ADVENTURE PLAYGROUNDS/COUNTRYSIDE CENTRES

Swansea and Gower offers an impressive list of all weather attractions for young and old alike. Visitors will find something to suit every taste and pocket.

Jungle Jim’s Adventureland, Worcester Place, Swansea: children’s play site with soft play centre, scramble nets and slides, mega ball pool, aerial runway, bouncy castle and play area for under 3’s. Special events include Gladiator competitions and kiddies discos. Open to all ages, daily 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (01792) 653433. 25 minute drive.

Bishops Wood Nature Reserve and Countryside Centre, Caswell, Gower: formerly an old coach house and now a centre for displays and information about Bishop’s Wood Reserve. Nature trails pass through the reserve and there is a planned programme of walks and events. Open May – August, Wednesday – Sunday, 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. (01792) 361703. 20 minute drive.

Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower: A country complex containing a range of trades that would have once been common place in most villages. The site dates back to the Middle Ages. The mill is not complete but is workable and both the corn and saw mills have been restored. Local crafts are incorporated and displayed at the complex and include a blacksmith, wheelwright, mason and carpenter. Refreshments, car parking and picnic facilities are all provided on site. Open all year 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (01792) 371206. 15 minute drive.

Dan-yr-Ogof Caves, Abercrave, Upper Swansea Valley, on the A4067 between Swansea and Brecon: Two farming brothers discovered the caves on their land in the early 1900’s. Now the complex forms one of Wales’ principal tourist venues. A wonderful and exciting day for the family. Explore the largest show caves in Western Europe with floodlit formations, self guided tours and piped commentary. Learn about life during ancient times on the Iron Age Farm. Travel back further and discover the creatures of prehistoric times in the Dinosaur Park - come face to face with Tyrannosaurous Rex! Visit the Shire Horse Centre. There is also the Dry Ski Slope offering 90 minute sessions for all abilities. A full days entertainment!

Open Easter – October daily 10.00 a.m.. Telephone for winter opening times. (01639) 730284. 40 minute drive.

Margam Country Park, Margam, Port Talbot: a variety of attractions in acres of parkland. Events and exhibitions are held all year. Features include Margam Castle and Orangery, Road Train, Deer Herd, Putting, Giant Chess and Draughts, Margam Maze, Pets Corner and Fairytale Land. Junction 38 off M4. 45 minute drive. Open April – September daily. October – March Wednesday – Sunday 10.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. (01639) 881635. 45 minute drive.

Afan Argoed Countryside Centre, Afon Forest Park, Cynonville, Port Talbot: the park lies in a steep forested valley and offers exploration by foot along waymarked routes or on mountain bikes (available to hire). There are picnic and BBQ sites. Other attractions are the Countryside Centre and the South Wales Miners Museum. A 4107, north of Port Talbot. Junction 40 off M4. Open daily – daylight hours; centre/museum 10.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. in summer and 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. in winter (101639 850564). 40 minute drive.

Pembrey Country Park, on A484, Burry Port, Llanelli: Directly across the estuary from the Farmers Arms. Wander in 500 acres of parkland, relax on beautiful Cefn Sidan beach or take advantage of the many family attractions – adventure playground, narrow gauge railway, pitch and putt golf, nature trails, orienteering course/ski run/toboggan run. Open May – September from dawn to dusk. (01554) 833913. 40 minute drive.

Craig–y-Nos Country Park, Craig–y-Nos, Nr Abercrave, Upper Swansea Valley on A4067. Over 40 acres of woodland, meadow and lakes . Open all year 10.00 a.m. Check winter opening hours (01639) 730395. 40 minute drive.