Under the Oak Glamping is the perfect get away from it all escape for families or couples looking to get away from it all. The pace of life slows down as soon as you head up the track towards the beautiful safari tent. Many of our guests don’t want to leave and while away their days relaxing in the hot tub, having a glass of wine on the huge veranda and taking in the amazing views of the rolling South Wales hills. Younger guests enjoy hunting for wildlife at the water’s edge, or gathering mud, sticks, stones and leaves to get creative in the mud kitchen. There’s also a rather awesome tractor tyre sandpit.
But for those families who do want to explore a little further afield, we’ve put together a few handy suggestions of local gems which are well worth a visit…
- Basil and Rusty’s Ice cream parlour. Just 10 minutes up the road on a neighbouring farm, Basil and Rusty’s offers tea, coffee and cake as well as, of course, their own rather delicious ice cream. There’s covered seating for damp days and a small play area for kids. We love it there and always recommend our guests pop in there.
- Mountain View Ranch. This has become one of the most popular attractions in the area in just a few short years since it opened and continues to get bigger and better every time we visit. With high ropes, animals, adventure playgrounds, the Gruffalo trail and loads more, it’s a full day out and one not to be missed!
- Big Pit provides an amazing experience of Wales proud industrial heritage. The highlight of the visit is the hour-long underground tour, led by ex-miners, which takes you down in the pit cage to walk through underground roadways, air doors stables and engine houses built by generations of mineworkers.
- Caerphilly Castle. We’re lucky to have one of Wales’ best known castles right on our doorstep. There is already plenty to explore but there are grand plans in place to transform Caerphilly Castle. The epic make over will see Wales’ largest castle become even bigger and better with the installation of and interactive maze and a mystical dragon’s lair. Watch this space!
- Lido Pony. The park and lido at Ynys Angharad Park in Pontypridd have gone through a transformation over the past few years. The kids’ play area, based on our mining past and boasting a massive sandpit, is one of the best we’ve visited. And the lido has been restored to its former glory, offering awesome and affordable family fun. Booking ahead is essential for the lido – the park is free!
- Maxime cinema, Blackwood. This small and beautifully formed art deco cinema is a throwback to the days before multiplexes took over. The prices are also a throwback too, compared to your average cinema prices,making it an excellent choice for families looking for somewhere to go on a wet day.
These are just a few of our personal family favourites but there is so much more to explore around the South Wales valleys and coast. Check out the Visit Wales website for loads more ideas…