Gardens, parks and woodlands offer a peaceful alternative to the seaside. Swansea has 49 parks within its boundaries and there are many woods scattered across the Gower peninsula. The gardens abound with glorious flowers and offer pleasure for the whole family including boating and paddling pools, bowls, tennis, crazy golf, pets corner, fetes and concerts.

Plantasia: A recent attraction. This extensive glasshouse is situated in Parc Tawe, in the heart of Swansea. Plantasia exhibits both tropical flora and fauna in sophisticated computer contolled enviroments. Orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti, economically useful plants plus some now extinct in the wild are all combined here with birds, fish, lizards, spiders and snakes – watch out for the 12ft python! Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday from 10.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. (01792) 474555. 25 minute drive.

Singleton Park: on the seafront, next to the University, the home of the Botannic Gardens which were developed 70 years ago and contain rare and exotic specimens from around the world. The park itself has a children’s adventure play area, miniature golf, boating and fishing (by permission). Open air concerts are held in the summer. The Park also has refreshments and a pub. 25 minute drive.

Brynmill Park: situated close to Singleton Park, Brynmill is Swansea’s oldest park, dating from the 19^th century. The park has ornamental gardens, a cactus house, bowling green, a lake which is home to many species of duck, children’s playground and a pet’s corner. 25 minute drive.

Clyne Gardens, Blackpill: rhododendrons and azaleas are the glory of Clyne during the spring. These gardens have been extended from Clyne Valley Country Park, woodland with well laid out foot and cycle paths and scattered picnic sites. There is also the bog garden. 25 minute drive.

Parkmill Wood, Parkmill: Waymarked walks through this native broadleaf wood. Some interesting features to look out for are Cathole Cave, a neolithic burial chamber and a renovated lime kiln. 20 minute drive.

Aberdulais Falls, Aberdulais, Neath: 30 minute drive. Spectacular waterfalls and hydro-electric power generation on the Afan Nedd River; along A465, 3 miles north east of Neath. Open April – November. (01639) 636674.

See also National Trust Land