Swansea Bay, Gower Peninsula & Brecon Beacons

Enjoy a relaxing break on the glorious sweep of Swansea Bay, staying right on the seafront at Aberavon, one of Wales’ longest sandy beaches. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to enjoy the beautiful views across the bay or maybe treat yourself in one of the ice cream parlours, traditional pubs or cafes. Enjoy a day out on the glorious Gower Peninsula (Y Gŵyr), the 15-mile thumb of land which was designated the UK’s first official AONB in 1956 and a take ride on a heritage railway through the handsome rural landscapes of the Brecon Beacons.Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After boarding your holiday coach, head to the South Wales coast with a stop en-route in the historic walled border town of Chepstow which sits on the Welsh side of the River Wye. Arrive in Aberavon for your 4 night stay with breakfast and dinnerDay 2 – 4 - At leisure in Aberavon with two included excursions and one optional excursionINCLUDED EXCURSIONS:

Mumbles & Gower Peninsular
Start the day on the other side of Swansea Bay in Mumbles, the ‘Gateway to Gower’ and much-loved seaside retreat of Swansea dwellers. Full of character with its lighthouse and famous Victorian pier, a visit to Mumbles is a charmingly old-fashioned delight – plenty of independent boutiques and quirky galleries too. You will be joined by a local guide who will take you on an exploration of the peninsula, a world of its own, pointing into the Bristol Channel. The region is fringed with sweeping yellow bays and precipitous cliffs whilst bracken heaths dot the interior where tiny villages, castle ruins and curious churches can be found.

Stop at the Gower Heritage Centre, a rural life museum with a 12th century water powered mill, cider press and artisan craft shops. Enjoy a Welsh cream tea before heading back to the hotel.Brecon Beacons & Mountain Railway
All aboard the Brecon Beacons Mountian Railwaywhich runs from Pant, 3 miles north of Merthyr Tydfil, to Torpantau following part of the route of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway which closed in 1964. The journey takes you through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservior before climbing toTorpantau high in the Brecon Beacons. The return trip lasts about 90 minutes with a stop by Pontsticill station and Reservoir and time to visit the locomotive workshop at Pant station.

Then take a scenic drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park which encompasses some of the finest and most varied scenery in Southern Wales. Hills of grass and rock tumble and climb around river valleys that lie between sandstone and limestone uplands, peppered with lakes and villages. Make a stop in Brecon, the picturesque market town in the Usk Valley famed for its Georgian architectureOPTIONAL EXCURSION:

Porthcawl
Located on Glamorgan's Heritage Coast, Porthcawl is all about traditional seaside fun. Just behind the seafront Esplanade, you'll find an exciting range of independent shops and cafés, alongside high street brands. On the harbour is the RNLI station and Wales' oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, which is now a bustling waterside spot with cafés and restaurants. Make a stop at Bridgend's excellent McArthur Glen Designer Outlet where you will find all the brands you love at over 80 high-street and designer stores plus plenty of places for a coffee or a snack.Day 5 – After breakfast head homewards with plenty of Welsh memories. Arrive in your hometowns early evening.Beachfront Hotel

Aberavon Beach Hotel, Port Talbot
Located on the Aberavon beachfront with views across Swansea Bay, the 3* Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel offers good facilities and comfortable accommodation just 7 miles from Swansea.

The redecorated guestrooms all have satellite TVs and free WiFi. Leisure facilities feature a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. There is a sun terrace with indoor and outdoor seating, a modern restaurant and a lounge bar.

There is a lift to all floors.