Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Rock and Fountain Inn is located in the charming and quaint village of Penhow, it is a family run traditional village inn and restaurant. The Inn has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and enjoys a traditional decor that is cosy and relaxing. The philosophy here is to provide quality honest food that is affordable to all especially families. The menu is varied and offers a good selection of meals and you can choose two courses for ₤10. Their speciality is steak on a stone as well as fresh seafood together with their well known Sunday roast. The food is cooked to perfection and the presentation is very good. They are open daily and food is served daily from lunch time through to the evening. The staff are friendly and attentive and the customer service was very good. Rock and Fountain Inn offers excellent food, value and atmosphere, the perfect venue for a meal out.
Fun Days Out
Pump up the excitement with a session or two at Top Gun Paintball and Clay Shooting! This exciting local attraction provides a wooded area to prove your skills in battle. Hone your hand-eye coordination with clay shooting or hide away in a massive 30 acre green space while dodging paintballs.
Located in the lovely Brecon Beacons National Park area of South Wales. The Park has been officially designated as a Geopark because of its unique geological formations.
Once Upon a Playtime is an indoor centre of fun and play where children can come and have a fantastic time in a safe and nurturing environment. The centre is kept clean and is well monitored by staff. There are different areas and activities depending on age ranging from toddlers upwards. There are soft play areas, ball pools, car tracks, sports court, play frames and creative tables so there is lots to keep the little ones entertained. There is a cafe that serves a good selection of drinks and hot and cold foods. They are open daily and the prices are reasonable.
Beach
Southerndown Beach - 15.2 Miles (24.3 KM)
This west facing sand and pebble beach is backed by farmland. Popular for surfing, canoeing and bathing, it also has some rockpools. It is joined to the heritage coast path which leads to a castle along the cliffs.
Pembrey Beach - 17.5 Miles (28 KM)
An 8 mile stretch of sandy beach backed by sand dunes - designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There are nature trails throughout Pembrey Country Park. Visitors can enjoy clear views across Carmarthen Bay to Tenby and the Gower.(Dogs not allowed onto the beach between May and September)
Biking & Hiking
Oxwich Bay Walk - 17.9 Miles (28.6 KM)
Located in a National Nature Reserve, this walk will take you between half an hour to an hour to complete. The reserve has one of the richest varieties of coastal habitats in Britain, and is a favourite location for bird watchers.
Taff Trail - 21.6 Miles (34.6 KM)
Most of this cycle trail running from Cardiff Bay to the market town of Brecon has been designated as traffic-free. It runs along the former tramways, railways and canals of great historical interest and significance. Look out for the points of industrial archaeology along the way.
Walking from Nash Point to Monknash is a fairly easy, mostly level walk of about 5 miles. There are two nature reserves en route and the Plough and Narrow pub at the half way point serves meals. Alternatively, stop for refreshments at Nash Point in the summer months.
Golf & Sports
Southerndown Golf Club is a championship golf course that is unusual in that owing to its position it is one of the driest courses in the country, it is a course of contrasts being part sandy links and part acid-heathland. The course attracts many players and has had some major players play here, who have found the course to be challenging and demanding. With many natural obstacles including gorse, bracken and winds you are in for a tough game. The greens and fairways are well maintained and in good condition. As you walk around the course you can enjoy the lovely views that include, the North Devon coast, Swansea Bay and Gower peninsula and the surrounding valleys and hills of South Wales. The clubhouse is warm and cosy with a welcoming atmosphere, it too benefits from the stunning views, they have a good menu with lots of choice and is very good quality, Throughout you will find the staff to be helpful and friendly. They may not be able to guarantee you the weather but you are assured a warm and hospitable Welsh welcome.
Great if you fancy a swim or a game of squash, this leisure centre offers a wide range of activities for all ages.
Spend a half day or full day trying your hand at a range of sports including canoeing, archery, rock climbing and kayaking. Transport to and from the centre can be arranged for you and the centre is specially designed to cater for groups with the option to have meals included.
Nature Reserves
RSPB Cwm Clydach Reserve is an ancient woodland retreat that is located on the outskirts of the city. It is a place of peace and tranquillity that allows you to escape the stresses of everyday life. There are two main trails, both start at the car park, one being suitable for pushchairs, this is the Nixon trail and extends to about 2.2 km. The other trail is more rugged in areas and longer at 4.7 km and is known as the Trussler trail. As you take a lazy walk through the reserve you can look out for the many species of bird who have made their home here, including, spotted flycatchers, redstarts and buzzards as well as many animals, insects and butterflies. The Lower Clydach River passes through the heart of the reserve. The reserve is open throughout the year and each season brings its own delights from the colourful spring woodland flowers to the beautiful autumnal colours of the leaves in Autumn. There is no charge for entry although the society does rely on donations to keep up the excellent work they do. It is the perfect location for a pleasant stroll through the lovely natural surroundings, whilst listening to the glorious sounds of the birds, totally relaxing.
