Pentre Dolau Escapes

For a top-notch day out locally, the National Botanic Garden of Wales will have you wandering landscaped parkland, checking out rare plants in the tropical glasshouses and watching raptors flying at The British Bird of Prey Centre (both 10 minutes’ drive) – there’s a dual ticket for both venues. To blow the cobwebs away, head for bracing headland walks along the clifftop path in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (half an hour), or try a spot of high-octane coasteering off the Tenby (50 minutes) shores. For less adventurous souls, WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre (35 minutes) is a birdwatching hotspot for flamingos and kingfishers. And of course, you’re never far from a family- (and dog-) friendly beach at Burry Port and Llanelli (both 25 minutes). You can mix things up with a bit of culture too. Sitting on its rocky promontory medieval Carmarthen Castle (20 minutes) has interactive trails to follow, while Parc Howard Museum (25 minutes) offers a gorgeous Italianate mansion to nose around as well as a wonderful collection of Llanelli pottery.