Summer in South Wales bucket list
If you ask my kids what they want to do this summer they'll probably tell you something along the lines of “stay home all day and play Minecraft”, or heaven forbid, “watch someone else play Minecraft on youtube.” Unfortunately for my children though they have me as a parent, and I’d much rather spend our Summer outside!
So every year before school finishes I sit the kids at the table with a giant piece of paper and some colourful pens and ask them to write down all the things they want to do in the summer holidays, where they want to go, and who they want to see. I find it so much easier to keep all 3 kids happy if we are out of the house, and it’s even easier if they can help pick where we go from a list that they wrote themselves (well mostly themselves, I’ve got to add a few of my own ideas to keep things fair!).
So I thought I'd share our list here incase any other families in South Wales are looking for screen free inspiration! You can use the table of contents below to navigate to the areas you’re interested in.
A lot of these suggestions I have already blogged in the past, so you can follow the relevant links to find out more info.
Please be sure to check for up to date opening information before you visit due to Covid restrictions!
Contents
The Beach
An obvious one but it had to be included because it's my favourite. We're spoilt for choice here in Wales, but if you want to know which of the many beaches we have that we'll be frequenting you can have a look at these past blog posts for inspiration...
Food!
For some reason, eating seems to feature a lot on my kids summer bucket list. Luckily many of the places they love to eat happen to be located in some of our favourite places. To be honest, sometimes the food is the only way we get the kids there. Here are just some of our favourites places to get food incase you have’t discovered them yet, (be sure to check whether they have reopened ahead of your visit!)
GGs ice cream parlour in Penclawdd.
Verdi’s - perfect for getting the kids to go for a walk or ride on the sea front.
The Lookout - there is one based in Rhossili and one in Southgate. We love their amazing takeaway pizzas and you can enjoy them overlooking some of the finest views on Gower.
Chip shop tea - There are so many chip shops to enjoy, and it’s a great, easy way to enjoy tea on the beach (one of my favourite things about summer!) But I think Copperfish next to Mumble’s Pier is our favourite.
BBQ on the beach - Another great way to enjoy tea on the beach, and a much cheaper option to eating out!
Eddy’s - Based at Llangennith beach, so a perfect pairing with a beach day, and they have the most amazing burgers!
Bay Bistro - Based at Rhossili we frequent this lovely cafe year round. Their bowl of chunky chips is a massive hit with our kids and we have been known to bribe them out for a walk on the cliffs in exchange for food at the bay!
3 Cliffs Cafe - Delicious cakes and amazing views, need I say more.
Langland Brasserie - I rarely take the kids here, but it’s great for an evening hot chocolate with friends after a walk on the coastal path.
Doughnuts at Caswell - Not my favourite beach as it’s often very busy, but they do have amazing mini doughnuts!
Pick your Own - Most summers we visit a pick your own Strawberry field, but obviously with coronavirus restrictions it’s uncertain if we’ll be able to go this year. But fingers crossed we will get a chance. There is also going to be “Pick your own corn” available at Rhossili this summer, run by the folks at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, so that will be worth a visit!
The view at Rhossili.
Swansea, The Gower and Llanelli
Here is a list of some of our favourite places to visit in and around Swansea…
Singleton Park, Mini Golf, and the Swans
I’ve no idea what will be open this year, but the mini golf and the pedalo swans at Singleton are always a big hit with our kids.
Rhossili Sunflowers
They are due to be in bloom by the end of July, and are always worth a visit!
Sunflowers at Rhossili.
Clyne Gardens
A firm favourite amongst my 3 kids, be sure to find the Princess tower and the smiley tree!
Mumbles Sea front and Pier
Whether you explore on foot or on wheels, the sea front and pier are a great option for getting the kids out the house. If you time it right, you might even get to watch the lifeboat launch from the pier.
The “Cookie” Woods
There aren’t actually cookies in these woods, but there is an old firing range warning sign. My kids thought it was a picture of an exploding cookie when they first saw it, so Cwm Ivy has been affectionally renamed in our house. Such a gorgeous place for a walk, and one of my favourite spots on Gower.
The “Cookie” woods at Cwm Ivy.
Cefn Bryn/Arthurs Stone
A gorgeous stretch of hill with amazing views across Gower, and definitely worth a walk to find Arthur’s stone and learn all about how he kicked a stone from his shoe and it landed on Gower. Sounds plausible right?!
Margam Country Park
Lots of parks and outdoor areas to explore, and you only have to pay for the car park.