Pembrey Nature Reserve is part of Pembrey Forest. It covers 1000 hectares and contains 35 species of butterfly and birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and goshawks. Pembrey forest also forms part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Tucked away in the Darran Valley, this tranquil country park is only 2 miles north of Bargoed. Take a stroll through the Cwmllwydrew wild flower meadows or cycle along 5 1/2 km of well-maintained cycle tracks. If you're feeling energetic, try the assault course along the lakeside. There is also the opportunity to fish in the lake.
Howardian Local Nature Reserve is tucked away in the Rhymney valley and despite its size, over 500 species of wildlife have been recorded here. 25,000 trees have been planted in the three areas that make up the nature reserve. Some examples of the types of wildlife to be seen are grass snakes, frogs, toads, butterflies, herons and kingfishers.
Gardens & Woodlands
The Brecon Beacons look fantastic when they're experienced from the saddle of your bike - whether you want the more energetic experience of charging up the mountains or casually cruising from pub to pub, there's something here for everyone. The national park authority organise guided walks and events for all the family.
Pembrey County Park offers a spacious 202 hectares of lush parkland for visitors to explore. Enjoy some of the cleanest beaches in Wales and admire the view of the Gower Peninsula and Carmarthenshire Bay. The area boasts a wide range of exciting outdoor activities, including cycling, horseback riding, skiing, hiking and much more!
Located in the stunning Tywi valley of Carmarthenshire, this fine house has a garden that has been described as one of the finest in Wales. Often cited as inspiration for poetry for over 500 years, this beautiful site is as magical as it is mysterious.
The National Botanic Garden is one of the most visited gardens in Wales and is home to some of the rarest plants in world. Voted 'number 1 wonder of Wales', it has become one of the most popular gardens in the UK.
Drffyn Gardens and Arboretum are a prime example of majestic Edwardian gardens that extend to more than fifty five acres that comprise of a selection of intimate garden rooms including a rose garden, Pompeian garden and a number of ponds. In addition there is an enormous lawn that is edged by seasonal bedding and a croquet lawn. Also found on the glorious grounds are a substantial glasshouse, statuary collection and an arboretum that holds a collection of trees from across the world. The gardens were designed by the renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson and date back to 1906. All the trees are labelled so you can tell what they are. These impressive gardens are stunning, beautifully maintained and offer delightful walks around them, where you can admire all the plants and trees from all over, when in full bloom they are a riot of colour and have the most amazing aromas. The gardens are open daily throughout the year from 10.00am and in Summer the hours are longer. There is a charge for enry. There is a welcoming cafe that serves a nice selection of beverages, lunches and snacks. Drffyn Gardens and Arboretum offer so much to see and are delightful to both gardeners and non gardeners, even children will love the open spaces and places to explore, a lovely day out.
Local Attractions
Black Mountain Centre is a community initiative and is found in Brynaman, a charming village positioned at the foot of the Black Mountain of Carmarthenshire. It is housed in an an old school but has all the amenities needed to benefit visitors and business customers. You will find tourist information on the local area, free Internet access, a Gallery that shows local artists works that can be bought, intriguing heritage displays of local history and culture, that are continually changing. In addition there is the Black Mountain cafe area where you can get tasty home cooked food, that is excellently priced throughout the day, they also serve cakes and beverages. If you want to meet members of the community and get to know the locals then this is the place to come.
This cinema has a structure unchanged since the 1930's but boasts all comforts and modern facilities inside. It regularly plays host to live performances and the latest films.
Penderyn Distillery is a unique place for whiskey lovers. The landmark is rich in Arthurian legend, with a pair of Brecon Beacons peaks recognised as "Arthur's Seat". UNESCO has deemed the area one of historic significance. The distillery produces a single cask each day of some of the finest spirits in the world.
Myddfai Community Hall and Visitor Centre has become an important addition to the community here in Myddfai, an area that is enveloped by the glorious scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The centre is newly constructed using the latest energy efficient tools and has become one of the nicest and best equipped venues in the area. The purpose of the centre was to serve as a focal point in the community and a place where locals could gather. Since its opening the centre has hosted many events and these are aimed at families and getting people together so keep an eye on the website for upcoming events. The centre is open daily and you will find a shop that sells a nice selection of locally produced and crafted foods, gifts, cards, books and artwork. Many of the items on sale are only found here and there is a nice range of quality and unique items as well as a delicious selection of chutneys, jams chocolates and much more. There is also a cafe that is warm and welcoming and on its walls are information boards detailing the history of Myddfai. They serve a good selection of beverages, snacks and light lunches as well as heavenly home-made cakes. The centre is run by volunteers who are really welcoming and friendly and happy to stop and have a chat. Myddfai is a superb community project that every village should have a great place to stop and meet with the locals and enjoy a coffee, do some shopping and learn about the local area.
