Holidaying in Carmarthen Bay

sunflowermum1

Dear All
We are coming to Carmarthen Bay for our Summer Hols at the end of August, we are a family of 4, with 2 kids (10 and 13).
I wondered if I could ask the locals for advice on how to entertain the kids with out spending a fortune.
I know Tescos do vouchers for the Botanic gardens but I would welcome any suggestions.

Many thanks

Two_Hoots_3

Hi sunflowermum

If you are lucky with the weather the beaches are fantastic otherwise Tesco deals vouchers for Swansea leisure centre (about 30 minutes away) would be worth looking into. If you want any specific advice I will be happy to help.

sunflowermum1

Thank you for taking the time to answer two hoots, my 2 are into wildlife / nature and activities such as horse riding and archery (nice an cheap my kids, NOT!!)
So beaches and nature reserves are great if the weather is good, but I was looking for some attractions / museums for wet weather alternatives and variety.

lisa76

You can use Tesco vouchers for Folly Farm. This is aimed at slightly younger children really, but it's a lovely day out, just not sure how far from Carmarthen Bay it is.

Two_Hoots_3

Hi Sunflowermum

There is a Wetlands and Wildfowl center in Llanelli at Penclacwydd its excellent and have spent many happy hours there when my son was younger, now my son is a little older he likes kayaking and archery which both cost £5.00 per hour if you put canoe kayak and archery into google it will get you to the site, as for horse riding Pembrey country park is the place to visit. The country park has lots to do and a fabulous beach which is very popular visit the web site for more ideas. Pendine has a small museum dedicated the the land speed records which used to be set on the beach. I would also suggest a visit to a castle - Kidwelly is close or my favourite is Carreg Cennen.

sunflowermum1

Two Hoots you are an absolute gem!
We have visited Slimbridge in the past and spent an absolute fantastic day, so i think Llanelli is a definate visit. Tesco does vouchers for WWT in London, not sure if the other accept them or not so have e-mailed WWT to ask.
We are staying in Laugharne so am sure will visit the castle there, and Carreg Cennen looks interesting, bet you get some good views! Might consider Cadw membership through tesco's again.
Haven't looked at the Walkers crisps site yet to see what they have.
Looking at Pembrey Country Park website it looks a must
Have you any more info on the canoeing, the kids did a free try out session with the British canoe Union a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it.

Two_Hoots_3

Hi Sunflowermum

The kayaking takes place in Llanelli North Dock its near the beach its £5.00 per hour including all the equipment (kayak, lifejacket etc) my son takes part no matter what the weather. I put the events in the wrong order for the website its kayak canoe archery type these into google and you will find the site. I should also have mentioned Heatherton my son loved this place you buy vouchers for different activities including go-karting.

sunflowermum1

Walkers doing a 2-1 entry for the Llanelli WWT site
(Sorry as a newbie I am unable to put a weblink in )

Janepig

You'll also be near to Kidwelly Castle which is a lovely castle to visit. Already mentioned is Pembrey Country Park (I think entry is about a fiver in August). And the WWT place at Penclacwydd is great - we've got a season ticket and we visit there very often.

Further afield, I'd probably give Folly Farm a miss with your children being the age they are, but nearby you have Heatherton (as already mentioned) and also Oakwood Park which is fab (and they take Tesco vouchers). All the seaside places dotted nearby are great, from Llansteffan to Pendine, Saundersfoot and Tenby etc... From Tenby it's a short boat trip to Caldey Island. Narberth is a nice little town to visit too, not far from Saundersfoot, with some unusual little shops and cafes.

You're also not too far from the Gower Penisular which is always worth a visit, particularly Rhossili, but also Llangennith (good for surfing) , Oxwich, Langland, etc....

You'll also not be far from Pemberton's chocolate farm (link) which is good for an hour or two and perhaps the only thing I've suggested that might be good if its raining.

I'm also reliably informed that the Aquadome on Aberavon Seafront (Port Talbot) is better than the LC in Swansea and by the time you've negotiated your way into Swansea, distance wise from Laugharne they're about the same.

Hope that helps.

Jxx

sunflowermum1

I am realy looking forward to this holiday now, thanks to you all for sharing your local knowledge.
I used to go to Saundersfoot on a regular basis as a kid. Is Polyanna's still there? I have fond memories of eating huge knickerbocker glories!
Husband is rely keen to do the boat trip.

Two_Hoots_3

I can't comment on the ice cream in Saundersfood but if you find yourself near Mumbles I LOVE Joe's ice cream.

Enjoy your holiday and I hope the weather is good.