Adventure around every corner, trips to discover new places, and staying up late with the grown-ups; the school summer holidays always seemed like such a magical time when we were younger, and that’s because they were.
Six weeks of memories just waiting to be made stretch out before us, and the Dramatic Heart of Wales is the perfect place for these core moments to be forged.
Whether your children are thrill seekers or chill seekers, the beauty of our valleys and mountains is that there is something everyone will love, even your four-legged family members! Read on to discover what awaits you in the Dramatic Heart of Wales during the summer break:
For the Thrill Seekers:
If your perfect family holiday is packed full of fun activities designed to tucker the kids out early so you can enjoy a glass of wine in peace, then we have some recommendations that could be right up your street…
Starting at the deep end, if you want to try something new and push yourselves a little out of your comfort zone, then we will always recommend Adventure Britain. Leave your smartphones behind and plunge into the outdoors.
Their experts can guide your family through a range of activities, including gorge walking, caving, climbing, canoeing, and so much more.
If you like the sound of canoeing but fancy a bit of practice first, then book a session with South Wales Adventure Company, where it’s just you, an instructor, and a calm canal. If a canal is still a bit daunting but you’re committed to conquering a water sport, then definitely book canoeing or paddle boarding lessons with Margam Park Adventure – it doesn’t get much easier than learning on a lake.
Not a fan of the water? Fear not, the Dramatic Heart of Wales is famous for the variety of trails that decorate its hillsides and valleys. Head to the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre and hit the mountain bike trails. If you don’t have the bikes or the equipment with you, the Afan Valley Bike Shed will provide everything you need to make the experience safe, comfortable, and fun! Afterwards, Base Wales will sort you right out with a delicious meal that will refuel you ready for your next adventure.
For the Chill Seekers:
When it comes to the summer holidays, sometimes less is more. The weeks ahead are the perfect time to slow down and reconnect as a family, whether that’s on a leisurely walk or by simply relaxing at the beach.
We’re lucky enough to have three Green Flag accredited parks in Neath Port Talbot: Margam Country Park, Gnoll Estate Country Park, and Craig Gwladys Country Park. These tranquil green spaces are perfect for family walks, wildlife spotting, and enjoying some fresh air together. Dogs are welcome at all of these parks, but they must be kept on a lead in specific areas at Margam Country Park as there are roaming deer herds.
Another pleasant walk can be found at Swansea Canal, specifically the five-mile stretch between Clydach and Pontardawe. It’s also part of the National Cycle Network, making it perfect for family cycle rides as well as leisurely walks.
To add a cultural twist to your relaxing family holiday in the Dramatic Heart of Wales, we’re proud to be home to several historic sites. Explore Margam Abbey, the only surviving nave of a Cistercian Abbey in Wales, and Neath Abbey, one of South Wales’ most important monastic ruins. We’re also home to the South Wales Miners Museum (a great rainy day activity) and the Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, which is a National Trust site. If you’re more interested in modern culture, you need to check out Artwalk Port Talbot – a free street art trail with accompanying smartphone app.
The Sweet Spot
If you have one thrill-seeker and one chill-seeker on your hands, then we have the perfect place in mind to tick both boxes: the beautiful Aberavon Beach.
With three miles of sun-warmed sand gently descending into the sea, as well as plenty of facilities dotted along the seafront, it’s a haven for families looking to enjoy a classic beach day while on holiday.
Should you run out of things to do at the beach, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including adventure golf, an Aqua Splash zone, the skateboard park, plus adventure and toddler playgrounds. You can enjoy surf lessons with Surf School Wales, or even catch some beach yoga.
Nestled amongst all of the above places are some fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs which will keep you fed throughout your summer adventures in Neath Port Talbot. With accommodation options to suit every family – from camping to hotel stays – our region has all the ingredients for a memorable stay in South Wales. All we’re waiting for is you!
Plan your visit here: https://dramaticheart.wales/plan-your-visit-summer/
