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National Picnic Week 2014


C 17th June 2014

The British summertime is finally starting to show its face. And to top it off, it’s National Picnic Week too. The weather has been perfect for it, so we’ve put together a quick guide to picnicking in Swansea, Mumbles and Gower. If having a picnic this week is in your plans – please share your tips (and/or photos) with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Whether you’re having a spur-of-the-moment picnic on the lawn or a well planned banquet out and about, we hope there’s something here for you to enjoy.

 

Choosing food for your picnic

Will you opt for sandwiches, fruit, salads, crisps and cake, or will you jazz it up – Swansea Bay style? You could browse Swansea Market for some real local treats, and maybe even add some laverbread, cockles or even some salt marsh lamb to the spread to see what all the fuss is about (you won’t regret it!). Remember to make sure you take plenty to drink (we mean water!) and suitable means to keep your food cool, especially if you’re planning to head out when it’s warm.

Here’s a list of places to go for a picnic with toilets nearby or if you’re keen to leave the car at home, check out these places to go for a picnic using public transport.

 

Choosing your picnic location

Luckily enough, you’re reading this post on a website that’s full of fantastic picnic locations! The beautiful thing about a picnic is that it can be shaped and changed to suit just about anyone. Some would rather chill out on a beach with a blanket and a spread of nibbles, others might opt to pack a hamper and head to the park, you can even pop the tupperware into a rucksack and head for the hills!

Beaches

The Gower Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in Britain. It’s home to the best beach in Britain too (according to TripAdvisor users – and they know their stuff!).

Castles

From sandcastles to real castles. Let the kids play knights and queens, and ta-dah! Entertain the court by making the big reveal – dishing out a fine feast fit for a king when they’ve worked up an appetite. Have you been to Oystermouth Castle yet? You really should give it a try.

Parks

Find a picnic table or, just as good, a big green space. Take a Frisbee, invite your friends and family and chat and play the day away in one of Swansea’s parks and gardens. Have a party in the park – ask your friends and family and everyone can bring a dish.

Walks

Picnics are great as a reward after walking  too. Bring out the Tupperware and thermos after you’ve conquered Mynydd y Betws or stroll along the prom and find a bench with a sea view when you’re done.

Wherever you choose to take your picnic, please remember to take a disposable bag. We’d like to ask that the only thing you leave behind is a good review!

More suggestions

For more information about things to do in Swansea Bay, why not sign up for updates? (Remember to click the link in the confirmation email.)

 

How to make the most of National Picnic Week

What, other than getting outdoors and having a great time with friends and family? If that’s not enough, here are a few things you can get up to – especially with kids.

If you’ve organised a group picnic, why not suggest some games? You could reward the winner with cake (or bara brith) – or just give it out to everyone for taking part. Here are some ideas:

  • Egg and spoon race
  • Sack race
  • Hide and seek
  • Sand sculpting competitions
  • Three legged races

Here’s a really fun challenge (for good swimmers):

Head to one of the safer beaches for swimmers (try Caswell Bay or Port Eynon). Stand in a line about 15 steps from the shore. Get someone to count to three, and then run into the sea – whoever can get the furthest without falling over wins.

Here are all of the beaches with lifeguards on duty (between September and May).

National Picnic Week is presented by Pom-Bear.

 

Can we tempt you?

We’ve put a list of temptations together for you. Check out our Picnic Spots for National Picnic Week and let us know if any of them tickle your fancy!