I wish I could say I came here to rock climb, but mainly I just visit Ogmore-by-Sea with my beloved…read moreand his two-year-old daughter (which explains the my photo of a stuffed cow on the grassy knoll). Even on cold, dreary days, you'll find surfers of all ages here. When the sun emerges, be prepared, as this beach gets crowded with picnickers and lovers walking hand in hand. This was my first excursion to a Welsh beach (I ignorantly thought all seafronts in the world were lined with soft sand), so it was a pleasant surprise to find jagged cliffs and smooth rocks in place of fine white grain. I think Ogmore is the ideal spot for a picnic, with spectacular views, ample car parking and pretty clean bathrooms for a beach spot (there was even soap and loo roll!). Be careful during certain times of the day, as the tide comes in much faster than you'd expect - we set up our blanket and within 15 minutes had to move it to back!

I grew up in Ogmore by Sea, and lived pretty much right on the beachfront until I was about 15…read more Stupidly, I've probably been to the beach here more in the 6 years since moving away than in the entire 15 years I lived there! This is one of the nicest and most popular beaches in the area, and one of the largest. When the tide's out there's plenty of space here and there's also some really interesting caves all along the front stretching down to Southerndown. These were used by the famous smugglers of the area. Their modus operandi would be to attach lanterns to the local sheep. Passing ships would then come in towards land and get wrecked on the many submerged rocks in the area. The smugglers would then loot the wreckages and store their various goods inside the caves. There are even rumours that when the smugglers' local tavern was demolished (on the banks of the River Ogmore) a concealed tunnel was found, stretching about a mile to Southerndown. They would use this to make a quick escape. There's plenty of history here and there are many more interesting stories emanating from the local area, adding further mystique to the beach itself. Quick word of warning though - keep your eye on the tides as you can get stranded if it catches you unawares When the tide's in, the only area accesible is pretty rocky. I'm no expert (as the next few words will demonstrate) but there are many cool looking rocks to be found here (!). I've found plenty of fossils - some of them pretty large. Apart from the beach itself, in the summer there are burger vans and ice cream vans to keep you refreshed. It's a great part of the South Wales coast and it's teeming with history. You can walk pretty much all the way around the coast as well, around to Southerndown and Nash Point. If the sun's out, I would highly recommend it as there's some truly breathtaking views to be had along the way.

The breakfast was 34 minutes late. There was skids in my toilet and hair all over the room that I…read morehad to clean myself. The hash browns were burnt. The tea pot didn't fit on the tray in my room and Tom is very rude.

A real highlight on our Road Trip…read more One thing first: The walk from Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay and the Bay itself has some of the most beautiful views and landscapes we've encountered on our Road Trip this year. And not just among the very top this year....among the very best we've seen in general. We were staying in Swansea (Uplands), so this place was just about a 15min drive away. But feels like a complete different world. The parking area in Southgate is very big, so finding a spot won't be a problem. Be sure to pay! And also: Last chance to visit the restroom, since there are none on the way and at Three Cliffs Bay. Something I should've done :) The walk itself is already impressive. Along the coast and the cliffs with lots of space and green lawns. Vista points every few meters.... the whole walk we coulnd't get enough of this amazing place and stopped a lot to take in the scenery. You will meet some cows on the way too....so be also aware of their "belongings" on the ground. They are friendly though....except my dog was scared of them a bit. Three Cliffs Bay is a fantastic beach. Depending on the path you took it might be a bit of a steep way down, Flip-Flops might not be the best idea. The Bay / Beach is incredibly big and wide. Wonderful soft and clean sand. Cliffs to cllimb on, lots of space for sunbathing and picnics. There is nothing to buy / shop here, so be sure to bring at least some drinks. It also has lots of space for kids and dogs to play (thankfully it's pet-friendly). Even there was quite a number of visitors, it never felt crowded, since the area is that big. It has some really nice (hidden) spots, be sure to walk around a bit and explore the bay. We stayed at lot longer than planned, it was such a lovely, warm and sunny day. And our dog had a blast! So did we. We took the same path back later on, enjoying the views along the way one more time. Of course you could park at Oxwich, where you get faster and easier access. But you would miss out on the fantastic little walk leading here. Southgate was the perfect spot / start to visit Three Cliffs Bay. Like I said, one of the very highlights on this years Road Trip. Highly recommended!

Swansea Bay is huge - it stretches for about four miles and the tide (for some reason I can't…read morefathom) is usually very far out, at least, it has been all the dozens of times I've been over there! It does make for a large, wide, beach to play or walk on, and the sand is soft and pleasant underfoot. There's a proper footpath and cycle track too, which runs all the way from the Marina to Mumbles Pier. You can carry on walking beyond there as well by going up the steps set into the cliff and rejoining the coastal path on its way to Langland Bay. Video link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=W7WSbGL5tG8

It's a nice bay but without any usable neach. Nice for a walk and to relax. It's hugeread more

Merthyr Mawr sand dunes are one of those places that, once visited, you'll never forget. These are…read moresome of the biggest dunes in the UK, in terms of height and expanse. You can spend an entire day here, and keep exploring new dunes and pathways. Be careful not to get lost! Eventually, a walk through the dunes will bring you out to a beautiful expanse of sandy beach, which is inaccessible by land apart from via the dunes, due to a wide river cutting you off. There is a campsite situated at the entrance to the dunes, and a large free car park, which may be the only shade you see all day, so talk a hat and water. This area is great of kids, as they can roll and tumble to their heart's content down the dunes. Sand sledging is also a popular past time out here, along with hiking and horse trekking. This is an amazing and unique part of the Welsh countryside, and I would urge anyone who's not already been to take a look! I adore this area.

