Kilgetty

Two words sum up this Pembrokeshire spot perfectly: Folly Farm. The adventure park anchors what might otherwise be a quiet rural junction, transforming Kilgetty into a proper family destination. Lions, giraffes and rhinos draw the crowds to viewpoints that offer surprisingly close encounters - though the Red Pandas steal the show most afternoons.

Beyond the animal enclosures, there's more than you'd expect. The Vintage Funfair brings proper old-school charm, while Folly Theatre hosts everything from puppet shows to music nights. Penguin Coast might sound grand, but it's essentially a well-designed lake where the black and whites put on quite a display.

The surrounding countryside rolls gently towards the coast, about four miles south. Saundersfoot's beaches are an easy drive when you've had enough of meerkats and want some proper seaside air. Templeton sits just north, worth a quick detour for St. John's Church and the small but moving Airfield Memorial.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - the A477 runs right past, connecting directly to the M4. Carmarthen's your nearest proper town, about twenty minutes northeast if you need bigger shops or a railway station. Most folk arrive by car, which makes perfect sense given the rural setting.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks means you're perfectly placed for both Folly Farm adventures and coastal trips. Several parks sit within walking distance of the main attraction, while others like Sunnyvale Holiday Park Saundersfoot give you seaside access too. It's that rare combination of countryside calm with ready-made entertainment on your doorstep.