Bishopswood Forest Centre

The Forest Centre sits on the edge of Swansea's green spaces, offering woodland walks without the faff of heading miles into the countryside. It's essentially a base for exploring the surrounding forest - you get information, maybe a cup of tea, and then you're off into the trees rather than spending three hours there with a guidebook.

What you actually do depends on your mood. There are marked trails through decent woodland, proper peaceful if you catch it on a weekday morning. The centre itself tells you what's about - birds, trees, that sort of thing - but honestly, most people come for the walks themselves. Kids will manage a good hour or two on the easier paths before asking if there's ice cream. It's free to wander the forest, which is the main draw.

For caravan and camping holidays in the area, this works well as a morning stop. You're only a couple of miles from Blackhills Leisure and Three Cliffs Bay if you're based around there. Oxwich and Nicholaston Farm are also close enough that you could easily spend a morning here before heading to the coast - Three Cliffs Bay itself is worth the drive for the views alone.

Bring decent shoes if you're planning proper walks; the ground gets muddy even when it hasn't rained for weeks. The forest is at its best in spring and autumn when it's not thick with school groups. Winter's fine too if you don't mind damp. Really, it's the sort of place you fit in around other plans rather than make the trip specially for.