Windleway Wood

Ancient oaks tower overhead as you follow the winding paths through this proper woodland near Carmarthen. Windleway Wood offers that lovely sense of escape you get when city noise fades and bird calls take over. The forest feels genuinely wild in places, with fallen logs creating natural obstacle courses that kids will love scrambling over. Families staying at nearby Pendine Sands Holiday Park or any of the camping spots around the area will find this a cracking alternative to the beach when the Welsh weather turns. The woodland paths aren't too challenging for little legs, though you'll want decent shoes after rain - it gets properly muddy. Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their territory, so expect plenty of four-legged company. Best bit? It's likely free access, as most Welsh woodlands are, making it an excellent budget-friendly morning out. Allow a couple of hours if you're planning to explore thoroughly, though restless teenagers might get bored after an hour unless they're into nature photography. The contrast with the coastal holiday parks nearby makes this worth the short drive inland. Pack a thermos and make it a proper woodland adventure rather than just a quick dog walk.