LC2 and Oystermouth Castle

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, August 10, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.
  

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Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

The LC is Swansea’s premier leisure complex offering entertainment and adventure for the whole family. Waterpark tickets cost £7 per adult (£6 for Swansea Resident card holders) and £4 for 4-15 year olds, but children under 3 years old can swim for free. And if you pre-book on the LC website or by phoning 01792 466500 you can jump the queues!

Swimmers will need to bring a towel and swimming trunks/bather with them. And children who are not confident swimmers yet should wear arm bands. But if you don't have these there is no need to worry, goggles, swim wear, towels, arm bands and other pool accessories can all be bought from the LC Shop based in the main reception area. More information can be found on the LC website at www.thelcswansea.co.uk.



WHERE? The LC is situated on the main Oystermouth Road heading west into Swansea, located within the Maritime Quarter and adjacent to the National Waterfront Museum.



WHY? The LC is the most visited paid attraction in Wales and with so many different activities to choose from it’s easy to see why. You can make waves in their fantastic family-orientated waterpark that features an exciting network of pools, rides and slides, including the much loved wave pool! Or, if you prefer to stay dry, you can put your nerve to the test on the 30 foot climbing wall, the perfect place to experience the excitement and challenges of rock climbing! There’s also a sports hall where you can play games and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as a luxurious spa to relax in, and even an interactive play area for the kids.



WHEN? The LC is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Sunday during the school summer holidays.



CONTACT? Phone: 01792 466500 or Email: enquires@the-lc.co.uk.



HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? The waterpark is open Monday to Sunday between 9am and 8pm. Once you buy a ticket you can spend the whole day swimming, but don’t forget how long your parking ticket lasts for.



WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There is something for everyone at the waterpark. While adults relax on The Lazy River: a winding river that carries swimmers along the waves pool. Older children can try the waterpark’s own white knuckle roller-coaster style ride, the Masterblaster, that propels riders at high speed up step inclines and down great dips on a rubber ring. Perfect for younger children is the interactive pool fully equipped with mini slide, tipping buckets and fountains. There is also the aqua slide, the aqua tube, the wave pool, the whirlpool and the LC lagoon.



WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children should keep an eye out and you might spot Tommy the Turtle who loves splashing around in the waterpark. The LC also runs swimming lessons. Tommy's Tiddlers 1, 2 and 3 are for children up to 3 years and the LC Ducklings are for 3 to 4 years. These swimming lessons are designed to introduce your baby to the water and gradually build confidence and work on the basic swimming strokes. 



HOW TO GET THERE? For sat nav users the postcode is: SA1 3ST.



LUNCH? Food and drink are available in the LC Coffee Shop in the main reception. There is also the Poolside Bistro on the ground floor which offers spectator views of the waterpark and a wide menu of home-cooked family meals.


WHERE CAN I PARK? The LC has an on site car park and if you purchase an LC activity they will return 50% of your car parking costs. Parking costs £2 for a two hour stay and an extra pound for every hour after that for up to a five hour ticket.



ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Jam-packed with the latest interactive technology married with traditional displays, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea offers visitors a unique and fully involved learning experience for the 21st century. The museum has more than 100 historical artefacts from Wales’ industrial past. Formerly the site of the Swansea Industrial & Maritime Museum, the new National Waterfront Museum was opened in October 2005. The museum building itself is a synthesis of contemporary architecture and Welsh history. The building eloquently combining a Grade II listed former dockside warehouse built in 1902 with a 21st century glass and slate structure, designed exactly a century later by Stirling Prize-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre. Admission is free but you might want to purchase some keepsakes in the museum’s gift shop, where the money you spend is gifted back to the museum. Visitors wishing to take photographs will be required to complete a Declaration Form available from the Information Desk, but this doesn't take long, so bring a camera with you. To find out more about exhibits etc. you can visit the National Waterfront Museum website at www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea.



...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

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.

