Bringing history to life

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, July 21, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

 

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Bringing history to life

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Oystermouth Castle in Swansea. 

WHY? Sitting magically on a hill overlooking Mumbles Bay, there's lots taking place at Oystermouth Castle this summer. Today (July 21) children can get involved with a mock archaeological dig at the castle and next Sunday (July 29) there is a Living History Day where Ostreme Theatre Players will be dressed in medieveal costumes and visitors will be able to meet historical characters like Lord William de Braos III and his daughter Alina.
WHATS THE BUZZ? Last year the battlement was given a facelift and the castle hasn't looked better since the 14th century. A whole maze of rooms have been made safe and accessible for the public to see and explore this summer.
ANY HISTORY? Oystermouth Castle was built around 1100 by William de Londres and later rebuilt in the 13th century by the infamous de Breos family, after being burnt down by the Welsh twice. There is also a ghost story attached to the old battlement. Known as The White Lady of Oystermouth Castle the apparition of a woman dressed all in white has been experienced many times by visitors to the battlement. The White Lady is usually seen weeping, with the back of her dress ripped away and a series of bloody welts on her back. The woman then abruptly vanishes before confused onlookers can offer her any assistance. Reports of the woman in white go back centuries, leading some paranormal investigators to believe she might have died after being tortured on the medieval whipping post which still stands in the castle’s dungeon.
WHAT TO TAKE? There is a small charge of £2.50 for admission into the castle. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available for £6 and children under five visit for free. Rememer to bring cash with you as there are no credit/debit card facilities on the castle site. Also wear suitable footwear for the uneven terrain.
LOOK OUT FOR? Last Summer a new 30-foot-high glass bridge opened allowing access to the part of the castle called Alina's Chapel for the first time in hundreds of years. The chapel was added to the castle in the 14th century and marks the attraction’s highest medieval point. If visitors look close enough graffiti art from the 14th century can be spotted thanks to the improved view.
WHEN TO GO? The castle will be open daily all summer between 11am and 5pm until 30 September. Last admissions are 30 minutes before closing.
TELL ME MORE: Oystermouth Castle is located in a beautiful location on the hill in Mumbles overlooking Swansea Bay. Follow the A4067 into Mumbles and then turn right up Newton Road at the mini-roundabout by the White Rose. The castle is halfway up Newton Road on the right hand side. For sat nav users the castle’s postcode is SA3 5TA. Phone 01792 635075 or visit www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle for more information.
Visit Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomassite.com.

Go ape in the park

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, July 14, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Go ape in the park

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Go Ape Tree Top Adventure at Margam Park in Port Talbot.

