"The entertainment-packed children's adventure playground at Penrhyn Castle is full of fun..."
You don't normally associate the darkly dramatic Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, with light-hearted amusement. It's a seriously impressive place. This amazing National Trust property was built in the 19th century by a local slate magnate on a vast scale as a demonstration of his wealth and status.
Yet within its cavernous interior - there are around 150 rooms! - you'll find a delightful museum packed with over 300 dolls from all over the world. It seems ironic that this massive castle, conceived on the grandest of scales, contains 'The Smallest Doll in the World', a tiny, perfectly articulated wooden doll smaller than a pound coin.
All types of dolls are represented, most of which were made between 1840 and the 1950s. Some were commercially manufactured, others were handmade from natural materials. There are historic costume dolls of kings and queens and as well as representations of the Nativity, dolls in national costume and 'fun dolls' which include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The dolls add to Penrhyn's appeal as a family destination - other attractions include the restored Victorian kitchen and servants' quarters, railway museum and beautiful gardens and grounds.
There's also an entertainment-packed children's adventure playground; full of fun, with all kinds of features laid out as a course to make children think while testing their fitness and hand-eye co-ordination. This challenging test in movement, balance and agility is ideal for kids full of energy - they'll enjoy trying to tackle it all in one go without their feet touching the ground.
They can start off with the Burma chain bridge, then climb the scramble net or walk the swinging steps. Then there's the test of balance in the twin beams and log hops, followed by the tyre chains and ladder walk. When they're tired out, they can rest up in the log cabin or amuse themselves with the playground's activity panels. Grown-ups will enjoy it too. The playground is set in the middle of beautiful natural woodland, with plenty of picnic tables and seating.
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