No Gruffalo grumble from Jessica in magical Wales
GRUFFALO trails, fairy gardens, giant bouncing pillows, castles, dragons and glistening coins… you’d be forgiven for thinking we were on the set of a children’s TV adventure show.
But no, my husband Tom and I travelled to the Welsh Valleys with our four-year-old daughter Jessica for a budget break.
Pontyclun is a vibrant village in south Wales, 13 miles north-west of Cardiff. With castles, coastlines and beaches galore within a short drive, it provides the perfect base for our family getaway.
Eager to squeeze everything into a few days, we set off early on a bike ride. Fittingly, our first port of call is Porthcawl, a small town set upon one of the largest sand dune ranges in Europe.
We pick up our bikes and bike buggy frXomXXPXoXrtXhxcaxwxxl xBxike Hire, before headXixnxgxoff on what I assume will be a gentle cruise along the Welsh coast.
How wrong I am. “Faster mummy, faster!” screams our little thrill-seeker, until we stop – exhausted – for a spot of rock-pooling and a picnic lunch, to prepare for sand-dune sledging.
Just 15 minutes inland, the village of Merthyr Mawr is home to Europe’s biggest sand dune, the 200ft Big Dipper.
The walk to the top is a challenge but the effort is worth it to see the views at the summit. I take a moment before boarding my sledge for the descent.
The following day, we take it easy with a trip to Caerphilly Castle. The medieval fortress is everything a small child thinks of when you say “castle” – a majestic, sprawling, magical place where adventure awaits around every corner.
Our final destination and, for us, the best value, is Mountain View Ranch. Set in 100 acres, with attractions including a giant jumping pillow, fairy forest and a Gruffalo Trail, it provides entertainment for an enchanting day out.
Running wild is what kids love to do the most, especially if there’s a chance of a bumping into the Gruffalo and pals.
Our base was Lanelay Hall, a former Victorian mansion situated at the base of a mountain locally as The Smaelwg.
This grand hotel conceals a contemporary and luxurious interior, with 17 individually-styled rooms. On our first evening, we have monkfish and “grown-up fish fingers” in the dining room.
Breakfast also turns out to be a great experience, with the fresh croissants getting Jessica out of bed.
A popular place to eat is Fullbrook’s Bistro on Pontyclun’s high street. The children’s menu is exceptionally varied. Main dishes start from a reasonable £10.95. Or try La Luna. This AA Award-winning brasserie and cocktail lounge is one of south Wales’ best-loved independent restaurants.
Early bird deals are available Tuesday to Thursday, 5-7pm and Friday, 5-6.30pm.