There is a small charge of £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children over 5 for admission. Family tickets for four people are available for £6.50 and children under five visit for free. Remember 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. For more information visit www.oystermouthcastle.wordpress.com.



WHERE? Oystermouth Castle is located in a beautiful location on the hill in Mumbles overlooking Swansea Bay.



WHY? In recent years the battlement has been 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. New features include ancient graffiti art from the 14th century, private staircases leading from vaults to previous banqueting halls and a 30 foot high glass bridge. The bridge, opened in 2011, allows 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? The castle will be open daily between 11am and 5pm until 30 September. Last admissions are 30 minutes before closing.



CONTACT? Phone 01792 635075.



HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? An hour is plenty of time to see the castle.



WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There's a variety of events and activities at Oystermouth Castle this weekend to keep the whole family entertained. Today the castle will be transported back in time with a special costumed battle re-enactment.



WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? There are plenty of activities to keep the children busy at the castle. Falconry, medieval cookery displays and live music are just some of the things organised.



HOW DO I GET THERE? 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.



LUNCH? There are lots of nice places to eat nearby in Mumbles. For desert you can enjoy a  Joe’s ice cream near the sea front. The inside of the Mumbles parlour is adorned with photos of the ice cream parlour’s founder, Joe Cascarini, and there is also plenty of space, making it the perfect option for large families or groups. Visit www.joes-icecream.com.


WHERE CAN I PARK? There is very limited parking in Castle Avenue, so the best option is to use the pay and display car parks along the sea front.


ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Mumbles Pier offers visitors some of the most spectacular views of natural beauty in Wales. From The Pier Beach Hut Cafe you can see the breathtaking scenery of Mumbles Bay, Mumbles Lighthouse and Port Talbot. In the amusements arcade you can try your luck at the slot machines while the children play all the latest video games. There’s also ten pen bowling and an array of prizes to be won on the cranes. The bright and airy space has something for everyone. And before heading home be sure to check out Mumbles Lifeboat Station, the third busiest station in Wales, where a Tyne class lifeboat and a IB1 class lifeboat are operated. Visit www.mumbles-pier.co.uk.

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves in Abercrave, Swansea

My column for the August 2013 issue of Swansea Life magazine.

  

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Big Day Out!

With Richard Thomas

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves in Abercrave, Swansea

ON LOCATION: You don’t need Doctor Who's TARDIS to take a trip back in history. At Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves you can visit an Iron Age farm or have a talk with famed cave explorer Tommy Morgan in his Victorian kitchen. Be warned, though, you might come face to face with tyrannosaurus rex or pterodactyl along the way! Located halfway between Brecon and Swansea inside the Brecon Beacons National Park, Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves is one of the most breathtaking show cave complexes in northern Europe. There are three separate caves to explore: Dan-yr-Ogof cave, Cathedral Cave and the Bone Cave, where the remains of 42 human skeletons have been found. There is also an Iron Age village, museum and farm to visit, as well as an adventure playground for 6-10 year olds to play in. Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves is approximately 25 minuets from the M4, taking junction 45 and following the brown tourist signs north on the A4067 (Pontardawe). For sat-nav users the postcode is SA9 1GJ. 

OPENING HOURS: Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves will be open seven days a week now until Sunday 3 November 2013. The caves open at 10am, with tickets available throughout the day at the entrance until 3pm. 

CROWD SCENE: All ages are welcome inside Brecon Beacons National Park. Kids will enjoy will enjouy exploring the Dinosaur Park, one of the largest parks of its type in the world, with nearly 200 life-sized replicas of T. rexes, pterodactyls, brontosaurus and other prehistoric beasts that ruled the Earth 65 million years before mankind!

BACKSTORY: Early settlers farmed the land that the Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves complex now occupies at the end of the Bronze Age, then approximately 3,000 years later, in 1912, local brothers Jeff and Tommy Morgan squeezed though a small gap in the hillside and discovered the spectacular Dan-yr-Ogof cave. Forty-one years later cavers made another discovery, Cathedral Cave, named after the awe-inspiring Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. 

