Margam Country Park

The grounds sprawl across 850 acres of proper Welsh countryside, and you can wander for hours without bumping into another soul. There's a cracking stone gatehouse that looks like something out of a Gothic novel, plus the actual ruins of Margam Abbey tucked away in the parkland - medieval stonework that's genuinely impressive when you stumble across it. The whole place feels less manicured than your typical country park, which is exactly why it works.

You'll get the most from Margam if you're the type who enjoys a long walk without needing a destination at the end of it. The landscape draws hikers and photographers regularly, and there's enough room that families won't feel cramped even on a busy day. Kids might find the abbey stones worth exploring for twenty minutes, though they'll likely be bored stiff if you're expecting theme-park thrills.

If you're based at Trecco Bay Holiday Park near Porthcawl, Margam is a solid day out when the weather's cooperating. The walk from the car park to the abbey and around the grounds takes a good two to three hours at a leisurely pace, so bring proper footwear. Admission appears to be free, though parking arrangements and opening times aren't always clearly advertised online, so ring ahead before you go. The site works best in autumn or spring when the light's better and you're not melting in the sun.