Whats a really nice area to stay in South Wales?

[humptyNdumpy]

But isnt expensive?

We are open to all types of accomodation. Not going till September. It will dh, dd (17 months) and myself and maybe the dog if we are allowed

Whereabouts in South Wales?

It's quite a big place

The Gower, lots of lovely beaches. I don't know about accomodation because I used to live their, but there are loads of B&B's on the Seafront in Swansea. Mumbles is a lovely village there is bound to be somewhere reasonable to stay there.

We live in Reading and dont want a really long drive, just a couple of hours - does that narrow it down?

South West or South East?

In two hours you might get to the Gower or try Tenby, that's nice.

if you don't need a beach you could try underthethatch though not all the houses allow dogs.

this link is better as it gives you pics of the houses they have.

The Gower is lovley
Tenby is fantastic with loads to do for little ones, Folly Farm is good value.

September is a good time to go to Tenby area, far less crowded and parking is easier.

Try these for Welsh cottages and also these. Although I've only booked through owners direct for France and Florida I've always been happy.

Oooh Gower - definitely. Try www.homefromhome.com for Mumbles/Gower rentals.

With a 17 mth old I would probably stick to South/Mid Gower or Mumbles...We stayed in North Gower last year but found we had a fairly long drive to get anywhere we wanted to go.

Alternatively, Pembrokeshire has some lovely beaches - try www.coastalcottages.co.ukor www.farm-cottages.co.uk

I would second Tenby and the Gower. They both have some amazing beaches - google Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay in the Gower and Barafundle and Broadhaven South near Tenby. I would say Tenby has that little bit more as it is also near Folly Farm mentioned by MM which is fab for kids of all ages and it has THE most fantastic ice cream parlour where your DD could get a sundae bigger than her if she so wanted. The beaches at Tenby are also beautiful but can get crowded though in Sept you should be fine as long as the kids have gone back to school

Not as far up as the Gower (I think?) but Southerndown beach is lovely, and has a great sort of tide-out beach with loads of warm wading/sitting pools among the flat rocks which would suit your lo. Loads of flat sand. And there's a castle there too, and another within a short drive, is it Oxwich? Southerndown is so sweet. Tiny old fashioned shop selling tea and ice creams and buckets and spades.

I would third Tenby. Have been there many a time as a child myself and with my DC's and am returning in the summer with a 5 yrold and a 17 month old. The Gower is absolutely stunning but there is more to do in the Tenby area. Some beautiful beaches (Broadhaven South is my favourite, Barafundle more stunning but tricky with kids and pushchairs etc.). Folly Farm is a great day out and within half hours drive of tenby there is lots to do. Try a company called coastal cottages of pembrokeshire, they have quite a wide variety and have used them several times and all properties have been lovely. I am technologically illiterate so can't post a link but you should find them easy enough. Good Luck and I hope you enjoy Wales.

I meant Ogmore Castle..

We had an absolutely wonderful holiday with our then 3 year old at this place www.holidaybungalow.co.uk. Direct beach access from the site.. and what a beach! Miles of golden sand and rock pools to boot. Really stunning. Easy to get to other places of interest in the Gower and into Swansea if the weather is unkind. There's still availability in late September and it is only £190 per week.

and it's the second largest sandy beach in S Wales apparently plus it was in Doctor Who

although I think most places in south Wales have been in Dr Who by now

If you only want a couple of hours from Reading though, I'm guessing South East Wales so perhaps up Wye Valley / Crickhowell / Brecon Beacons kind of way. No beaches (obviously) but lovely countryside and the odd nice village.

What kind of holiday are you looking for?

I did want a beach TBH for dd

I would ditto Tenby or the Gower
Both with beaches etc

Fair enough, you just need to head further west than Swansea then. Gower is stunning beaches and countryside and not much else. Or over as far as Tenby for buckets and spades (and more stunning beaches) Loads of family stuff over Tenby way.

no, Southerndown is south of Bridgend and Porthcawl

about 40 mins from Cardiff which is about two and a half from Reading?

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to investigate Tenby and Southerndown. Money is tight so depends which I can cheaper

another vote for Tenby - the beaches are great and the day trip by boat to the Monks Island is lovely. There is loads to do there and the kids will love it!