DAYS OUT
Selected by DAFYDD HAINE
CARDIFF BAY
Before the millennium, much of what is now Cardiff Bay was derelict or unused land, remnants of the industrial hub of Tiger Bay. Since then, the area has been extensively re-developed for public use, with spacious plazas stretching out along the barrage to Penarth headland, and plenty of shops, bars and eateries spread throughout. Also home to the Senedd, Tŷ Hywel, the Coal Exchange and the Wales Millennium Centre, the Bay is best accompanied by bicycles, pints, and sun.
Info: www.cardiffbay.co.uk
ST. FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Part of the National Museums Wales collective, St. Fagans is a uniquely interactive museum located on the western outskirts of Cardiff. Comprised of many original, traditional Welsh buildings from all eras of the country’s history, visitors are invited to explore the various reconstructions and learn from the passionate staff and volunteers about how the nation’s people worked and lived.
St Fagans, Cardiff. Admission: free. Info: www.museum.wales/stfagans
PEN-Y-FAN
The highest peak in South Wales, Pen-y-Fan is situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. With beautiful panoramas of the magnificent surroundings, the ascent from the Storey Arms car park is gradual and well-maintained. Check the weather before you go, as thick mist is common, and conditions can change rapidly. The T4 bus from Cardiff will take you directly to Storey Arms, journey time approximately an hour and a half.
Info: 018 7462 3366 / www.breconbeacons.org
THE GOWER
One of south Wales’ little slices of paradise, the Gower Peninsula extends to the west of Swansea. From Enid Blyton-esque settings of crumbling hilltop castles and smugglers’ caves (Three Cliffs Bay), to endless, award-winning beaches (Rhossili Bay), the Gower – best explored by car – serves up treasure after treasure. Camping is a must in the summer months, and there are so many country pubs you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Info: www.visitswanseabay.com
YSTRADFELLTE
A small village nestled in the south of the Brecon Beacons, Ystradfellte is primarily known for its nearby Four Waterfalls trail. An accessible, stunningly scenic footpath meanders down the Afon (River) Fellte, past the eponymous falls and various other natural sights, such as limestone caves and plunge pools. The only realistic access is by car, with a Cŵm Porth car park located at the trail head.
Info: 018 7462 3366 / www.breconbeacons.org
LAUGHARNE
One for the poets (and drinkers), the charming village of Laugharne was home to Wales’ most famous literary son – Dylan Thomas. Surrounded by wooded headlands and gazing out across the estuary mudflats, Laugharne was a key influence on Thomas’ iconic play-for-voices, Under Milk Wood, and his home and nearby writing hut remain open to the public. A subsequent pint in Browns Hotel is an essential tribute to the process.
Info: www.dylanthomasboathouse.com
CASTELL COCH
Perched aside a hilltop to the north of Cardiff, the picture-perfect Castell Coch was rebuilt in its current form by the Marquess of Bute in the 1870s. Accessible by car or train (to Taff’s Well), it’s also worth venturing upwards through the woods to Craig-yr-Allt ridge for impressive 360°-views of Cardiff, the Valleys and the Severn Estuary. Pick up a copy of OS Explorer Map 151 for ease of navigation.
Tongwynlais, Cardiff. Info: 029 2081 0101 / www.cadw.gov.wales
BARRY ISLAND
The epitome of a classic day out, Barry Island – or Barrybados as some refer to it – is essentially pure nostalgia. A curving stretch of sandy beach, a promenade dotted with ice-cream parlours, fairground rides, amusement arcades, fish and chips… and yes, a whole ton of Gavin & Stacey memorabilia. Trains run regularly– don’t forget your spades.
Info: www.barryislandpleasurepark.co.uk
SWANSEA
Wales’ second city has an impressive and diverse selection on offer. The Maritime Quarter highlights include the National Waterfront Museum and the Dylan Thomas Centre, the Swansea Indoor Market is a hub for locally-caught seafood and traditional Welsh cakes and laverbread, and the sweeping Swansea Bay ends in the elegant surroundings of the Mumbles.
Info: www.visitswanseabay.com