WHY? At Go Ape thrill seekers can enjoy up to three hours in the tree tops tackling zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and hire-wire crossings, but you don't have to be adrenalin addict to have fun in Margam Park. Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone inside the park. The 850 acre estate boasts a magnificent 18th century orangery, an impressive and picturesque Tudor-Gothic style Victorian mansion house, a 12th century chapter house, ornamental gardens and one of the best deer herds in Wales. Children will enjoy the narrow gauge railway, adventure playground, farm trail and Fairytale Land.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Go Ape is the UK's number one Tree Top Adventure. At the course in Margam participants are first given a saftey talk and fitted with a harnesss by the friendly instructors. This is followed by a demonstation and practice run on solid ground to get to grips with how to use the climbing equitment correctly. There's no rush, and the staff are happy to answer any questions and give you all the encouragement you need before climbing up the first rope ladder into the tree tops to begin the adventure. The course is divided into five parts, each a bit higher and more challenging than the last. Once you get into the swing of it, it's great fun and after you complete the course your given a certficate to show that you've joined the Go Ape Tribe.
ANY HISTORY? The history of Margam can be traced back to the Bronze and Iron Age, and it is even believed that the park’s deer herd was first introduced by the Romans some time after their conquest of Britain in the 1st century CE. Adjacent to the Go Ape Tree Tops Adventure site is Margam Abbey built in 1147 and the magnificent Margam Castle, a Gothic-Tudor mansion house commissioned by Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1830. Today Margam Castle has become a popular filming location for TV shows. On July 6 when I visited the park, the production team for the new drama series the Da Vinci's Demons written by David S Goyer, who also penned the scripts for Batman Begins and Blade, were busy setting up camp at the castle.
LOOK OUT FOR? The tree tops at Go Ape offer fantastic views of some of the other places you can visit inside Margam Park after you've completed your tree top adventure. Borrow an mp3 player free of charge from the kiosk and you'll be able to eavesdrop on voices from the past when you visit eight different spots inside the park. Written by David Hughes and recorded by local actors, these echoes from the past offer a fascinating insight into the lives of people who have worked, visited or lived on the estate over the centuries.
WHAT TO TAKE? Entry to Margam Park is free but there is a parking charge of £3.90. The Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure trail costs £20 for 10-17 year olds and £30 for the over 18s. To go on the course you must be at least 1.4 metres tall and no more than 20.5 stone. Wear suitable footwear with good grip and something you don't mind getting a bit gruby in, and bring gloves if you have them. Cameras are welcome.
WHEN TO GO? Until 4 September Margam Park will be open daily between 10am and 8pm. Go Ape! is closed Tuesday and Thursday, the rest of the week the Tree Top Adventure is available for bookings at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. To make a booking go to www.goape.co.uk/days-out/margam.
TELL ME MORE: For sat-nav users the postcode is SA13 2TJ. More information about all of the activities at Margam Park can be found at www.margamcountrypark.co.uk, or you can phone 01639 881635.
Vist Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomassite.com.

Just pitch up and play

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, July 7, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Just pitch up and play

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Ashleigh Road Pitch & Putt golf course.

WHY? With the summer returning, the Ashleigh Road golf course, Swansea's only 10 hole golf course, is a great way to spend a Saturday. 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Running along the promenade, and situated opposite the road it is named after, is Ashleigh Road Pitch & Putt golf course. The course has no handicap requirements so it is ideal for beginners of all ages and those who just want to have some fun. It is also a great course for more experienced players to brush up on their pitching and putting skills. 

ANY HISTORY? The game of golf has a long history in Wales. The years 1850-1900 were a time of dramatic changes in Wales. The population virtually doubled in this period. The Industrial Revolution hit the country and the people moved from the countryside to the towns. Suddenly, Welsh men and women had more time on their hands, especially the rich, and they began looking around for something to do with their leisure time. Tenby Golf Club is officially the oldest club in Wales, having been set up in the autumn of 1888. Many more Welsh courses came into being before the turn of the century. Borth and Ynyslas, Ceredigion, was in use from 1885, while Baron Hill, on Anglesey, was created in either 1889 or 1890. Most of the early courses were initially designed to have only nine holes and sometimes ten like the golf course at Ashleigh Road, half of today’s standard 18.

WHAT TO TAKE? Equipment can be hired for a minimal fee. Just turn up, and “pay and play” a round of golf. The prices are:

Pay and Play

Standard £4.70, Concession £3.45, PTL £2.10

Club Hire

Standard £2.25, Concession £1.90, PTL £1.00

Golf Ball Purchase

£0.50

Family Ticket

Standard £14.00, Concession £12.00

LOOK OUT FOR? Asides from the golf course there’s lots of other family activities to check out nearby. You'll find plenty of family fun for free at Blackpill Lido. The Lido is a must when the weather is good with its superb paddling pool, children's play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. There’s also the award winning Clyne Gardens and the Bay Rider, a land train that runs between Blackpill and Mumbles, to see.

WHEN TO GO? Ashleigh Road Golf Course is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The last admission is at 4pm.

TELL ME MORE: Heading towards Mumbles on Mumbles Road, Ashleigh Road golf hut is opposite Ashleigh Road on the left hand side, before you get to Blackpill Lido. For sat nav users the postcode is SA3 5AU. For further information phone 01792 207544 or visit www.swanseaprom.com.