Gower Herbal Walks will take you through the Gower woodlands or along the costal paths or perhaps both where you will collect wild herbs and then turn them into medicines, under the guidance of a professional herbalist. Your walk will last approximately two hours and covers about 3 miles, you veer off the beaten track in search of plants and herbs in season, you will see breathtaking scenery, and will be taught to recognise local plants, how to harvest them and change them into a healing medicine that you take home with you. During your time you gain substantial knowledge about the plants you see and are given a booklet to take home, to further explain the plants and herbs that are safe to use and how to yield them. You also learn about the healing properties of the plants, correct dosages and the intriguing myths and traditions behind them. Depending on your route you might stop to enjoy some tasty homemade herbal teas and scrumptious brownies, or delicious fish and chips. You should ensure to wear suitable foot wear and comfortable clothes as well as taking drinking water, suncream/waterproofs depending on the time of year. Gower Herbal Walks are thoroughly enjoyable and interesting, you get so much from them as well as having the satisfaction of having made your own medicine, that you take home. Gower Herbal Walks are a different and fun alternative and suitable to all those who are mobile, a great activity, with family or friends or as part of a group or party.
Cowbridge - 23.7 Miles (37.9 KM)
Cowbridge is an elegant market town famous for its arts & crafts and antiques. The high street is lined with fashionable shops, bars, restaurants and chic boutiques.
High quality seasonal produce which has been reared and grown or made within the area of a 30 mile radius. Open to visit every second Saturday in a month. Refreshments and live music too.
Battlefield Live Caerphilly allows you the opportunity to experience a realistic combat entertainment experience using advanced gaming guns, it is the most realistic battle experience you will have, in this purpose built site. It is located in seven acres of woods and green fields that offer lots of natural coverage and hiding options. On arrival you don your coveralls, put on your face paint, get your weapon, your mission is explained and you are ready to go following a safety briefing. The equipment is of the highest standard and well maintained. It is an exhilarating and fun experience for all so people of all ages (six upwards) can get involved. The game lasts about two and a half hours and is excellent value for money. The staff are friendly and helpful and the overall it is very professional, well organised and well run. Battlefield Live is an awesome experience, full of energy, excitement and loads of shouting a fantastic outdoor event that everyone can get involved in.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Experience the panoramic views of the black mountain and the colourful Welsh countryside from the craggy hilltop where this fantastic castle lies.
The reconstructed village street and three period shops give visitors a taste of life over the last 150 years. The art gallery contains displays of contemporary jewellery and unique gift ideas. Stop for something to eat in the restaurant and enjoy the views of the lower Rhondda Valleys.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines are located in the heart of a 2,500 acre estate and positioned on a wooded hillside that oversees the stunning Cothi Valley. Mining here dates back more than 2000 years to the Romans and some of their methods are still evident. But it is the Roman, Victorian and 1930's and the harsh conditions that the miners endured that are focused on here. The mines here continued to be mined until 1938 when they eventually closed. The tour takes you into the actual working mines, and suitable foot wear is recommended owing to the uneven surface and steep slopes, and you must have a certain degree of mobility to be able to do the tour, children in push chairs can do the Victorian tour. You get to wear a miners lamp and when you enter these dark caverns, you will get to see first hand the dark, dank and cramped conditions the miners worked in, with so much effort for little reward, see and hear the mine in operation as well as seeing the actual mine machinery. There is the choice of a free guided tour which, you book on arrival or you can take a self-guided tour, there is the Roman tour and Victorian tour to choose from. The guides are friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable and impart the history in a lively and interesting way with lots of anecdotes You can try your own hand at panning for gold and see how successful you will be, or take one of the many walks around the area, that vary in length and difficulty. There is also an exhibition that you can look around. The mine is open is open from April through to October and there is a charge for entry. There is a nice little gift shop where you can buy some pretty Welsh gold jewellery and other souvenirs and gifts. The tea shop is pleasant and cosy and serves a nice selection of beverages and hot and cold food at reasonable prices. Dolaucothi Mines offers an intriguing insight into a working mine and will interest all ages, the tour is pitched to cater to everyone and with activity sheets and trails the children can get involved, highly recommended if you are in the area.