Worms head
An amazing walk to a tidal island. You can see how we got on here.
The Wetlands Centre
Perfect for any keen bird watchers, the flamingos are a big hit with our kids.
Kidwelly Castle
It’s uncertain which castles will re-open this summer as yet, but if it does open then Kidwelly Castle is great for exploring. You can see a lot more castle inspiration in this old blog post too.
Broughton to Burry Holms
A favourite circular walk of mine. You can read more details about it here.
Burry Holms Tidal Island
Oxwich Castle
A lovely castle, with gorgeous views over Oxwich Bay. Not yet re-opened, but hopefully it will be able to at some point.
Weobley Castle
Another Gower castle, these ruins have stunning views over the Estuary and towards Llanmadoc. Well worth an explore once it can re-open.
Carmarthenshire
Laugharne
We love this quaint little town, it has a great combination of beautiful Estuary views, a castle, and you can also see where Dylan Thomas lived, and see his old writing shed too.
Paxton Tower
We always see this tower off in the distance when we visit the Botanic Gardens, but we have yet to actually visit there. I’ve put it on our list this summer, so hopefully we will get there.
Update: We finally visited! You can read about it here.
Botanic Gardens
We have an annual pass to the National Botanic Gardens and it is often our go to place to visit when we want a fun outdoor space that combines lots for the kids to see and do, and lots of beauty for me to photograph!
Dryslwyn Castle
A gorgeous little ruin atop a hill, with stunning views. You can read all about our visit there in this blog post.
Catch a Train to Ferryside
A friend recommended this to me years ago, as we live close to a train station and can catch a train direct to Ferryside. To my shame we still haven’t done it. I’m not sure we will feel comfortable catching public transport just yet, but it would definitely make a fun day out however we got there.
Dinefwr and Llandielo
One of our favourite national trust days out, such gorgeous woods to explore and a castle too. Newton House is also great but I’m not sure it will re-open this summer. Definitely worth going for a wander around Llandeilo whilst you are there too. Be sure to pop in to Heavenly Chocolate too, you can thank me later.
Carreg Cennen Castle
A perfect castle for exploring with kids, and with amazing views to boot.
Llansteffan Castle
A short walk up the hill and you are met with amazing castle ruins, with some of the best views. There is also a park and a beach next to the car park, so all in all a great day out. This castle is also one of the few that is already open again. You can read more about it in this blog post.
Pembrokeshire
Barafundle
You’re spoilt for choice with beaches to visit in Pembrokeshire, but with a national trust car park, and a beautiful cliff top walk to get there, Barafundle is one of our favourites.
Barafundle
Bosherston and Broad Haven South
Another beautiful beach, with easy national trust parking. You can park at both Bosherston and Broad Haven South, but I’d highly recommend you park at Bosherston as the walk to the beach past all the lily ponds is stunning! You can read an old blog post about this place here.
There is even an amazing 5 mile circular walk from Barafundle to Broad Haven South, via the lily ponds, which I have done a few times now and it never disappoints. Haven’t braved it with my kids yet though!
Bosherston Lily Ponds.
Colby Woods and Amroth
One of our favourite places. You can read a lot more about it here.
Marloes Sands
My favourite beach in the world, so far anyway. It’s a fair old drive from Swansea, but it’s always worth it. Read more here.
St David’s
The UK’s smallest city, and a lovely family day out. Worth pairing with a visit to one of the many nearby beaches!
Skomer Island/Boat Trip
Last year we did our first trip to Skomer, they sold out of island tickets whilst we were in the queue, but we had an amazing boat trip around the island and saw so many puffins. I was determined to get there again this year, but coronavirus had other plans. I’ve no idea if the island will re-open anytime soon, but if you get chance to do any of the amazing boat trips around Pembrokeshire then I’m sure you will have the most amazing time.
Pembroke Castle
We still haven’t been, hoping to rectify that this summer!
Picton Gardens and Castle
Another favourite day out, and one of the places we have an annual pass for. You can read more about why we love it here.
St Govan’s Chapel
Another place I have yet to visit, but hope to make it there this summer.
Folly Farm
My kids are asking me daily how long till we can go to Folly Farm. For those who haven’t been there, it’s actually more of a zoo than a farm, and one of our favourite days out. We go at least once a year, and it’s great they have been able to re-open again. You have to prebook tickets via eventbrite to ensure entry numbers stay within guidelines, but even with restrictions meaning some areas are closed, it is still a great day out, and a place it’s well worth supporting during these difficult times.
