Your Guide to Family Holidays in South Wales
20 June, 2024
Planning a family holiday in the UK but unsure where to go? South Wales should be at the top of your list! This region offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, rich history, magical folklore, and stunning natural beauty.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling theme park rides, tranquil coastal walks, or a chance to immerse yourself in local legends, South Wales has something for everyone. Here’s why South Wales is the ultimate staycation destination and some tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Why choose South Wales for your staycation?
With many beautiful holiday destinations across Wales and the British Isles, choosing one place to visit can be tricky, but we know that South Wales offers exceptional beauty, weather, and activities that set it apart from the rest. Here are our reasons why you should choose South Wales for your next staycation.
Outdoor adventures
South Wales is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. From kayaking and rock climbing to lakeside picnics and horse riding, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained. For a unique experience, rent mountain bikes and explore the scenic trails around the Llys-y-Frân reservoir, where you can enjoy a pedal-powered rollercoaster ride on the steepest parts of the circuit.
History everywhere
Step back in time as you explore South Wales’ rich historical landscape. Visit Roman ruins, medieval castles, and former coal mines to get a sense of the region’s past. Castell Henllys, a reconstructed Iron Age hill fort offers kids the opportunity to engage in storytelling, shadow puppets, and traditional crafts while you explore ancient woodlands and roundhouses. The Oakwood Theme Park blog has great pieces about Pembrokeshire’s history to read through!
Magical folklore
South Wales is steeped in magical stories and legends. Take your kids to King Arthur’s Stone on Cefn Bryn in the Gower, where legend has it that the stone grew from a pebble in King Arthur’s shoe.
Llyn Cwm Llwch is also steeped in legend, with tales of a woman who would lure people into the lake or an island that would appear every May Day, so have your wits about you if you venture down!
Epic coastal walks
Home to some of the UK’s best coastal walks, South Wales offers trails suitable for explorers of all ages. Pack a picnic and your walking shoes to enjoy the breathtaking views and fresh sea air. Coastal paths around Pembrokeshire and the Gower Peninsula are particularly stunning.
Beautiful beaches
South Wales boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Rhossili Beach in Swansea was recently voted among the top 10 beaches globally, and Barafundle Bay is frequently cited as one of the UK’s best. With 243 beaches to choose from, you’re never far from a hidden gem.
Water sports galore
If you’re a fan of water sports, South Wales won’t disappoint. Oxwich Bay on the Gower is perfect for beginners looking to try surfing, while more experienced surfers can find bigger waves at other local beaches. The region’s clean waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
Incredible nature parks
Bute Park in Cardiff, known as the ‘green heart’ of the city, is one of Wales’ largest urban parks. Covering an area the size of 75 football pitches, it features a woodland balance trail, a sculpture trail, and an education centre, making it a perfect spot for family adventures or just a quiet stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Perfect for thrill seekers
A visit to Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire is a must for those seeking excitement. Home to over 25 rides, including enormous Megafobia and the sky-scraping Bounce, it offers thrills for all ages. Book your tickets here!
Planning tips for visiting South Wales
If the activities found in South Wales sound like your cup of tea, you’ll want to optimise the time you spend in South Wales to tick off as many things as possible! Here are our tips for making the most of your time in South Wales.
Plan your journey
Before setting off, plan your route and check the weather and traffic conditions to ensure a smooth trip. South Wales is well-connected by road and rail, making it pretty easy to reach your destination.
Choose your attractions
Research and decide which attractions you want to visit beforehand. Booking tickets in advance, especially for popular spots like Oakwood Theme Park, can save you time and money. There’s so much to see and do, so having a well-thought-out plan will help you make the most of your stay.
Don’t leave without trying the local delicacies
No visit to Wales is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Try Welsh rarebit, a savoury cheese sauce served over toast; bara brith, a fruit loaf made with tea; Welsh cakes, sweet, griddled cakes; and cawl, a traditional Welsh stew. Each dish gives a sense of Welsh history and the culture that has grown around it.
Make your promise to Wales
Embrace Addo, the initiative proposed by Visit Wales to care for the region. Make a promise to look after the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Wales, be respectful to the local environment, and leave no trace behind. You can find more information about this wonderful initiative on the Visit Wales website.
South Wales is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, offering a diverse range of activities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. From outdoor adventures and historical explorations to relaxing beach days and thrilling theme park rides, there’s something for everyone. Start planning your trip today and discover all the wonders South Wales has to offer!