NOTEWORTHY: In a 2005 poll Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves were voted the “finest natural wonder” in Britain by Radio Times readers.

WHAT TO TAKE: Bring a camera with you to take some dinosaur photos. 

TICKET PRICES: Tickets cost £13.75 for adults and £8 for children 16 and younger. Children under three years old go free. 

WHAT TO WEAR: All the dinosaur models are outdoors, so don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella with you, and wear suitable footwear for exploring the caves.

FOOD AND DRINK: The coffee shop has a range of food and drinks, hot or cold, where you can relax and have a coffee while looking out on the breathtaking view of the Brecon Beacons. 

TOP TIP: Group discounts are available when there are 20 or more people visiting together. 

WHAT ELSE: There are a wide range of keepsakes available to buy in Rock & Dinosaur Shop. For more information about ticket prices phone 01639730 284 or go to www.showcaves.co.uk.

Richard Thomas is the author of Para-News and Sci-Fi Worlds from Bretwalda Books. Visit www.richardthomas.com.

National Waterfront Museum and Singleton Park Botanical Gardens

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, August 3, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

-------------------------------------

Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD 

Jam-packed with the latest interactive technology married with traditional displays, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea offers visitors a unique and fully involved learning experience for the 21st century. The museum has more than 100 historical artefacts from Wales’ industrial past. Formerly the site of the Swansea Industrial & Maritime Museum, the new National Waterfront Museum was opened in October 2005. The museum building itself is a synthesis of contemporary architecture and Welsh history. The building eloquently combining a Grade II listed former dockside warehouse built in 1902 with a 21st century glass and slate structure, designed exactly a century later by Stirling Prize-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre. Admission is free but you might want to purchase some keepsakes in the museum’s gift shop, where the money you spend is gifted back to the museum. Visitors wishing to take photographs will be required to complete a Declaration Form available from the Information Desk, but this doesn't take long, so bring a camera with you. To find out more about exhibits etc. you can visit the National Waterfront Museum website at www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea.

WHERE? The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea is located in Swansea's Maritime Quarter, and less than half a mile from the city centre. 

WHY? The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. The museum uses a collage of real life artefacts, archive footage and photographs, 2-D graphic panels, video diaries and various and often ingenious interactive computer displays, to bring Wales’ industrial and social history vividly to life for visitors. One of the most memorable exhibits is a detailed scale model of the 1865 steam ship Zeta, after which Swansea-born Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones was named. There’s also a replica of the world's first steam locomotive, built by British inventor Richard Trevithick, which made its first journey along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil in 1804.

WHEN? The museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily.

CONTACT: Phone 01792 638950.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? An hour is enough time to see most the exhibits but you can spend as much time as you like.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? About 230,000 people a year visit the National Waterfront Museum. Key customer groups include families, tourists, adults and young people.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? The events programme is stacked with interactive workshops, themed fun days, film screenings and arts and crafts, so there is something for visitors of all ages and interests. Many of these activities are free but there is a small charge for some.

HOW TO GET THERE? For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 3RD.

WHERE CAN I PARK? A pay and display car park is situated just a short walk away from the Museum on Oystermouth Road. For sat nav users the postcode is SA1 3RD.

LUNCH? The Marina has several shops, cafes and restaurants. The Grape and Olive can be found on the 28th floor of the Meridian Tower by Swansea Marina. For sat nav users the postcode is SA1 1JW. Go to www.grapeandolive.co.uk or phone 01792 462617.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? The Tower is located in the heart of the Marina and only 50 metres from the promenade that borders the bay from the Marina to Mumbles Pier. The city centre and all of it's activities and attractions is only a ten minuet walk away. There are several museums including the National Waterfront Museum across the basin and the newly refurbished LC leisure centre and water park is also only a five minute walk away.