The Dunes in Merthyr Mawr are a beautiful part of the country side located on the other side of the…read moreRiver Ogmore from the Ogmore Castle. It's extremely picturesque and they filmed some of Lawrence of Arabia here. The dunes stretch on for miles and used to reach all the way to the Mumbles near Swansea. The focal point nowadays would be Candleston Castle, a 15th century ruin which is naturally, rumoured to be haunted by various beings. It is all that remains of the village of Tregenllaw - a whole village buried underneath the sand a few years ago. Naturally, given the eerie setting of the dunes at night there are rumours that it's haunted! It's a popular spot for dog walkers, taking in some of the nearby sea air and, in the summer with younger people sliding down the dunes. I had many a barbecue here in my teens. It's a lovely spot and a great walk if you fancy walking all the way down to the beach. You can also extend it and cross the nearby River Ogmore to see some more of the area.

BEAUTIFUL Be sure to take the scenic walk from Mumbles to…read moreLangland Bay, then have lunch. You'll pass little Rotherslade Bay. Didn't expect Wales (or the UK) to have such a coastline, with colorful flowers on cliffs over crashing waves.

One of our favourite places to walk, especially along the pathway between Mumbles and Langland…read moreitself. The beach is large and sandy and the headlands green and hilly. The beach is very popular in summer but the promenade and paths make for a pleasant walk all year round. The beach is bordered by a long row of green and white beach huts which are very distinctive and behind lie two large car parks (pay and display). There is a newly built cafe at one end of the promenade, and a small snack bar and beach shop at the other. Further along the coastal path (just around the corner from Langland Bay) is another cafe with outdoor tables.

If your preference is for rugged, raw, untamed and wild, look no further, here is a beach that will…read moresuit you to a T! Remote and windswept (well, it is at the moment, even though it's supposed to be mid-summer), you could call it bleak. But, there's beauty in bleak. A vast expanse of virgin sand backed by a pebbly foreshore and then behind that the warren of sand dunes that makes up the rest of the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. It's a trek to get here, from Rest Bay in Porthcawl via a small bit of the newly opened Wales Coast Path. Or from the Nature Reserve car park by Kenfig Pool, trudge along the myriad sandy tracks and pathways that try their best to disorientate you, make you feel like you're a million miles away in the Gobi desert, lost until found as skeletal remains (OK, maybe a bit OTT - they're bound to find you long before decomposition sets in). Surfing, lazing, throwing pebbles, making sandcastles, watching wild-life, chatting to the resident life-guard, or his girlfriend, burying your head in the sand, watching the amazing sunsets; these are all acceptable activities at this lonely but lovely beach. Definitely recommended

A spectacular view as you wend your way down Beach Road in Southerndown, down from the Three Golden…read moreCups pub, it opens right out across the Bristol Channel and then down the sheer cliff top to the beach below. A tentative gasp as you engage 1st gear to crawl down the incredibly steep hill to the little car park at the bottom - or if you prefer, park at the top and walk down (just remember you have to go back again!). The beach is pebbly and rocky at high tide but extends dramatically as the tide goes out, revealing golden sands and lovely rock pools on the exposed wave cut platform (remember that term from 3rd yr geography - not much else mind). Surfers love the place (westerly facing), sun worshippers and even fossil hunters too; the massive, domineering cliffs bounding the beach are full of dead creatures' imprints - just watch out for big lumps that fall off regularly. Behind the beach, steep undulating hills provide walking excursions and exploring and there are the ghostly ruins of Dunraven Castle up at the top to wander round (in a black cape would be best). Apparently a couple of the Dr Who episodes were filmed here too. Fantastic place - definitely recommended.

Massive expanse of water, sand, dunes, air and horizons! Fantastic sunsets. Surfing. Take a pony…read moreride through the surf. Beautiful place, check it out.

This is a great place to take young kids in the summer (if there is a summer of course!). It's a…read moresafe knee deep play pool for the little ones that'll keep the kids amused for hours. There are always hundreds of kids around on a warm day, so they'll have no problems making a few friends and playing all day long. There's a park surrounding the lido, a cafe and a public loo. The place is surrounded by a grassed area, so it's ideal to bring a rug/towel to sunbathe on while they play. The only down side is the parking. There is a car park on the opposite side of the (very busy) Mumbles Road, but it is pretty expensive, with limited places. So try to get there early. And when the rest of the facilities are provided free of charge, you can't really complain. A great day out for the little ones.

Having spent many years as a child living very close to Blackpill Lido I generally didn't notice…read moreit, except during the hot summer days when it would get so busy that cars would be parked all up my road. With the redevelopment and the new café 'The Junction', the lido is justifiably one of the premier spots for families on sunny summer days in Swansea. It features the shallow swimming pool but with fun features like solar showers and a playground.What I particularly like it for is going there late at night when I can't sleep and looking out across the coal-black sea and the lights twinkling around the bay.