for kids...lots to see and plenty of space to run around. There is a wetherspoons pub next door to techniquest which is cheap...not sure how kid friendly it is? There is a cinema there and food places (the Chinese buffet there used to be brill, but I've not been for a while), and the WMC you can wander around. You can visit the Norweigan Church which has a coffee shop attached and have a long walk over the barrage.

M shed in Bristol is free, as is the Art Gallery and Blaise castle museum.

St Fagans is fabulous, and I've had a great day out there when it was pouring with rain.

Might be an idea to go to the newly opened blooms on the old Cardiff road.
It burnt down 2 years ago but apparently at Xmas is a good visit.

Its apparently vvv nice. My SIL works in walking distance and went in the first day.