we stayed early Dec and visited - the House (decked out for Christmas with loads of children's activities  and interaction with volunteer staff). - Cardif castle and christmas markets  - Newports new shopping centre and cinema/restaurants nearby  all in all lovely winter weekend away site clean and well laid out and yes lovely grounds for a walk. Road noise didn't trouble us - you cant have it both ways  - you do drop off the motorway onto this site making it quick access for a short stay. Comments re access to site after 5.30 in winter can be off-putting - you do get a key for evening entry through the gates but on first visit need to be there before gates locked