Swansea

Wales' second city sits where the River Tawe meets Swansea Bay, with the Gower Peninsula stretching westward like a promise of wild coastline ahead. The city rebuilt itself after wartime bombing with typical Welsh resilience, creating a waterfront that's frankly transformed beyond recognition in recent years.

Swansea Marina buzzes with activity most days, lined with cafes and the impressive National Waterfront Museum telling the story of Welsh industry. Dylan Thomas was born here, and you can follow his trail through the Uplands area where he spent his early years. The city centre's got that proper Welsh market feel - Swansea Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Wales and well worth a morning's browse.

What really sets Swansea apart is its position as gateway to the Gower. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty starts virtually at the city limits, with Mumbles just a short drive south offering Victorian seaside charm and some cracking views across the bay. The Gower's beaches - Rhossili, Three Cliffs Bay, Caswell - are genuinely world-class, though they get mobbed in summer.

Getting here's straightforward enough. The M4 runs right past, and there's a proper railway station with direct services from London. Cardiff's an hour east if you need a bigger transport hub.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. You're close enough to explore Swansea's revamped waterfront and cultural offerings, yet positioned brilliantly for Gower adventures. Many of the parks around here, like Oxwich Camping Park and Gower Holiday Village, put you right among the peninsula's dramatic landscapes rather than stuck in urban sprawl.