Visit Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomassite.com.

More than a wild time

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, June 30, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

 
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More than a wild time

A big day out!

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Folly Farm near Tenby in Pembrokeshire.

WHY? Folly Farm is much more than just a zoo, the 200 acre park is also home to Europe's largest undercover vintage funfair with a huge collection of working rides and stalls including a vintage big wheel and giant helter skelter ride lovingly restored to their 20th century glory.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Located near the tourist town of Tenby in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, Folly Farm offers affordable fun days out for the whole family. In total there are six fun-filled amusement and activity zones, some of which are undercover. So there's plenty to do even if the weather continues to be bad.
ANY HISTORY? Folly Farm opened in 1988 following the decision by the owners, the Williams and Ebsworth families, to diversify from dairy farming into the leisure industry. In 1997 Pets Corner opened and in 2002 the first zoo animals arrived. In 2009 Folly Farm welcomed Wales' only giraffe to their zoo, a move that coincided with Folly Farm winning Premier Family Day Out at the Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards that year. Today Folly Farm attracts 400,000 visitors each year, making it Wales' top paid-for tourist attraction. WHAT TO TAKE? Tickets cost £9.00 for adults and £8.50 for seniors and children (3-15 year olds). Toddlers two years old and under visit Folly Farm for free! Food and drink are available at Folly Farm’s Ploughman's Restaurant. And don’t forget to bring a camera with you.
LOOK OUT FOR? Folly Farm's Jolly Barn is home to a huge variety of farmyard animals, including sheep, pigs, donkeys, horses, chickens and other farm animals. There's also loads of opportunities for children to get hands-on during the Pet Handling sessions in the nearby Pets' Centre which is home to rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, parrots and lots more. But with over 50 different species and more than 250 animals, Folly Farm’s zoo is the big highlight. As well as giraffe Folly Zoo has zebra, Bactrian camels, pythons and other animals to see. And with zoo keeper talks, the chance to watch the animals during feeding times, and a whole host of fascinating facts on Folly Zoo’s animal enclosure signs, you’ll go home knowing a lot more about the different species. And if all that isn’t enough there’s even a go-kart racetrack! WHEN TO GO? Folly Farm will be open 10am to 5pm daily throughout the summer months.
TELL ME MORE: For sat-nav users the address is and postcode is: Folly Farm, Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0XA. Go to the Folly Farm website at www.folly-farm.co.uk or call 01834 812731 for more information.
Visit Richard Thomas’s website at www.richardthomassite.com.

Snap up your popcorn

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, June 23, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.

 

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Snap up your popcorn 

A big day out! 

 RICHARD THOMAS heads to The Vue in Swansea to see Ridey Scott’s new film Prometheus. 

