Gower Fresh Christmas Trees and the Gower Heritage Centre

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, December 14, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

 
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Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

Forget getting your old plastic tree in the attic back out again this year. At Gower Fresh Christmas Trees you can shop for the best fresh cut trees well as visit Wales’ largest reindeer herd.

WHERE? The tree site and Christmas grotto is located at Poundffald Farm in Three Crosses, Swansea, just five minutes from Junction 47. For sat nav-users the postcode is: SA4 3PB.

WHY? Gower Fresh Christmas Trees was set up about ten years ago by Poundffald Farm owner and fifth generation farmer Robert Morgan. What began as a concrete slab and a small number of Christmas trees soon became the largest grower in South Wales with over 250,000 trees for sale. Robert added the Christmas grotto five years ago to add some more Christmas cheer to the farm and to give children something to enjoy while adults are busy scouting for this year’s Christmas tree. There is a huge selection of trees to choose from at Poundffald Farm this Christmas. This year's crop includes every type of tree from Norway Spruce to the Noble Fir.

WHEN? Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is open 9.30am to 7pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Christmas attraction Winter Wonderland is open at the same times as the tree site. Children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto between 3pm and 6.30pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 4pm on weekends (last admissions at 3pm). After the start of the school holidays children can see Santa all day until 3pm on Christmas Eve.

CONTACT? Phone: 07811 949239.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?     One to two hours is enough time to see everything and pick your Christmas tree to take home.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? Children will love the outstanding Winter Wonderland exhibits where you can come and meet Santa and his reindeer as they prepare for Christmas Eve. Inside is the farm's Arctic display which includes penguins, polar bears and seals. There are also singing Santa's and children can even have their photo taken in Santa's sleigh or visit Father Christmas himself in his grotto. There is even a life size 12 piece nativity display with baby Jesus, Mary, the three wise men, and shepherds. They also have a shop full of all types of Christmas items to purchase.

WHERE CAN I PARK? There is an onsite car park.

PRICES? Prices are from £4 to £6.50 for non-drops and £2 to £4 for spruce, but trees that are eight foot plus are more expensive. Decorations, gifts and tree stands are all for sale in the Christmas Shop. To visit Winter Wonderland and see Santa in his grotto costs £6.50 on weekends and £6 per child on weekdays, but is just £2.50 each for adults. To find out more got to: www.gower-fresh-christmas-trees.com.

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula, the Gower Heritage Centre is a fun way to spend your day with a wide range of craft displays and activities to enjoy. In addition, the centre also holds several special annual events. Father Christmas will be in his Christmas grotto at the centre every weekend between 11am and 4.30pm until Christmas Eve.

WHERE? For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea, SA3 2EH.

WHY?  The Gower Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill. Located only a 15 minuet walk from the breath taking Three Cliffs Bay, the centre offers fun activities for all the family, including craft shops and craft activities.

WHEN? The centre is open from 10am to 5.30pm all week. 

CONTACT? Phone 01792 371206

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? With so much to do, you could spend the whole day at the centre.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There is something for the whole family to enjoy at the centre. Everyone will enjoy watching the craftspeople resident at the centre at work in the stores. Some of the gifts available to buy at the centre include various items in different turned woods made by woodturner John De Filippo, puppets and puppet making kits at Poppet Puppets, as well as paintings and artwork by Cheryl Firths. Other special items available to buy at the centre include some amazing driftwood gifts and handmade candles, as well as a range of garden furniture made at the Mill. There’s also an old fashioned games arcade, as well as a sandpit area, adventure playground, soft play area, and tractor play area. There’s even an animal farm with ducks, baby rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, horses and other animals. And, if all that wasn’t enough to see, the centre is also home to the smallest cinema in Wales, the La Charrette.

WHERE CAN I PARK?  There is an onsite car park.

PRICES? There is a fee of £6.45 for adults and £5.45 for children 2 years old and up. Seniors and disabled visitors only pay £5.45 and you can opt to buy a family ticket which covers 2 adults and 2 children for £22 or a supersaver family ticket which covers 2 adults and up to 4 children for £26. More information can be found at: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk.

Explore out heritage

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, May 5, 2013, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Explore our heritage 

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to the Gower Heritage Centre. 

