What weekends are made for - We made the most of a sunny morning with a short stroll down to the Royal Mint, which was once again hosting one of its brilliant family-friendly urban marketplace events. These free community days are becoming a bit of a regular thing for us – and rightly so. With local traders, food stalls, music, and rides for the kids, it’s always a great way to spend a few hours without straying too far from home.
There’s something special about seeing a national institution like the Royal Mint supporting local makers and creators. The stalls were packed with handmade goods, local produce, and more tempting treats than my wallet was ready for. From candles and crafts to chutneys and cakes, it was a real celebration of local talent – and I’ll admit, we were more than happy to sample our way through a few of them.
The kids made a beeline for the small fairground rides they always love, and the DJ kept spirits high with a steady stream of singalongs and dance-along tunes that soon had a crowd of children bouncing, spinning, and laughing in front of the stage. It’s amazing what a little music and fresh air can do to lift the mood – not that the kids needed any encouragement!
What made this event a little different was the small classic car show held just outside. Organised by local car clubs – from the Morris Minor Club of Wales to the South Wales Ford Enthusiasts – it was a modest but charming display. About twenty classic motors were lined up, each lovingly cared for and proudly shown off by their owners. My personal favourite had to be the bright red Capri, though the kids were more interested in anything with shiny chrome or a bonnet ornament.
As always with these kinds of days out, we spent more than planned – ice creams, doughnuts, and cakes somehow found their way into our hands (and stomachs). But there’s no denying the joy of treating the family to something simple and wholesome like this. And with it being only a short walk from our front door, it’s hard to resist.
After a morning of music, motors, and more sugar than strictly necessary, we wandered home with full bellies and happy hearts, ready to rustle up a light lunch and put our feet up.