ON LOCATION: The Vue is a new state-of-the-art cinema located on York Street in the centre of Swansea. For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Vue Cinema Swansea, York Street, Swansea, SA1 3LZ.
CROWD SCENE: Mostly under 30s, many of them students, but depends what time you go. With 12 screens there's always something suitable for all ages.
HISTORY: The Vue opened in 2006, but there is a much longer histroy of film going in Swansea. In 1914 Wales’ first purpose built cinema, the Carlton Cinema de Luxe, opened on Oxford Street. The Carlton was closed in 1977, and is now home to Swansea's Waterstones branch. Nearby on the Kingway was Swansea's Plaza cinema designed by Cardiff architect Howard Williams, which was Wales' largest cinema from when it opened in 1931 until it was pulled down in 1964.
SHOW BUSINESS: Ridley Scott's new film Prometheus is now showing at the Vue. Set in the same fictional universe as Scott's 1979 genre classic Alien, but about 30 years earlier, Prometheus breaths new life into the franchise by focusing in on how the famous xenomorphs were first created. Alien fans will remember the "Space Jockey" seen in the 1979 film, in Prometheus this species make a return as the "engineers" of both the human race and the alien species. Throw in dynamite 3D and Ridley Scott's trademark attention to detail, and the end result is an exciting voyage to LV-223.
PARENTAL GUIDELINES: Kids and accompanying adults can get in from just £1.50 with special family screenings each Saturday and Sunday morning, and even weekdays during the school holidays. 
SENIOR SERVICE: Senior tickets cost £5.85 on weekends. There are also special screenings for the over 60s every Thursday at 11.30pm, tickets cost £3.05 and includes a free tea or coffee and biscuits. TICKETS: During the weekend tickets cost £7.85 for adults (19 and over). For younger film goers the prices are slightly cheaper, £5.85 for children (2-12) and £6.25 for teenagers (13-18). Tickets for students with a valid photo ID only cost £6.65. Family tickets for 4 cost £23.40. There is an extra charge of for 3D tickets of £2 for adults and £1.50 for everyone else. If you buy a family ticket this is £6. 
SWEETS: Completing your cinema experience a wide variety of snacks including popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, sweets and soft drinks are all available at the cinema’s snacks counter. Combos are available to save a little money. 
DRINKS: The Vue also benefits from a speed bar where you can kick back with a beer before your film starts. 
AUDITORIUM: With an impressive 12 screens, the cinema can seat up to 1,762 people and has all the latest facilities you would expect of a modern cinema. 
PROJECTION: The Vue is equipped with wall-to-wall screens and digital projectors, enabling film fans to experience all the latest blockbusters in ever better 3D animation! 
DISABLED ACCESS: There is a wheelchair bay available at the rear of some of the screens (1, 2, 3, 8 or 9) and a lift from the foyer to the upper level. 
TOILETS: There is an accessible toilet by the entrance to screens 4 and 9. Further accessible toilets are available on the second floor by the rear of screens 2 and 3. 
STAFF: Dedicated and happy to help costumers, be it finding the best money saving combo deal or holding your popcorn while you find your ticket. 
PROS: Film goers can save at least 25% by visiting the Vue Monday, Tuesday and Thursday before 5pm. CONS: Unlike the Odeon in Parc Tawe, 3D glasses are included in the price of a 3D ticket. However, this does mean you can't save money by keeping your glasses and bringing them back with you on your next visit. 
TOP TIP: If you’re an Orange mobile or broadband customer, you can enjoy 2 for 1 cinema tickets every Wednesday at the Vue. All you need to do is text the word Film to 241 from your mobile phone, or register your Orange broadband account. Visit www.web.orange.co.uk/p/film/cinema_tickets. TELL ME MORE: Monday to Saturday the Vue is open 9am to 5pm. On Sundays the cinema is open from 10am to 4pm. For film start times and to book tickets you can phone on 08712240240, or go to www.myvue.com. 
Visit Richard Thomas’s website at www.richardthomassite.com.

No better way to see bay

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, June 16, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
   























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No better way to see bay

A big day out!

This week RICHARD THOMAS takes a ride on the Swansea Seafront Open Top Bus.

