Situated between Bridgend and Swansea, Neath Port Talbot is easily accessible by rail and bus. There are numerous attractions and plenty to do so it is a great destination if you’re planning a holiday, weekend away or just fancy a day out.


1. Explore Neath Abbey

Once widely recognised as one of the most beautiful abbeys in Wales, Neath Abbey is now under the care of CADW. Founded by knights in the 12th century, it grew in riches and reputation and by the late 1300s, was the wealthiest of the Welsh abbeys, with well over 100 monks and lay brothers inhabiting its vast halls and working on the estate. 

Much of the Abbey’s layout still remains, allowing its many visitors to appreciate its sheer scale and grandeur. It has appeared in several BBC TV shows, including Dr Who and Merlin, where it was transformed into the home of the Round Table of legends, and is a wonderful place to relax, and indulge in a picnic. 

Neath Abbey

 

2. Spend a Day at Aberavon Beach 

The glorious Swansea Bay includes several hugely popular beaches, and Port Talbot’s Aberavon is one of the very best. Stretching for three miles, the sweep of golden sands is ideal for families, offering safe swimming with a lifeguard in attendance, and plenty of space to build huge castles. The northern end is also popular with kayakers and surfers, while sand yachts and kitesurfers race on the beach. 

Close by there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including a skate park, play areas for children and an aqua squash pool. The Celtic Trail, part of the National Cycle Route, follows the wide promenade around the bay, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to relax and enjoy the sights. 

 

3. Enjoy the Magic at Margam Country Park

Margam Country Park offers a full 850 acres of fun and adventure.

Within the park’s vast estate are several fascinating buildings - a Cistercian monastery, a beautifully elegant Orangery, and an impressive neo-Gothic mansion. Peacocks roam freely and fallow and red deer have lived on the estate since the Norman era. 

The Fairytale Village, adventure playground, and woodland trail are designed to stimulate and excite children, and the park train takes you from one adventure to the next. Margam Country Park has something for everyone. You can spend days exploring and still not see it all. 

 

4. Get outdoors at Afan Forest Park

As one of the UK’s most iconic mountain bike destinations, Afan Forest Park is perfect for family friendly adventures with a host of famous mountain bike trails, waymarked walks and family friendly cycle routes set in the backdrop of the stunning Afan Valley, South Wales.

 

5. Gnoll Estate Country Park

Gnoll Estate Country Park is set amongst 230 acres of woodland.  There’s an adventure playground, children's play park and a variety of picnic spots and benches along with fishing ponds. There's also a fun little 9 hole pitch and putt golf course plus you can try your hand (and legs) at orienteering or geocaching. 

If you’re heading for South Wales, Neath Port Talbot provides the perfect place for a relaxing break by the sea, yet with plenty to interest families and children away from the beach.

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