Craig yr Aber Woods

The woodland here rises steeply from the vale, all ancient oaks and mossy paths that feel properly wild even though you're only a few miles from Porthcawl. Craig yr Aber Woods is the sort of place where you actually hear birdsong instead of traffic - which matters more than you'd think after a couple of days of seaside chaos.

Walking the main trail takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. The incline is real work on the legs, so it's not one for very small children or anyone after a gentle stroll, but that's partly why it stays quiet. You get proper forest air, streams, and occasionally views back toward the vale that make the climb feel justified. In autumn the canopy turns colours that don't look real on photos, and in spring the whole floor disappears under bluebells.

This works brilliantly as a half-day break from Trecco Bay Holiday Park if you're staying there - close enough that it doesn't eat your morning, far enough to feel like proper escape. Come on a weekday if you can. Weekends draw walkers from Bridgend and beyond, and the narrow paths get cramped. There's a small car park at the entry point, though it fills quickly.

Frequently overlooked in favour of the coastal attractions, it's exactly the kind of place you should spend a couple of hours when the weather's decent. Bring decent boots - it's boggy after rain and can be slippery on the steeper sections.