WHY? Travelling by open top bus is one of the best ways to see Swansea Bay in style. Travelling on Service 1, also called the "Beach Bus", sightseers get to feel the wind blow through their hair as they take in some spectacular views of Swansea Bay. When the the sun is out, there really is no better way to travel around Swansea. The famous pink and white buses are waved on by children wherever they go, and are a great way to get to your destination and kick start any day out.
WHAT'S THE BUZZ? Linking Swansea City Bus Station with a number of key destinations, including Blackpill Lido, the shops and pubs of Oystermouth and popular Mumbles and Bracelet Bay, the Service 1 open top "Beach Bus" offers both locals and tourists alike an ideal way to get around Swansea in the summer weather.
ANY HISTORY? The open top bus service returned on June 2, after a very successful summer last year. The service is most popular among young children, who are not old enough to remember Swansea's original open top buses that replaced the Mumbles Train in the 1960s and stopped running in the 1980s. Oddly enough, although a bit of a summertime novelty today, until the 1920s most double-decker buses were constructed with no roof on the upper deck.
LOOK OUT FOR? On the journey between the bus station in the city centre and Mumbles there's some spectacular views of Swansea Bay and the lighthouse to photograph. So don’t forget to bring a camera with you to get the perfect cover for your Facebook timeline. Check out mine at Facebook.com/RichardThomasSite.
WHAT TO TAKE? Passengers can enjoy unlimited travel on the open top bus for just £4.20 a day, using the First Day Swansea City ticket, which also allows travel on the same day in the area bounded by the following places: Jersey Marine Village, Bowen Arms, Birchgrove, Ynysforgan Roundabout, Morriston Hospital , Penllergaer Roundabout, Gorseinon Bus Station and Loughor (Ship & Castle). Once you get to Bracelet Bay, in the famous Big Apple shop there's buckets and spades and everything else children will need to keep themselves busy on the beach. There are also restaurants and bars nearby for the adults. WHEN TO GO? The Swansea Seafront Open Top Bus will be running from Swansea City Centre to Oystermouth and Bracelet Bay throughout the summer. You can take a ride on the bus every day, except for Wednesdays, until September 1. The buses run on an hourly basis, but will not be running on days when there is bad weather, so make sure you check the weather forecast before you choose a day to go.
TELL ME MORE: For more information go to www.firstgroup.com.
Visit Richard Thomas’s website at www.richardthomassite.com.

Feel the need for speed

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, June 9, 2012, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post. 

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Feel the need for speed

A big day out! 

RICHARD THOMAS heads to Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire. 

WHY? With over 30 rides and attractions including three roller coasters and four water rides, Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire attracts 400,000 visitors each year, making it one of the UK's top ten theme parks. So with Oakwood re-open for the new season in early April, why not check it out?
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Located off the A40 motorway at Canaston Bridge, 8 miles east of the town of Haverfordwest, Oakwood park provides fun for all the family, from white knuckle rides to dazzling firework displays and other special events Oakwood has it all. Also other family attractions including Fully Farm and Scolton Museum can be found near Oakwood Theme Park, just six miles away.
ANY HISTORY? Oakwood Theme Park first opened in 1987 as “Oakwood Leisure Park”, a very small family park with BMXs, a wooden fort, a 3D-style cinema experience show, go-karts and a water chute ride. In 1996 Oakwood’s status as a small-scale regional attraction was completely transformed when the park opened “Megafobia” to the public. At that time Europe's largest wooden roller coaster ride. Since then the park has acquired a worldwide reputation for innovation and has since incorporated four more large thrill rides: Vertigo, Bounce, Hydro and the park’s newest roller coaster Speed opened in 2006.
WHAT TO TAKE? Standard tickets for visitors over 13 years old cost £21, while junior tickets for children 3-12 years old cost £15 each. Children two years old and younger visit the park for free and by booking online you can save £2 per person! Food and drink are available in the park’s restaurants, the Southern-fried chicken at Dixie's Chicken Diner is good. There are also gift shops with t-shirts, mugs and other Oakwood Theme Park merchandise available to buy. You can also purchase photos of yourself on Megafobia and the other rides, but don’t forget to bring a camera with you to take your own snaps.
LOOK OUT FOR? Oakwood has a good variety of rides to suit all people and ages. Megafobia and Speed are the park's two most exciting roller coasters. In the Detailed Wood Roller Coaster Poll 2010 the 85-foot-tall Megafobia ranked number 30 in the world. Speed is an exhilarating ride, twisting and turning at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Bounce is a vertical ride, shooting you up into the air at more than 40mph. Together with the Hydro water ride, these four attractions form Oakwood’s “Big Four”, the ultimate adrenaline rush for thrill seekers! For the more wary and younger children there are also more family orientated rides, including The Pirate Ship and Snake River Falls.
WHEN TO GO? Oakwood is open 10am to 5pm daily. For more information about opening times go to www.oakwodthepark.co.uk.
Visit Richard Thomas's website at www.richardthomassite.com.