Are you staycationing this summer? Then here are 5 great day trips to enjoy by your own, or with friends and family.
© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2021) Cymru Wales
Swansea
Head to Swansea’s maritime quarter for visits to Swansea Museum and The National Waterfront Museum where you can learn about the fascinating industrial heritage of the area. Stroll around Swansea Bay and stop for refreshments at Blackpill Lido before taking the Land Train to Mumbles. Stop off for ice cream at Joe’s and head up Newton Road to visit Oystermouth Castle, where you can enjoy a guided tour on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays throughout the summer holidays, at 11.15am and 2.15pm. Visit the castle for outdoor theatre in the evenings on August 9 (for Twelfth Night) and August 10 (for Peter Rabbit).
Llanelli, Burry Port and Pembrey
Take a wander around Parc Howard Museum and Gardens to learn about Llanelli’s fascinating history as the world centre of tinplate manufacturing – which earned it the name ‘Tinopolis’. Stop off at the market for some Welsh produce, then hop back on the train to Burry Port. Here, take a walk around the harbour, pick up some fish and chips for lunch, and then spend the afternoon at the wonderful Pembrey Country Park where you can walk and play on golden sands, ride the toboggan run and try your hand at crazy golf.
Tenby
Walk barefoot on Tenby’s breath-taking beaches: Tenby Harbour Beach is perfect for families and fringes the picturesque harbour; Castle Beach, another popular choice for families, has a spectacular location with views of the old fort on St Catherine’s Island; North Beach has stunning views of open waters and cliffs edged by multicoloured houses; and South Beach is a vast dune-edged beach with beautiful clear waters. Wander around the historic town centre, discover independent shops, and call into Tenby Museum and Art Gallery on Castle Hill, which gives a fascinating overview of the history, geology, art and natural history of South Pembrokeshire. For more history, call into the Tudor Merchant’s House on Castle Hill, to see how a merchant and his family lived 500 years ago. Finally, don’t miss the chance to take a boat to tranquil Caldey Island with its monastery and beautiful Priory Beach.
© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2021) Cymru Wales
Saundersfoot
Pretty Saundersfoot is perfect for an action-packed day out: local company Good Trails offers bike hire, kayaking, SUP lessons and more, and if you want to discover the seals, porpoise and seabird colonies that live off the coast, book a boat trip with Saundersfoot Sea Safaris. If you’ve always fancied trying your hand at fishing, Saundersfoot Sea Fishing will take you on a fishing trip from Saundersfoot Harbour. Don’t miss the chance to explore the independent shops and eateries in Saundersfoot itself, and take a walk through the fascinating railway tunnels that link Saundersfoot to Coppet Hall Beach (location of the award-winning Coast Restaurant) and then to Wiseman’s Bridge beyond.
Fishguard
Start off in Fishguard Harbour with a visit to the Sea Trust Marine Wildlife Exhibition in the Ocean Lab, where you can get up close to some of the creatures that live in the adjacent waters. Then walk or bus it up to the main town, where you can visit the Last Invasion Tapestry – Wales’ answer to the Bayeux Tapestry, commemorating the 1797 triumph of Fishguard locals over the invading French. After that, call into the handsome St Mary’s church to spot the grave of 1797 heroine Jemima Nicholas in the churchyard. Finally, enjoy a pint or a bite to eat at the Royal Oak, where the 1979 treaty was signed – and don’t miss a chance to browse the lovely independent shops in the town centre.
A section of The Last Invasion Tapestry. © Fishguard Invasion Centre Trust