Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

You'll find yourself walking through enclosures watching primates swing, groom and carry on exactly as they would in the wild - except you're in Powys, nowhere near a rainforest. The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is genuinely worth the detour from Swansea if you've got kids who need tiring out or if you're the sort of person who can spend an afternoon just watching animals be animals.

The sanctuary houses various species - chimps, monkeys, lemurs - in environments designed to let them behave naturally rather than pace behind bars. It's educational without feeling preachy, and the staff know their stuff. Expect to spend two to three hours here without rushing. Children will be captivated; adults often find themselves equally absorbed.

Bringing the family camping nearby makes real sense. Brecon Beacons Camping & Caravan Park sits just 2.7 miles away, so you can base yourselves there for a few nights and combine the sanctuary with walks in the hills. Four Falls Glamping, five miles off, offers something a bit more comfortable if you're not keen on canvas.

Visiting mid-week is smarter than weekends - the place gets busier but never rammed. Spring and early autumn are ideal; summer crowds can be heavy. Check ahead for opening hours and admission prices before you head over, as details weren't available at time of writing. It's not a full day's entertainment on its own, but paired with outdoor pursuits in the Brecon Beacons, it rounds out a decent family week away from the cities.