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD 

Singleton Botanical Gardens inside Singleton Park are free for the public to visit. The beautiful Botanical Gardens are based in the old Walled Garden which was used as the kitchen and flower garden by the Vivian family from 1853 and have an interesting history. In 1847 John Henry Vivian purchased Veranda House for his son Henry Vivian and his wife Jessie. Less than a year later, sadly, Jessie died giving birth to their son. Distraught by his wife’s death, the rich industrialist resolved never to live in the house and by 1853 only the estate lodge remained, the principal part of Veranda House having been dismantled. St Paul's Church in Sketty was built as a memorial to Jessie and a bronze and red granite statue of Henry Vivian still stands near St. Mary’s Church in the city centre. By 1919 the Singleton Estate as it had become had amalgamated some 12 farms to amass 250 acres. That year the Swansea County Borough Council decided to purchase the land from the Vivian family for use as a public park. Daniel Bliss, who was trained at Kew Gardens, was chiefly responsible for the purchase of the estate and in 1920 began to oversee its transformation into a public park and garden. Today’s Botanical Gardens contains fine specimens of rare and exotic plants from across the world and is largely the result of his vision.

WHERE? You can find them at Singleton Park in Swansea.

WHY? The gardens are at their most stunning in August. Set within the tranquil surroundings of Singleton main park, it is a very relaxing place to sit and relax, as well as seek some inspiration for your own garden. The glasshouses simulate a variety of different climates from around the world: in the hot Desert House environment you'll find cacti and succulent plants, while in the Tropical House you can see plants found in the rain forest and tropical jungles. These include the comprehensive collection of orchids and epiphytes such as bromeliads and tillandsias. In the Economics glasshouse you’ll find plants that come from mostly sub-tropical regions and some Mediterranean countries, and that are of economic importance, including sugar cane, coconuts, olives and coffee. This glasshouse also contains a colourful collection of begonias.

WHEN? The gardens are open every day until 8pm. Regular plant sales take place in the gardens every Saturday.

CONTACT? Phone 01792 298637.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? An hour is enough time to see all the different plants, but you can spend as long as you like relaxing in the gardens.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There’s plenty for everyone at Singleton Park. The Botanical Gardens house one of Wales' premier collections of florae, with spectacular herbaceous borders and large glasshouses packed full of displays. The gardens are also home to Ty'r Blodau, an educational and visitor centre available for school visits, workshops and meetings.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children will enjoy feeding the ducks. There’s also a children’s adventure playground and Crazy Golf course inside Singleton park.

HOW DO I GET THERE? You can find them at Singleton Park in Swansea. For sat nav users the postcode is SA2 8QD.

LUNCH? Inside the park is the Pub On The Pond family pub which serves a wide range of 2 meals for £10 and other great deals. Call 01792 298023.

WHERE CAN I PARK? Parking can be found on Sketty Road outside Singleton Park.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? 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.

Margam Park and Egypt Centre

Below is my “Day Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, July 27, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

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Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

The history of Margam can be traced back to the Bronze and Iron Age. 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. If you borrow an mp3 player free of charge from the kiosk you can eavesdrop on voices from the past at 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. Today Margam Castle has become a popular filming location for TV shows. Last summer 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. The park is also home to Go Ape, where thrill seekers can enjoy up to three hours in the tree tops tackling zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and hire-wire crossings, and after completing the course join the Go Ape tribe.

WHERE? Margam Park is located in Port Talbot, along the eastern rim of Swansea Bay. 

WHY? 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. Throughout the year, Margam Park also hosts various events from Living History Weekends to Clown Festivals and Charity Walks.

WHEN? Margam Park is open daily between 10am and 6pm until September 1.