This impressively sited castle overlooking the Tywi estuary has been in the hands of both the Normans and Welsh. Admission is free. Pass a couple of hours in the castle before visiting Llansteffan village for a coffee or a wander around the shops.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor has a long history that can be dated back to 1550 and is in a prime position with views over the Glamorgan Uplands. It is an excellent example of a semi-fortified Manor house and was occupied by the Prichard family. Once you step through the doors you are immediately transported back to another era, the house has been returned and furnished to what it would have been like in 1645, the furnishings within the rooms are exact replicas of items that would have been in the house during this period. Many pieces of the original furniture are on show at the Museum of Welsh Life. There are a number of interesting characters who you might meet as you wander through the house, it could be the master or one of the servants, all are dressed in traditional costume and talk in old English language! The house is operated as if it is occupied so you get a true feel of what it would have been like back then. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you might have, it is a fun and informative way to learn the history of the house and members. The house is considered to have a number of ghostly residents and they operate a Ghost Tour where, you might get to meet one of them. The house is open daily Tuesday to Sunday and is only closed over the Christmas period. The gardens are pretty and worth taking the time to see. The cafe and gift shop have lots to offer and are a nice place to stop at the end of your visit. With interactive, costumed guides Llancaiach Fawr is an unusual and interesting concept, it is fun for all ages and definitely worth visiting, you will not be disappointed.
A wonderful, little museum. Established in 1928 by the Brecknock Society it is now run by Powys County Council. Set in a delightful historic building it offers a glimpse of the area over time.
Brecon Cathedral has a long and varied history, today it stands as the Mother Church of a large Diocese and is a centre of welcome and worship for all. The Cathedral is quiet unassuming and small in relation to other Cathedrals but, what is unusual about this building is that it is positioned in a walled close. The remnants of the former monastic buildings serve as the administrative centre for the Diocese in addition to housing the Cathedral clergy and a Heritage Centre and Restaurant. The grounds that surround the Cathedral are lovely, so peaceful and quiet. Inside is lovely too, it is not very big but has some great features and architecture, unusual wooden vaulted ceilings, commemorative plaques, a stunning antique font, stained glass windows and more. Within the Cathedral is the regimental chapel worth a visit, it has connections with the Zulu War/ Rorkes Drift, it has a collection of interesting military and historic flags and a war memorial book. There are some descriptive guide sheets available that provide all the information on the Cathedral. What strikes you most about the Cathedral is the calmness and peacefulness of it here.
Old Beaupre was a medieval castle and later a Tudor manor house, built around two courtyards. Etched in a panel above the doorway is the Bassett family motto 'Better death than dishonour'. The impressive three-storey outer gatehouse was the result of the great Tudor rebuilding, when the family lived here.
The Winding House is the museum for Caerphilly County Borough, and is located in an impressive and modern glass building that is in total contrast to the exhibits it houses. Stepping through the glass doors you are immersed in the history of the borough, you can explore the local history, culture and heritage through the ages, numerous collections including Edwardian and the Great War, hands on activities, delve into your family's past or see the imposing and immense Victorian winding engine, that operates at certain times. There is lots to keep the children occupied too with activities and the opportunity to dress up in historic costumes. It is an intimate museum and is well designed, the displays are excellent and there is lots of information available. In addition they run a number of events during the year so it is worth keeping an eye out for these. The museum is open daily throughout the year and there is no admission charge but do have donation boxes. There is a lovely coffee shop that is bright and airy where you can relax in the welcoming atmosphere and enjoy a tea or coffee accompanied by one of their delicious cakes. Also onsite is a gift shop that has a nice selection of quality gifts, goods, books and other items. The staff are terrific very friendly and helpful and happy to answer any questions. The Winding House is a gem of a museum, lots of interesting items and information that will appeal to all ages, making for a great day out, a must if you are in the area.
This fortress was built in 1283 and amazingly, its inner walls and towers still stand almost to their full height. Its best feature is the stairway that plunges 200ft down to the foot of the castle rock. Don't miss the views over the sand dunes below to the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia.
Castell Coch is an embodiment of High Gothic, during Victorian ages there was a real interest in these times and the wonderfully talented and imaginative William Burges was given free licence by his client, John Patrick Crichton Stuart, to make for him and his family a country residence that was comparable in opulence to his main home, Cardiff Castle. There certainly was no constraint here, the house itself portrays immense wealth and the interior continues this tone, with sensational ceilings, glorious furnishings and furniture, it is a fairy tale castle. What is amazing is that the detailed architectural drawings are still in existence to this day. Following Burges death in 1881, his colleagues continued with his work on the inside of the house for a further ten years. The castle was not meant to be nor was it suitable for use as a permanent home, the family did not stay here often. Stepping through the doors here is like being transported back in time to a bygone era. There is an audio guide to take you around and give you the information on the castle, although not very big, if you take time to look at the intricate work and features of this house you can pass many an enjoyable hour here. The guide is informative, you will come away knowing all about the castle, having heard stories of the family and information on the building of the castle. There are stunning views from the Castell Coch and the rooms are truly amazing. The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and will answer any questions you may have. Outside the woodlands offer some walking trails and good picnic areas, a great place for the children to explore and run around. Castell Coach is small in size but huge in detail and grandeur, a truly unforgettable castle with lots of amazing details, it offers a lovely day out for everyone.