Tenby
With a gorgeous walled town full of lovely shops, and amazing beaches, this is a great day out, that our children all love.
Llawhaden Castle
We discovered these amazing castle ruins on our way home from Picton Gardens. We had often seen the “castle” sign and wondered which castle it was referrring to. It’s a lovely ruin to explore, with amazing views too, and already re-opened.
Skrinkle Haven
I found this beach by accident when I was exploring the coastline near Tenby, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Skrinkle Haven
Ceredigion
A little bit further afield, so we don’t get there as much as I’d like, but there are some amazing places to explore if you don’t mind the drive!
Mwnt
We saw dolphins here! Need I say more?
Mwnt
Penbryn
A stunning stretch of beach, with caves to explore, and an amazing cafe selling the best cakes!
Llanerchaeron
A national trust place that we haven’t visited fully yet. We explored some of the woods there on a holiday a few years back, but it looks like a great day out.
Cardigan
A lovely seaside town for a wander around, maybe after you’ve explored some of the local beaches?
Tresaith beach
I haven’t visited yet, but the fact there is a waterfall that flows down the cliffs into the sea, makes it a must visit place in my book.
Llangranog Beach
Another stunning beach in Ceredigion. If your kids love rock climbing then you won’t want to miss this one.
Cardiff and Newport
I’ll admit we don’t go East anywhere near as much as we travel out West. But when we do head towards Cardiff, these are some of the places we enjoy visiting.
Caerphilly Castle
One of our favourite castles to visit for a fun day out.
Dyffryn Gardens
Another favourite National Trust day out, these gardens are gorgeous and the kids play areas are fab too. You’ll need to pre-book tickets though as they are limiting guest numbers.
Dyffryn Gardens.
Tredegar House
We’ve only visited Tredegar house once before, but we had a lovely day out there when we did. It’s currently only partially re-opened, but you don’t need to pre-book to go.
Mountain View Ranch
We discovered this place last summer, and it was one of the first places the kids put on their bucket list. There is so much to see and do, and the focus is very much on play. The giant bouncy pillow, the Gruffalo trail, and the high ropes course, were the highlights for my three. I’m not sure how much will be able to open this summer, but I think it will still be worth a visit.
Techniquest
Hard to know at this stage if it will be able to re-open this summer, but if it does then it makes an amazing indoor option for those inevitable rainy days!
St Fagans
Would you believe I’ve never actually been to St Fagans? My kids have all been on various school trips there, but since I didn’t grow up in Wales I didn’t get to go growing up. It’s re-opening early August, so maybe this summer I’ll get my kids to show me around!
Castell Coch
A rare intact castle, which is fascinating to look around. Stunning woodlands next to it to explore too.
Penarth Pier
I love visiting this pier when we are Cardiff way. It’s a fun one to photograph.
Penarth Pier
Cardiff Museum
Located in the centre of Cardiff, this free museum is a great day out for people of all ages. The dinosaurs were a particular favourite part for our children! It’s set to re-open late August.
The Brecon Beacons
Last but not least, the Brecon Beacons National Park. It can seem daunting if you aren’t an accomplished map reader who can head out boldy into the mountains without worrying about getting lost. And if you aren’t a mountaineering family, then it’s also probably a tad foolish to head into the mountains without a guide. But that doesn’t have to stop you from exploring this amazing area. I’ve listed a few places that we often visit, that are either a self contained area you can’t go too far wrong in, or places with well marked footpaths. If you do want to explore the beacons further though I can highly recommend my friend Nia who runs Real Wales Tours, and can guide you into some of the more remote areas you might not find on your own.
Craig Y Nos Country Park
You can enjoy mountain views whilst walking around the lovely woods and along the river in this gorgeous country park. You’ll just need to pay for the car park.
Garwnant
Another place with amazing views, and there are lovely marked trails you can follow for an easy family friendly adventure.
Llyn y Fan Fach
A stunning lake at the foot of a mountain. The walk is well marked and easy to follow, and all 3 of our children managed it without any trouble. There are very narrow lanes to navigate as you drive to the car park, but otherwise this is a fab place to get out and explore.
Llyn Y Fan Fach
Waterfall Country
Last but not least, you can’t go wrong exploring the stunning waterfalls in the Neath valley. Footpaths are well marked, but be sure to park responsibly and if car parks are full come back another day.
I hope you have found this list helpful, and you manage to have some great family days out this summer! Be sure to let me know in the comments how you get on, and if you have any other places you can recommend!
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