WHY? Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula, the Gower Heritage Centre is a fun way to spend your day with a wide range of craft displays and activities to enjoy. In addition, the centre also holds several special annual events. This weekend there is a cheeses and cider festival at the centre.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The Gower Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill. Located only a 15 minuet walk from the breath taking Three Cliffs Bay, the centre offers fun activities for all the family, including craft shops and craft activities.
ANY HISTORY? A water powered corn and saw mill was established on the site sometime during the 12th century, with the first written references to the water-mill appearing in government records from about 1300 onwards. In 1990 the Gower Heritage Centre was opened, the 12th century mill was renovated, and experienced craftspeople took up residence on site.
LOOK OUT FOR? You can watch the craftspeople resident at the centre at work and visit their stores as you go round. Some of the gifts available to buy at the centre include various items in different turned woods made by woodturner John De Filippo, puppets and puppet making kits at Poppet Puppets, as well as paintings and artwork by Cheryl Firths. Other special items available to buy at the centre include some amazing driftwood gifts and hand made candles, as well as a range of garden furniture made at the Mill. There’s also an old fashioned games arcade, as well as a sandpit area, adventure playground, soft play area, and tractor play area. There’s even an animal farm with ducks, baby rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, horses and other animals. And, if all that wasn’t enough to see, the centre is also home to the smallest cinema in Wales, the La Charrette.
WHAT TO TAKE? There is a fee of £5.95 for adults and £4.95 for children 2 years old and up. Seniors and disabled visitors only pay £4.95 and you can opt to buy a family ticket which covers 2 adults and 2 children for £2, or, a supersaver family ticket which covers two adults and up to four children for £25. Meals are available in the centre’s fabulous Tea Rooms. Also, don’t forget to bring a camera with you to take some photos.
WHEN TO GO? The centre is open from 10am to 5pm all week. On May 11 and 12, the centre is holding its annual Cheeses and Cider Weekend, where visitors can come and try a wide variety of Welsh ciders and cheeses. There will also be live music, plus a bar, BBQ, cider press demos and lots more to check out.
TELL ME MORE: For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea, SA3 2EH. More information can be found at www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk or you can phone 01792 371206.
Visit www.richardthomas.com.

Lots on offer at centre

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, May 12, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Lots on offer at centre

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to the Gower Heritage Centre. 

WHY? Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula, the Gower Heritage Centre is a fun way to spend your day with a wide range of craft displays and activities to enjoy. In addition, the centre also holds several special annual events. This weekend there is a cheeses and cider festival at the centre.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The Gower Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill. Located only a 15 minuet walk from the breath taking Three Cliffs Bay, the centre offers fun activities for all the family, including craft shops and craft activities.
ANY HISTORY? A water powered corn and saw mill was established on the site sometime during the 12th century, with the first written references to the water-mill appearing in government records from about 1300 onwards. In 1990 the Gower Heritage Centre was opened, the 12th century mill was renovated, and experienced craftspeople took up residence on site.
LOOK OUT FOR? You can watch the craftspeople resident at the centre at work and visit their stores as you go round. Some of the gifts available to buy at the centre include various items in different turned woods made by woodturner John De Filippo, puppets and puppet making kits at Poppet Puppets, as well as paintings and artwork by Cheryl Firths. Other special items available to buy at the centre include some amazing driftwood gifts and hand made candles, as well as a range of garden furniture made at the Mill. There’s also an old fashioned games arcade, as well as a sandpit area, adventure playground, soft play area, and tractor play area. There’s even an animal farm with ducks, baby rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, horses and other animals. And, if all that wasn’t enough to see, the centre is also home to the smallest cinema in Wales, the La Charrette.
WHAT TO TAKE? There is a fee of £5.95 for adults and £4.95 for children. Seniors and disabled visitors only pay £4.50 and you can opt to buy a supersaver family ticket which covers two adults and up to four children for £25. Meals are available in the centre’s fabulous Tea Rooms. Also, don’t forget to bring a camera with you.
WHEN TO GO? The centre is open from 10am to 5pm all week. Today and tomorrow the centre is holding its annual Cheeses and Cider Weekend, where visitors can come and try a wide variety of Welsh ciders and cheeses. There will also be live music, plus a bar, BBQ, cider press demos and lots more to check out.
TELL ME MORE: For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea, SA3 2EH. More information about entry prices can be found on the Gower Heritage Centre website at www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk or you can phone 01792 371206.
Visit Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomassite.com.

Gateway close to home

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, September 24, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Gateway close to home

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to … Gower.

