Our indispensable monthly guide to great things happening on our shores
CULTURE, COASTLINE AND CREATIVITY
Nestled along Cymru’s southern coastline, the Dramatic Heart of Wales is often overshadowed by its more boisterous neighbours Cardiff, Gower and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Yet this landscape of stunning contrasts is a microcosm of Welsh tourism, ready to welcome visitors seeking adventure, action, culture, and coast.
Surfers seeking year-round waves should head to Aberavon beach, warming up from a long surf at Remo’s Cafe on the seafront. For a day out featuring cycle paths, SUPing, high ropes assault courses, and stunning heritage site strolls, head to Margam Country Park, which boasts panoramic views of the coastline punctuated with the stark beauty of the steelworks. Dog-walkers are welcomed at Ty Hiraeth, a gorgeous cottage tucked in the majestic surroundings of the Afan Valley which welcomes up to four adults and three dogs. Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages at Cilybebyll welcome large groups, and for those seeking a tranquil escape, the Towers Hotel and Spa has towelled robes and delicious menus ready and waiting.
Visit easy accessible waterfalls at Melincourt and Aberdulais, discover cultural heritage sites at Margam and Neath Abbey, and explore the creative furnace of south Wales in local galleries and arts centres. In the Dramatic Heart of Wales, exploration awaits.
GOING WILD ON THE WATER
Dorset-based outdoor activities company Land & Wave has launched new kayaking trips from Studland to Old Harry Rocks thanks to better access granted from the National Trust.
This new tour goes out along the wild northern shores of Studland and around the stunning chalk landmark, allowing kayakers to experience the scale, texture and brilliance of the iconic sea stacks from a whole new perspective.
The three-hour tour is led by an experienced guide on double-sit-ontop kayaks for groups of four to ten people. The Old Harry Kayaking tour is £54 per person and can be booked online at landandwave.co.uk/kayaking-in-dorset.
CRACKING START TO FESTIVAL
This month Cromer will host its famous Crab and Lobster Festival - and it is set to get off to a cracking start with the return of the grand opening concert after a break of five years.
The variety show is for anyone who enjoys a traditional seaside spectacular filled with irresistible humour and unique songs.
The festival will also host local food and drink stalls, cookery demonstrations, activities for children, live music, superb seafood, seafaring crafts, and a crab dressing demonstration.
• cromercrabandlobsterfestival. co.uk
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR BEACH CAFE
A cafe which overlooks an iconic north Devon beach is to be given a new lease of life thanks to an innovative collab