CONTACT: Vist www.margamcountrypark.co.uk or phone 01639 881635.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? Go Ape participants have up to three hours to complete the course, but there are lots of other attractions to check out before you head back home.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? People tackling the Go Ape course are mostly teens and 20- and 30-somethings, many of them students, but there are also some dad's and mum's with their children. There's plenty to keep the rest of the family busy at Margam too, if they don't want to swing from the tree tops. The Citrus House was built around 1800 to replace earlier greenhouses on the estate, but in 2007 the glasshouse fell into disrepair and deemed too dangerous for public access. With the help of a grant from The Rural Development Plan the Citrus House has now been painstakingly restored to its former glory.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? On the Go Ape course under 18s must be supervised by a participating adult. Participants must also be at least 10  years old and 1.4 metres tall and no more than 20.5 stone. An adult can supervise either two children, where one or both of them are under 16, or up to five 16 to 17 year olds. Children will enjoy the other attractions inside Margam Park like the narrow gauge railway, adventure playground, farm trail and Fairytale Land.

HOW DO I GET THERE? For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: Margam Country Park, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ. 

WHERE CAN I PARK? Margam Park has an on site car park, but there is a charge of £4 for cars, £6.90 for mini buses and £13.70 for coaches.

LUNCH? Margam Park's Discovery Centre Cafe serve a range of hot drinks and cakes, but a lot of visitors opt to bring picnic lunches to Margam when the weather is good.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? At the South Wales Miners’ Museum in Afan Forest Park visitors have the chance to take a step back in time and see what life was like for miners and their families through their eyes. The museum  celebrates the coal mining industry and its workforce in the South Wales coalfield. The past is brought to life at the museum using a comprehensive collection of photographs, historical artefacts and even life sized models of miners dressed in original gear and equipment. There is a small charges to help with the costs of running the museum. Entrance fees are £3 for adults and £2 for seneiors and children 5 and older. Situated close to the museum is a range of outdoor exhibits including a blacksmith shop and lamp room to check out. The museum is located in the beautiful Afan Valley and is only six miles on the A4107 from the M4. For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: South Wales Miners' Museum, Afan Forest Park, Cynonville, Port Talbot, SA13 3HG. Pre booking is advisable. Phone 01639 851833 or go to www.southwalesminersmuseum.co.uk.

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

The Egypt Centre opened in 1998, but its roots are much older. Most of the objects in the Centre were part of the collection of the 19th and early 20th century pharmacist and archaeologist Sir Henry Wellcome, who collected them from excavations. Horror film fans will be familiar with Imhotep, High Priest of the sun God Ra and architect of Ancient Egypt’s first pyramid. At the Egypt Centre at Swansea University visitors can see for themselves a real life Egyptian coffin, as well as other ancient exhibits from the land of the Nile and even buy some replica Egyptian jewellery and art to take home. The Centre is open to the public and also welcomes school parties and groups from early years, primary and secondary to graduate and post-graduate and special needs students. Admission is free.

WHERE? The centre is located within the Taliesin building on the Swansea University campus. 

WHY? The Egypt Centre is the only museum of Egyptian antiquities in Wales. There are over 4500 items in the centre's collection. Egypt Centre staff have published over 100 online pages concerning individual items, which you can find on the Egypt Centre website at www.swan.ac.uk/egypt. The funerary items on display include amulets, shrouds, statues, coffins and fragments of coffins, and even canopic jars, which were used by the Ancient Egyptians to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased for their journey through the afterlife.

WHEN? The Egypt Centre is usually open Tuesday to Saturday. Until September 1 the musum will be open 10am to 5pm. Last admissions are 10 minuets before closing.

CONTACT: To book a group visit call 01792 295960 or email the assistant curator Wendy Goodridge at w.r.goodridge@swansea.ac.uk.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? An hour is plenty of time to see all the exhibits but you can spend as much time as you like.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There is something for all ages.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children will want to pick something up in the Egypt Centre Shop, located in the foyer of the museum. Some of the more unusual gifts available include books of Egyptian spells and curses, as well as a wide range of statues, recycled glass, papyrus from Egypt, and exclusive hand-made jewellery. More conventional items like pens, pencils and key-rings are also available to buy.