WHY?
The Gower Peninsula is an area of immense unspoilt natural beauty unparalleled in South Wales. Home to some of world’s best coastal scenery, the Gower had the honour of being the first part of Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means you will not find high-rise hotels or neon-lit beach bars spoiling what the writer Wynford Vaughan Thomas called: “a secret that people hug to themselves.”
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
The Gower is home to some of Britain’s best beaches. These include neat Caswell, tiny Bracelet, and the stunning Three Cliffs Bay, with its odd tidal pools. But most families will often choose sturdy Langland. The picture-perfect bay with its beach huts, rock pools and cliff path walks is ideal for beach goers of all ages.
A stroll along the cliff tops almost anywhere in the peninsula will take your breath away. The most spectacular is the walk from the cliff tops of Rhossili out along the promontory known as Worm’s Head.
But Gower isn't all about the world class beaches, there are a wide range of activities to enjoy down Gower too. The Gower’s ancient churches host a series of intimate music events, which feature the Swansea Bach Choir and the Prince of Wales’s personal harpist, Claire Jones.
At Gower you can also enjoy sailing round the coast with Gower Coast Adventures, departing from either Port Eynon or Mumbles. The purpose-built jet boat can manoeuvre safely in shallow waters, so you can get close to secluded bays and local wildlife. On the voyage you can see animals ranging from gannets and shearwaters to seals and porpoises.
Afterwards you can have dinner at Welcome to Town in Llanrhidian. Master chef Ian Bennett specialises in local produce. Items on the menu include hand-dived scallops, tian of dressed crab, and lobsters and crabs fresh from Oxwich bay.
ANY HISTORY?
The Gower is also rich in myth and history. Arthur’s Stone is just a short walk away from Cefn Bryn Common. The 25-ton capstone roofs a Neolithic burial chamber, long ago emptied by relic hunters. Legend has it that the stone is a pebble that King Arthur removed from his boot on his way to his last battle at Camlann in 539 CE. From this point you have a 360-degree view of the Gower, from the salt marshes to the north to the Southern bays.
WHAT TO TAKE?
There are lots of other hotels and restaurants to choose from. On the common in Reynoldston is the King Arthur Hotel, which is everything a country pub should be. The King Arthur is renowned for traditional ales and delicious home-cooked food, suited to all tastes. On their specials board you can chose from seasonal game, Welsh black beef, locally caught fish, as well as vegetarian options. All are served in their restaurant, family room, main bar and at outdoor tables on the green. You can also sample local Welsh brew or any of their range of beers, fine wines or spirits
WHEN TO GO?
The Gower is only five miles from Swansea city centre and buses from Swansea regularly run passengers to and all over the Gower. First Cymru, the region's largest bus operating company, even run an open top bus service between Swansea city centre and Bracelet Bay.
TELL ME MORE
For more information visit www.swansea.gov.uk/aonb.

Take crafty look at history

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, July 30, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Take crafty look at history

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to ...

the Gower Heritage Centre.

WHY?
Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula the Gower Heritage Centre is a fun way to spend your day, whether you’re a group or school and would like to take a coach tour to the Gower and explore what they have on offer, or if you're just passing by and are popping in for a bite to eat at their Tea Rooms.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
The Gower Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill. Located only a 15-minuet walk from the breath taking Three Cliffs Bay, the Centre offers fun activities for all the family, including craft shops and craft activities.
ANY HISTORY?
A water powered corn and saw mill was established on the site sometime during the 12th century, with the first written references to the water-mill appearing in government records from about 1300 onwards. In 1990 the Gower Heritage Centre was opened, the 12th century mill was renovated, and experienced craftspeople took up residence on site. Today the Centre welcomes visitors from all around the world.
LOOK OUT FOR?
You can watch the craftspeople resident at the Centre at work and visit their stores as you go round. Some of the gifts available to buy at the Centre include various items in different turned woods made by woodturner John De Filippo, puppets and puppet making kits at Poppet Puppets, as well as paintings and artwork by Cheryl Firths.
Other special items available to buy at the Centre include some amazing driftwood gifts and hand made candles, as well as a range of garden furniture made at the Mill.
There’s also an old fashioned games arcade, as well as a sandpit area, adventure playground, soft play area, and tractor play area. There’s even an animal farm with ducks, baby rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, horses and other animals.
And, if all that wasn’t enough to see, the Centre is also home to the smallest cinema in Wales, the La Charrette.
WHAT TO TAKE?
There is a small entry fee of £5.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. Seniors and disabled visitors only pay £4.50 and you can opt to buy a family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children) for just £18.00. More information about entry prices can be found on the Gower Heritage Centre website at: http://www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk/ Also, don’t forget to bring a camera with you to take some snaps of your trip.
WHEN TO GO?
The Gower Heritage Centre is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Sunday.
TELL ME MORE
You can contact the Gower Heritage Centre at the following address:
Gower Heritage Centre,
Parkmill,
Gower,
Swansea,
SA3 2EH
You can also telephone on:
1792 371206
And fax on:
1792 371471
or Email at: reception@gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

Grand day out!

Below you can see my old “Grand Day Out” columns I wrote for the South Wales Evening Post before I started writing my weekly “Big Day Out” column on Saturdays. Just click on the photos to read them.

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