If you're looking for an adventure filled family trip where you can swing through trees, climb rocks, and paddle board in the sea, all while eating your weight in pizza and ice cream, then Swansea Bay is the place to be. I recently had the pleasure of exploring this stunning part of South Wales with my boyfriend and my 13-year-old son, and we were blown away by the mix of adrenaline-fuelled fun and breathtaking natural beauty. Here’s a little glimpse into our action-packed adventure weekend.
Please note: This is an Ad- We were invited to Swansea Bay as part of a press trip, however all the views shared are my own and we really did have the most amazing weekend.
Day 1: Swinging Through the Trees at Margam Country Park
We kicked off our trip with a bang—literally. As we arrived at Margam Country Park for our Go Ape adventure, my son, who’s 13 going on 30, was ready to show us all how it’s done. “You just clip in and go, Mum, it’s not rocket science!” My son was like a monkey on a mission, zooming through the course with ease while I, on the other hand, started off contemplating my life choices as I clung to various ropes and ladders. But I have to admit, once we had got into the swing of things, the adrenaline kicked in and I was loving life—who knew flying through the forest could be so much fun?
Margam Country Park itself is gorgeous, with its sprawling grounds, deer-spotting opportunities, and a fairytale-like castle in the background. We enjoyed a calming walk through the park to bring our adrenaline levels back down before heading onto our accommodation.
Clyne Farm Cottages: Cosy Vibes with a Dash of History
After Go Ape, we made our way to Clyne Farm Centre, our home for the next two nights. Horseshoe Cottage welcomed us with open arms—or should I say, wide windows—offering stunning views of Swansea Bay. Set on the hills overlooking the coast, the cottage was the perfect mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. We quickly learned that this place has a bit of history, too. Back in the day, the Clyne estate hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and Prince Edward. I couldn’t help but wonder if they ever tried zip-lining... probably not. The centre is also a horse riding school open to the public for bookings.
We unpacked and settled in with a cuppa and some of the biggest and thickest Welsh cakes i've ever had, courtesy of the Clyne Farm hamper we'd been kindly gifted and boy were they delicious!
Secret Bar & Kitchen: Food with a View (and a Secret)
After settling in, we ventured out to the Secret Bar & Kitchen. It’s not that secret (don’t worry, you can find it), and the views across Swansea Bay are definitely worth discovering from this hidden gem. We were treated to a fantastic meal of locally sourced dishes, and I have to say, there's nothing like eating great food while watching the sun set. I opted for the Seabass, Frank for the Salmon and my son just had to try the steak! We topped it all off with some delicious pudding- I had the bread and butter pudding and it was to die for!! So scrummy!! If you’re looking for a dinner spot that serves up both great food and unbeatable scenery, this is the place to go.
We had a little walk along the promenade however the weather took a turn for the worse so we headed back home for an evening of watching thunderstorms from comfort of our living room.
Day 2: Climbing Rocks, Not Waves!
Day two started with a slight change of plans. We were supposed to hit the waves with a surf lesson at Rhossili Bay with Savage Adventures, but as luck would have it, the surf decided to take the day off. Not to worry, because Chris from Savage Adventures had lots of alternatives for us to chose from including paddle boarding, coasteering or rock climbing— so we opted for some rock climbing!
The sun was shining and Chris informed us that "it's always sunny in The Gower", so it's perhaps a place to think about moving to! Chris was ever-enthusiastic and encouraging. He set us up on the cliffs, and taught us the basics of climbing as well as how to belay each other which was interesting when you had my son (although he is now nearly as tall as me) belaying my 6'5" boyfriend!
Watching my son scramble up the rocks like a natural was both impressive and slightly annoying (why do kids make everything look so easy?). My boyfriend and I took it a bit slower, but by the end, we were all feeling like seasoned adventurers. It turns out that even when the surf’s out, the fun is still very much in at Rhossili.
The Lookout: Pizza to Power Up
All that climbing worked up quite an appetite, so we headed to The Lookout for lunch, where they’re famous for their freshly prepared pizzas. And let me tell you, after scaling those cliffs, I felt like I’d earned my slice or three (i did in fact have a whole pizza to myself!) The view from the café, looking out over Rhossili Bay, was as stunning as the pizza was delicious and we ordered some of their delicious home made cakes and a hot drink to go.
Walking with Dragons (Almost)
After lunch, we took a stroll around Rhossili Bay, recently named The Times' Best Beach in Wales for 2023—and once you get there, it's not hard to see why! Rhossili Bay is part of Gower, the UK’s first-ever designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as National Landscapes), and the views are nothing short of spectacular.
We passed by the medieval 13th-century St Mary’s Church, and from there, you have two walking options: the more challenging path up to Rhossili Downs for incredible views of the coast and countryside, or the gentler path down towards Worm’s Head, a promontory said to resemble a sleeping dragon (the name "Wurm" comes from Old Norse for "dragon"). Naturally, we chose the dragon path—because who wouldn’t want to walk with dragons?
