From toddlers to teenagers and easy paced to action packed adventures, it’s difficult to find a better family holiday destination than Swansea Bay. Don’t just take our word for it – we recently invited Bristol based writer Amy Treasure and family to spend a weekend with us to have a taste (literally in some cases!) of just what is on offer.
Over to Amy…
We recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend in the beautiful city of Swansea and discovering what the region has to offer. Here are 5 reasons Swansea Bay is perfect for families…
1. Brilliant and relaxed friendly atmosphere
The people are super friendly and helpful. When we visited everywhere we went, locals took the time to have a chat with us. We were rained off from one of our planned excursions and took shelter in a cafe, we managed to spend 2 hours just sitting and chatting with the owner, she gave us some great tips for places to visit and made us feel so at home. This is a real plus point for families, you’ll be welcome in hotels and eating establishments with the little ones and business owners will go out their way to be accommodating.
2. Activities and fun to suit all ages
There is so much to do and see, you won’t be stuck wondering where to take the kids. You could visit The National Waterfront Museum which tells the story of Welsh industry and innovation now, and over the past 300 years using interactive technology. It is free entry between 10am-5pm. Or like us, if you get rained off you could easily spend the entire day at The Gower Heritage Centre which is based around an 800 year old corn and saw mill, powered by a working water wheel. Visitors can watch blacksmith demonstrations, and join craft workshops. It also includes play areas, a really interesting woollen mill and an animal park where chickens and ducks roam freely.
3. Exciting places to stay
Fancy an adventure? Then stay in a Scampervan or a touch of glamping with Pitch my Tent. How about a poetic few nights in Dylan Thomas’ birthplace you can actually stay in his old bedroom! Perhaps the buzz of the city is more your style? Then The Dragon Hotel has got you covered with comfortable family suites in this 4-star city centre establishment. You can even bliss out in the pool and have a top to toe massage once you’re done. The choice is endless and all places mentioned are completely family friendly.
4. Award winning beaches
Walk on some of Wales’ 870-mile coastline – Incredibly Wales can claim a world first as the only country to have a path around its entire coast. Take a bucket and spade for the kids, a net for the rock pools and stop off to explore Rhossili Bay, Wales’ best beach and Britain’s fourth best beach, as voted for by Trip Advisor users in the 2016 Travellers Choice Awards. Or of course, The Gower Peninsula, which was named the UK’s first area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956 having visited it is not at all hard to see why.
5. World class food
We’ve been lucky to eat different cuisines from all over the world and it’s safe to say we are a family of total foodies. We were not disappointed once eating out in Swansea and had some of the best dining experiences ever over our short weekend stay. We had the pleasure of dinner in The Grape and Olive Restaurant at the top of Wales’ tallest building – The Meridian Tower. Unless you can’t handle the highest heights then this really does top the list for a must-visit, not only will you be blown away by the outstanding views the food is absolutely sublime. Back on terra firma and a short walk across the award winning Sail bridge you’ll find plenty of bistros such as Cafe TwoCann; offering everything from an afternoon cappuccino and cake to a four course Sunday lunch. I’d go back for the champagne palette cleanser alone! Everywhere we ate was child-friendly with table activities to keep the kids entertained and a dedicated children’s menu.
Swansea is a thriving cosmopolitan city with lots to do and see for adults and children alike. Local businesses have gone out of their way to make establishments family friendly and accommodating. There are plenty of fun things to do with children, in fact you’ll be spoilt for choice and hard pressed to fit everything in. If you are looking for somewhere to explore natural beauty, history and places steeped in Welsh tradition then Swansea is the perfect family getaway and we can’t wait to visit again soon!
Amy Treasure
Bristol based freelance writer, editor and blogger.