HOW DO I GET THERE?  For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Egypt Centre, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP.

WHERE CAN I PARK? There are some car parks close to Swansea University, the Foreshore car park opposite St Helens Rugby ground and the Recreation Ground Car Park on Mumbles Road.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? There is lots more to see inside the Taliesin Arts Centre which provides a wide variety of performances and exhibitions. Open throughout the year the centre host a broad programme of events including cinema screenings and a wide variety of live performances. With a programme ranging from children's events to opera, there's something to suit all tastes. The Taliesin hold over 50 live performances per year. On Monday you can see The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Visit www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk.

Tomos Watkin Brewery and Skidz Karting

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, July 20, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.
   

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Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

Hit the race tracks at Skidz Karting in Swansea!

Skidz Karting is Swansea’s only indoor go karting track. With karts and tracks suitable for all ages and abilities, drivers young and old will have a great time trying to beat each others best lap time on the tracks. Measuring 330 meters in length and consisting of an exciting mix of tight bends, sweeping curves and great long straights, the 6 meter wide main track allows for plenty of overtaking opportunities and provides plenty of challenges for even the most experienced go karter. 

Drivers will have to make a one time purchase of a balaclava for hygiene reasons, but these only cost £2 each and are yours to keep and bring back next time. All the other kit, including a helmet, overalls, gloves and a detailed safety briefing are provided for.

WHERE? The address is: Unit 1, Rear of Queensway, Swansea West Business Park  in Fforestfach, Swansea. For sat-nav users the postcode is SA5 4DJ.

WHY? Groups can take part in special events at the track. For groups of ten or more (12 on weekends) there is the Grand Prix. This involves practice laps, heats, semi finals and the final for the fastest eight drivers. Another option for groups of 20 or more (24 on weekends) is the Team Endurance, which includes five minute qualifying then two hours of non stop driving. Trophies are given to the top three teams. There is a maximum of six drivers per team. For children between eight and 13 there are Junior Parties available. Each child will receive either 20 minuets track time or 30 minuets track time depending on the time chosen. There is a minimum of six children on these. If you're looking for a birthday or special gift idea, then why not buy a Skidz Karting gift voucher. They'll make a great gift and can be used as part or full payment for any type of session offered at the track.

WHEN? During the school term the go karting tracks are open daily between 12pm and 8pm, except Mondays when the tracks are closed. During school holidays Skids Karting is open seven days a week from 10am to 8pm. 

CONTACT: Phone 01792 580927. 

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? There are lots of different event types  to choose from, so your visit could last from 25 mins to three hours depending on what you pay for. For more information about the events and prices visitwww.skidzkarting.co.uk.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? Mixed, there are karts to suit most age groups: the electric Kidz Kartz that travel up to 6 miles per hour for four to eight year olds, Sodi Fun Kid petrol karts for eight to 13 year olds, and the worlds most popular kart the Sodi GT4 for adults.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? There is a great track for younger drivers, providing plenty of fun but still nice and safe with a secure pit lane area for safe pit stops. Children as young as three can take part. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There is also an arcade near the track. 

HOW DO I GET THERE? Skidz Karting are more than happy to help you with your travel arrangements to and from the track. Minibuses are available for 16-36 seats as well as taxis for smaller groups.

WHERE CAN I PARK? There is an on site car park.

