Best Days Out in Wales: Amgueddfa Cymru’s Museums Top Visitor Attractions List Again
Looking for the best museums in Wales or planning a cultural day out? New figures show that Amgueddfa Cymru’s much-loved museum sites continue to lead the way, offering some of the most popular and enriching visitor experiences in the country.
Topping the list once again is St Fagans National Museum of History, firmly established as one of the best days out in Cardiff and across Wales. Welcoming an impressive 570,207 visitors in 2025, the open-air museum has now held its title as Wales’ most visited attraction for three consecutive years — and it’s easy to see why.
St Fagans National Museum of History
From historic farmhouses and chapels to a recreated school and even Cardiff’s oldest pub, The Vulcan Hotel, St Fagans offers a truly immersive experience of Welsh history. It’s a must-visit for families, tourists, and anyone searching for unique things to do in Wales. Add in the ever-popular St Fagans Food Festival, packed with artisan food, drink, and craft stalls and it’s clear why visitors return year after year.
Meanwhile, National Museum Cardiff continues to shine as a cultural hotspot in the Welsh capital, attracting over 356,000 visitors in 2025. With a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events, it remains one of the top free museums in the UK.
National Museum Cardiff
From celebrating Welsh music and culture through exhibitions like Hip Hop: A Welsh Story, to marking important historical moments such as the 1984 Miners’ Strike, the museum blends art, history, and community storytelling. Visitors even helped name a 3D mammoth replica, now affectionately known as “Tom Bones” — adding a playful, interactive twist to the experience.
Further west, the National Wool Museum in Dre-fach Felindre is enjoying a well-deserved surge in attention, making it one of the fastest-growing visitor attractions in Wales. With a 22% increase in visitors in 2025, it’s becoming a go-to destination for heritage tourism and cultural days out in Carmarthenshire.
National Wool Museum
As the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, visitors can explore the fascinating story of the Welsh woollen industry — once central to Wales’ economy and identity. The recently reopened Weaving Shed is a highlight, skilled craftspeople continue to produce traditional Welsh flannel and beautifully patterned tapestry blankets, offering a rare glimpse into living heritage.
Together, these museums form part of Amgueddfa Cymru’s wider network, a collection of seven national museums offering free entry and unforgettable experiences across Wales. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly attractions, educational trips, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Amgueddfa Cymru’s Chief Executive Jane Richardson said:
"We are delighted to see these figures which not only demonstrate an appetite from our visitors to learn and engage with culture, history and art, but also reflect the hard work, contribution and effort from all our staff across our seven sites.
"We are immensely proud of our achievements but are more determined than ever to connect with more people across Wales through our wide and varied exhibitions, events and engagement programmes.
"There is something for everyone at our museums - as well as those included in ALVA's list, we have our beautiful garden at the National Roman Legion Museum, our unique coal mine experience in Big Pit, the Calico Dress Cymru at National Waterfront Museum and ongoing engagement work across north Wales whilst the National Slate Museum in Llanberis undergoes redevelopment."
Cardiff’s oldest pub at St Fagans National Museum of History
With free entry, rich storytelling, and a calendar full of events, Amgueddfa Cymru’s museums continue to be some of the best places to visit in Wales, perfect for your next day out, weekend adventure, or cultural escape.
Whether you’re rediscovering Welsh history, exploring world-class exhibitions, or simply enjoying a great day out, Wales’ museums are ready to welcome you.
