Self-catering cottage in Wales near the National Show Caves at Dan-yr-Ogof , the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Carreg Cennen Castle

National Show Caves Centre

The National Show Caves Centre is a short drive from the cottage. It is situated at the head of the Swansea Valley in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Created 350 million years ago, the caves extend 17 km into the Black Mountain and was recently voted Britain’s finest Natural Wonder.

Above: A dinosaur looking through the trees at the National Show Caves & Dinosaur Park which is just over half an hour's drive from the cottage. It is the largest dinosaur park in Europe.

The river Llynfell emerging from a cave at the base of the cliffs at Dan-yr-Ogof farm has always been known. It was explored in 1912 by Tommy and Jeff Morgan who used only candles to light their way and arrows in the sand to find their way back.

They discovered a wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, but they were prevented from penetrating far into the mountain by a lake. Undeterred they returned, this time with coracles. A coracle is a traditional one man fishing boat found on the rivers of West Wales. They crossed not one lake but four. They discovered more magnificent passages and chambers, but again the way on was denied them.

This time it was a tight crawl, which was not passed until 1963 when Eileen Davies, a local girl and member of the South Wales Caving Club struggled through it. She and others have now found over 10 miles of unique cave. Cavers believe that this is the tip of the iceberg and that there is still much to discover.

There is also one of the largest dinosaur parks in the world with over 100 life-size models as well as an authentic Iron Age farm, Shire Horse Centre, Millennium Stone Circle and Museum. Directions: Drive to Pontardawe and take the A4067 to the caves.

The Show Caves Website

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Abercrave
Swansea
SA9 1GJ
Tel: 01639 730 284

Carreg Cennen Castle

Castle Carreg is probably the most spectacularly sited of all Welsh castles, crowning a precipitous limestone crag about 100 meters above the river Cennen in the Brecon Beacons National Park, one side sits on the edge of a sheer 300 foot drop. It is one of the principle landmarks in the west of the national park.

The castle goes back to at least the 13th century with archaeological evidence that the Romans and prehistoric peoples occupied the craggy hilltop centuries earlier (a cache of Roman coins and four prehistoric skeletons have been unearthed at the site). Although the Welsh Princes of Deheubarth built the first castle at Carreg Cennen, what remains today dates to King Edward I’s momentous period of castle-building in Wales.

Carreg Cennen Castle (SN 668193) is located 4 miles southeast of Llandeilo, near Trapp on a minor road just off the A483 in the Black Mountain.

For more information on visiting Castle Carreg, and to confirm prices and opening times, see here...

Adult - £3.60, Concession - £3.25, Family - £10.50
Entry is free for Welsh residents aged 60 and over or 16 and under who have a valid pass. To find out how to get one go to the free entry scheme page.

Opening Times:
01.04.08 - 31.10.08: 9.30 - 18.30 daily

01.11.08 - 31.03.09: 9.30 - 16.00 daily

National Botanic Garden of Wales

This is the most visited garden of Wales covering over 500 acres, with the largest single-span Glasshouse, designed by Lord Foster, the Tropical House, Double Walled Garden, Lakes, Ponds and Walks and many more including the Mediterranean Cafe and the Seasons Restaurant.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales - Website

Local produce and farmers' markets

Get your hands on a locally produced feast at one of the regular farmers' markets, held throughout Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower

Clydach Produce and Craft Market
Last Saturday of each month, 9am - 12.30pm
Moose Hall, Beryl Road, Clydach.
Many stalls selling produce including meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, bakery and deli goods, preserves, arts and crafts.

Grovesend Local Produce Market
Fourth Saturday of each month, 10am - 1pm
Community Hall, Grovesend Miners' Club, Plas Road, Grovesend.
Offers a wide range of foods from local producers.
Contact details: Julie Griffiths, 01792 899 861

Llangennith Local Produce Market
Last Saturday of each month, April to September, 9.30am - 1pm
Parish Hall, Llangennith, Gower
Selling vegetables, meat, produce and crafts.
Contact details: Catherine Evans, 01792 386 262

Loughor Local Produce Market
Last Friday of each month, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Welfare Hall, Woodlands Road, Loughor
Local produce and crafts.
Contact details: Tony Davies, 01792 428 460

Mumbles Local Produce Market
Second Saturday of each month, 9am - 1pm
The Dairy Car Park, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles
Local produce market and a celebration of Welsh food.
Contact details: Robin Bonham, 01792 361 012

Penclawdd Local Produce and Craft Market
Third Saturday of each month, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Local produce market including fresh Gower vegetables, fresh fish and meat, dairy products, crafts etc.
Contact details: Dave Williams, 01792 850 162

Penllergaer Local Produce and Craft Market
First Saturday of each month, 9.30am - 1pm
Village Hall, Pontarddulais Road, Penllergaer
Gower salt marsh lamb, fruit and veg, cakes, artisan breads, chutneys, preserves and handicrafts.
Contact details: Sian Day, 01792 893 266

Pennard Local Produce Market
Second Sunday of each month, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Pennard Community Centre, Pennard
Local vegetable produce, fresh fish and meat, and dairy products.
Contact details: Mark Smith, 01792 232 093

Pontarddulais Local Produce Market
Second Wednesday of each month, 9.30am - 1.30pm
The Institute, 45 St. Teilo Street, Pontarddulais
Fresh local produce and crafts.
Contact details: Julie Rees, 01792 885 137

Sketty Local Produce and Craft Market
First Saturday of each month, 9.30am - 12.30pm
St Paul's Parish Hall, De la Beche Road, Sketty
Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meats and crafts.
Contact details: Dave Williams, 01792 850 162

And of course don't miss Swansea Market, (open Monday to Saturday), Wales' largest indoor market. A treasure trove of ingredients from local food producers, it's home to over 100 stalls where you can find everything from fresh produce, such as Gower cockles and laverbread, to unique gifts and goodies. Located at the heart of the city centre with entrances on Oxford Street, Union Street, from the Quadrant Shopping Centre and opposite St Mary's Church, open Monday to Saturday.