LUNCH? Along with two great tracks there is also a games room with driving simulators where you can get some practice before you go on the track, a pool table, air hockey table, and a cafe serving light refreshments to check out. Skidz Karting have also negotiated a great deal for parties  (min of ten people) at the Smoke Haus (www.thesmokehaus.co.uk) on Swansea's Wind Street in the heart of the night life. Stag/hen/birthday boy/girl eats completely free, and there is a free bucket of chicken wings for all to share as a starter, and 10% discount off the food bill.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? The Chocolate Factory is unique in Swansea: a real, working chocolate factory offering informative tours for individuals and groups of all ages. With the popularity of the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory film starring Johnny Depp, and the original novel by Roald Dahl, The Chocolate Factory is a fun place to take the kids during their summer break from school. And the tour guide, almost like a real-life Willy Wonka, makes sure everyone on the tour gets a chance to see the different factory equipment and taste all the chocolate. After getting kitted up in the factory’s fashionable hairnets and aprons, the tour begins with a detailed talk about the history of chocolate, from its popularity among the ancient Olmecs and Aztecs of Central America to its discovery by Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Conquistador who conquered Mexico, Hernando Cortes. This is followed by a walk on the factory floor where you are shown the factory machinery and given a demonstration by Gareth John of how they melt, temper and re-mould chocolate into football shaped lollies, chocolate hearts and other bespoke items. For sat nav users the address and postcode is: The Chocolate Factory, Swansea West Industrial Park, Fforestfach, Swansea, SA5 4DL. Visitwww.thechocfactory.com.

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

The present incarnation of Tomos Watkin was started in 1995 by Simon Buckley and first operated from a small brewery in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire before moving to their current premises in Swansea Enterprise Park in 1999. The Hurns Brewing Company acquired the Swansea brewer in 2002 and today Tomas Watkin exports their beers and other beverages to countries around the world, including the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore, France, and the United States. 

WHERE? Llansamlet, Swansea Enterprise Park. 

WHY? At Tomos Watkin’s brewery groups can take a tour of the famous Welsh brewery and sample their award wining beers and ciders. The tour consists of a three hour visit and starts with drinks and a warm welcome on arrival from one of the brewers who will give you a 20 minuet talk about the history of the Hurns Brewing Company and Tomos Watkin. This is followed by a tour around the brewery which lasts around half an hour where visitors are shown the full brewing process from raw material to packaging the product. During the tour visitors get a chance to look into the vats where 16,000 pints worth of beer ferments every day for export across Wales and around the world. All the staff are dedicated and happy to answer any questions about the process. At the start of the tour chief brewer and tour guide Alex Cunningham hands out samples of the different varieties of malt the brewery uses to make their world famous beer. There is even a chocolate flavour to try. Cameras are allowed on the tour and visitors are encouraged to take as many photos as they want of the brewery, or even make a video of your tour.

WHEN? The tours cost £22.50 per person Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 9pm, there are also Friday tours available at £25 per person from 6pm to 9pm. For the same price as Friday tours, visitors can book a tour any time between 12pm and 8pm on Saturdays.

CONTACT: More information is available at www.tomoswatkin.com, or, you can phone 01792 797280. To book a tour send an email toshop@tomoswatkin.com. 

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? The tour and buffet usually last between two and three hours.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? All age groups over 18 are welcome. Students and under 30s usually choose to go on the weekends before a night out.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? You must be over 18 to visit the brewery at the above times, but there are special school tours available at other times.

HOW DO I GET THERE?  The brewery is just off junction 44 of the M4 in Llansamlet on the Swansea Enterprise Park. For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Unit 3, Century Park, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA6 8RP.

WHERE CAN I PARK? The brewery has its own car park. 

LUNCH? After the tour visitors relocate back to the brewery tap for more sampling of the finished products and there is also a cold buffet including sausage roles, crisps, chicken legs, cocktail sausages and other snacks available. After paying for the tour the buffet lunch and drinks are free, and there is no limit on how much you can eat and drink. 

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Dylan Thomas is a family pub restaurant offering a full menu with a great range of delicious meals all day, seven days a week. For those just passing through Swansea, the pub offers a great range of hot drinks (lattes to expressos, mochas & cappucinos) and free wi fi. The address is: Swansea Enterprise Park, Llansamlet, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA7 9AD. Call: 01792 701670