West Cross Woodlands

The woodland trails here wind through mature trees and scrubby undergrowth that feel genuinely wild, even though you're only minutes from Swansea town centre. It's the sort of place you stumble upon by accident and wonder why you haven't been before.

West Cross Woodlands works best for walkers who want to escape the urban bit without driving far. There are decent paths threading through, though they're not always obvious - bring sensible boots because it can get muddy, especially after rain. Bird watchers do well here; you'll spot woodpeckers and various songbirds depending on the season. Kids will enjoy it for an hour or so, hunting for wildlife and exploring the undergrowth, though there's no playground or visitor centre to extend a visit.

It's free to access, which is a bonus. The whole thing takes about 90 minutes if you potter around at a reasonable pace, or less if you're just after a quick walk. Go early morning for the best chance of seeing wildlife, or late afternoon when the light's proper lovely filtering through the canopy.

For a caravan holiday based at Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park or Nicholaston Farm, this makes a solid addition to your itinerary - particularly if you want to break up beach days with something different. It's not dramatic or showy, but it's authentic woodland on the edge of a working city, which has its own appeal. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't plan your whole trip around it.