14c Light Rain
Barmouth Viaduct at Sunset 
Llanberis from Penllyn 
Morfa Bychan beach near Porthmadog 
What's the attraction?
Bangor on Dee racecourse's special family evening.
What's on offer?
A full card of seven National Hunt races in a beautiful and historic setting - they've had jump races here since 1859; when we went there, bouncy castles, face painting and much more for children.
How did you get there?
By car from Colwyn Bay: A55 and A483, then minor roads for a few miles, following the signs to the course - necessary as the route twists and turns confusingly in the village. There's a complimentary bus on race days between the course and Wrexham train station.
Click to launch Google MapHow long did you stay?
Almost three hours - children were flagging too much to stay for the last race at 9pm.
Did you take a brolly?
We all took raincoats - it's the only British racecourse without a grandstand, covered or otherwise, and shelter is sparse - but didn't need them.
What did you do there?
The children played to exhaustion on the various bouncy entertainments in between watching half-hourly races, which were far more exciting than they look on TV - and being in the paddock meant we could get a close look at the magnificent racehorses beforehand, which fascinated the children. We had a couple of minimal flutters to get the full race-day experience, too, and ended up shouting along with the rest for our picks to get a move on...
How about food and drink?
The paddock enclosure has restaurants, bars, snack trailers and hospitality suites: we passed up the chance of champagne and oysters and had baps and a pie from The Nosebag, which were tasty if a touch modestly-sized. The course enclosure has places to buy food and allows racegoers to take their own food - or even barbecues.
Are there any shops?
Do betting shops count? There were loads of on-course bookies (disappointed to see the chalked-up odds of my imagination had been replaced by electronic displays).
Is it OK/safe for kids?
Yes, the only danger would be losing sight of them in the milling crowd. All but the most horsey would find the bouncy castles the best bit, though. It's worth mentioning that the atmosphere that night was very friendly and helpful all round, racegoers and course officials alike.
How much did it cost?
Tickets for the Paddock were £15 in advance and £16 on the day: course enclosure tickets £6 in advance and £7 on the day. Accompanied children under 16, pleasingly, get free entry in both.
Can people with disabilities get around?
Yes, easily to almost all parts - and registered disabled racegoers may enter Bangor on Dee Racecourse free. A disabled viewing platform is in the Paddock Enclosure. There are designated disabled car parking areas.
What was the best bit?
For the children, the extra entertainments; for the parents, seeing 25-1 shot Norseman Cateline place to give us a modest profit on our flutters!
For more information and to book tickets, check out http://www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk/ email info@bangorondeeraces.co.uk or call 01978 780 323.