If you time it right and the tide is out, you can walk out onto the causeway to Worm’s Head itself. But before you go, it’s worth stopping by the Coastwatch house, just before the steps down to the causeway. They’ll let you know whether you’ve got enough time before the tide turns, and they’ll even lend you binoculars. We were lucky enough to spot seals basking on the rocky shores, and if you’re really fortunate, you might see porpoises playing in the bay.
We popped into the National Trust Visitor Centre before heading off, where I bought a magnet to add to the fridge and a Wild Swimming in south Wales book to help me plan some future wild swimming adventures in the area.
Oystermouth Castle: Time-Traveling in Mumbles
In the afternoon, the football was on, so I lost the boys to the match (Shrewsbury V Wrexham) and had a little me-time in Mumbles. I made my way to Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles. Perched on a hill with sweeping views over Swansea Bay, this medieval fortress is full of history and hidden treasures. I had a blast exploring the maze of vaults and staircases, and marvelled at the 14th-century graffiti (yes, even back then people couldn’t resist scribbling on walls).
Mumbles itself is a charming little village, perfect for wandering around, visiting galleries, and of course, indulging in some shopping. I popped into Gower Gallery for local arts and crafts inspired by the seascape, as well as jewellery, ceramics, and some lovely cards—ideal for unique gifts or souvenirs. And don't miss the Lovespoon Gallery! I found myself deep in conversation with the shop assistant about Welsh lovespoons—a traditional craft that’s both fascinating and romantic.
Verdi’s: Italian Feast with a Welsh Twist
That evening, we dined at Verdi’s, an Italian restaurant right on the promenade. After all the rock climbing, walking, and exploring, we were more than ready for a hearty Italian feast. The food was fantastic, but the real star of the show was their legendary build your own ice-cream sundaes. My son couldn’t believe his luck when his dessert arrived looking more like a mountain than a sundae.
After dinner we headed for a stroll along the promenade towards the ferris wheel and pier, though there had recently been a fire so the arcade was closed to the boys utter disappointment!
Day 3: Paddleboarding and Penllergare Peace
On the final day of our Visit Swansea Bay: A Thrilling Family Adventure Weekend we hit Oxwich Bay for a morning of stand-up paddleboarding with Oxwich Watersports. This was my boyfriend's first time on a paddle board and our instuctor Tamin took the time to coach and support Frank to get to grips with it. Oxwich Bay is as calm as it is beautiful, and after a few wobbles (and a minor splash), we were all paddling around like pros.
We all loved it and were soon battling to push each other into the water and racing to see who was the quickest! My boyfriend won and I came last but I blame his long arms! When we weren't in competition mode, it was pretty peaceful out there on the water and it felt quite meditative and calming, even in the rain.
Once we'd hosed down and changed we made out way swiftly to lunch as we were absolutely starving! Lunch was at the charming King Arthur Hotel, where the cosy vibes and delicious food gave us the energy boost we needed. We all opted for a roast dinner, seen as it was Sunday and we topped it off with some delicious pudding which absolutely hit the spot!
Our final stop of the trip was the Penllergare Valley Wood, a hidden gem just minutes from the M4. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re in for a treat. This Victorian estate was once home to John Dillwyn Llewelyn, a pioneering photographer and astronomer, and now it’s a magical woodland escape. Managed by the Penllergare Trust, the estate boasts over a hundred hectares of mixed woodland, two lakes, seven miles of peaceful walking paths, and more than 500 years of history. There’s even a spectacular waterfall on the River Llan, which winds its way through the estate.
We met with Stuart, who took us on a guided walk through the woods, sharing fascinating insights into the estate's history and pointing out all the main features, flora and fauna. We visited Redwoods, a lazy river and waterfall which was absolutely stunning.
The Visitor Centre is free and a treasure trove of information, with vibrant displays that tell the stories of the people who once lived here and their groundbreaking achievements in astronomy, botany, and photography. There’s even a coffee shop, Y Coed, where you can relax with a hot drink and take in the views of the woodland garden.
It was the perfect, tranquil ending to our whirlwind adventure.
Swansea Bay: Adventure Awaits, No Matter the Weather
If you're looking for a destination that offers the perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty, Swansea Bay should be at the top of your list. Whether you're swinging through the trees at Margam, surfing the waves at Rhossili, or simply enjoying a stroll through Gower’s countryside, there's something here for everyone in the family. We left with full hearts, tired legs, a load of laughs and a camera roll full of memories. I can't recommend this place enough for families looking to experience the wild side of Wales!
Check out the Visit Swansea Bay website to see what they have to offer and get planning your next family weekend away!
What a stunning place. I definitely want to visit more of Wales so will add it to the list! Thanks for sharing :)