Coolest Welsh Destinations To Visit During This Heatwave

Well summer has well and truly struck this week, with the heatwave looking set to make this the hottest June since 1976. To make the most of this weather, Wales offers some idyllic and beautiful locations where you can enjoy the sunshine and cool down at the same time. From hidden beaches, waterfalls and adrenaline fuelled activities – Wales has it all.

Hidden Beaches

Skrinkle Haven, Manorbier

Accessed by a long flight of steps and a lengthy climb you’ll see why Skrinkle Haven is worth the effort. Although the beach has become popular for all kinds of activities including surfing, coasteering and boating, it still evokes a feeling of being largely unexplored which is why it’s so appealing!

Porth Iago, Aberdaron, Gwynedd

This small, picturesque bay of sand is backed by a grassy bank and sits in a cove defined by the headlands of Dinas and Graig Ddu. Its sheltered location makes it perfect for sunbathing and swimming, as well as watersports including sea kayaking and canoeing. The rocky headland is popular with anglers, although many visitors come simply to enjoy the Porth Iago’s white sands and clear blue waters.

Wild Swimming

Bluepool Corner, Gower Peninsular

This is one of the best plunge pools in Britain, scoured out of the rocks by wave-driven eddies that tumbled giant cobbles in its depths. There are no roads leading to the beach but this location is perfect for wild swimming with views as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the glistening water and escape from everyday life.

The Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire

West of Porthgain – a pretty harbour village with restaurants, pubs and galleries, another hidden gem for sea water swimming is Abereiddi’s famous Blue Lagoon. A disused quarry long since breached by the sea to become an inland lake. The quarry’s old wheelhouse provides three platforms for leaping into the deep blue abyss below – a famous rite of passage for local swimmers and visitors alike. Jump right in and cool down!

Please note: When wild swimming, take a moment to acclimatise to the water temperature and make sure you have someone watching you to provide cover. Also make sure you have a call to help. For more information and full safety guidelines use the below links:

http://www.adventuresmartwales.com/en/key-messages/

https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/is-it-safe/

Waterfalls

Swallow Falls, Snowdonia

Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy in Snowdonia is hard to beat when it comes to picturesque waterfalls. Surrounded by woodland walks and carpeted with rare mosses and ferns, there are viewpoints on each bank bringing you face to face with the rushing water. At the heart of Devil’s Bridge you will find the spectacular 90m (300ft) Mynach Falls, then hop on the Vale of Rheidol Railway which travels the scenic 12 miles between Devil’s Bridge and Aberystwyth.

Sgwd Gwladys (Lady Falls)

Lady Falls is a very pretty cascade named after a mythical princess called Gwladus. The graceful waterfall falls into a 10m (32ft) deep, large plunge pool set in beautiful woods, perfect for escaping to a tranquil setting and where you can enjoy relax and cool down for hours in the summer.

Activities to Explore

Dolphin Watching, Cardigan Bay

There’s something truly special about seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, and Cardigan Bay offers one of the best wildlife-spotting vantage points there is. Not only is it home to the UK’s biggest pod of bottlenose dolphins, but you might also be lucky enough to encounter seals, porpoises, basking sharks and even orcas. To get up close and personal, take an organised tour with A Bay to Remember, available from March through to October weather and tide depending.

Check out Wales’ top dolphin spotting destinations here!

Stand-up Paddle Boarding, 360 Swansea

Navigate your way around the fresh seawaters of Swansea on a stand-up paddleboard. On flat water, paddle boarding allows you to explore the sea from above and catch the rays whilst in action.

Sessions at 360 Swansea start from March 2018 after closing in the chiller winter months and prices start from £15.00 per person.

http://360swansea.co.uk

Coasteering

Wales is the ultimate destination for coasteering and the perfect way to experience Wales’ coastline at close-quarters. Pioneered in Wales, it is a blend of rock-hopping, shore-scrambling, swell-riding, cave-exploring and cliff-jumping for the ultimate aquatic adventure. Yet en route you will discover wildlife and beautiful scenery too. Some of the best locations include TYF St Davidsand Preseli Venture, Mathry.

For more information on Coasteeing: http://www.visitwales.com/things-to-do/activities/watersports/coasteering

Alternative Cool Down Spots

Llechwedd Slate Mines

Cool down and travel into the belly of Llechwedd’s mountain for a true audio visual show and learn all about the history of the mines. Head back in time and experience the iconic sounds which defined the last century and a half. The extraordinary light projection and enhanced reality technology show will blow your mind away and watch out for the explosive special effects!

www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk

King Arthur’s Labryinth

Head underground to this mysterious visitor attraction and really cool thing down. Sail through the cascading veil of an underground waterfall and discover a magical place where tales from the mists of time are retold. A cool down place with a difference, tales of fiery dragons, colossal giants, fierce battles and the legendary King Arthur. Also hidden within the densely wooded mountains is an abandoned Welsh slate mine full of old relics and mining stories –explore and feel it come to life with Corris Mine Explorers.

www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

Ice Cream Stop Off Spots

Forte’s Dairy Ice Cream

Situated in the popular seaside town of Llandudno, Forte’s Ice Cream Parlour is a must visit – especially during the heatwave. The Forte family have been making ice cream for 85 years, starting in the mountains between Rome and Naples and now in their restaurant in the North of Wales. Flavours include classics such as vanilla and something a little different like Turkish Delight and Jammie Dodger ice cream. Plus they serve more than the average scoop of ice cream loaded sundaes, crêpes and fruity ice cream fondue – an Instagram dream!

 http://www.fortesicecream.co.uk

Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour

Joe’s Ice Cream Parlours are dotted across all of Wales; Swansea, Mumbles, Cardiff, Llansamlet and Llanelli.  From traditional cones and sundaes to layered ice cream cakes and soda floats – this is the perfect pit stop on a hot day! They even make ice cream cakes to order for all occasions. Flavours include Chocolate Heaven, Peanut Buttercup and Caramel Fudge and serve 8-10 people – a great birthday alternative or an ideal sweet treat to celebrate the heatwave (any excuse!)

www.joes-icecream.com

Cadwaladers Ice Cream

The Cadwaladers Ice Cream story began in 1927 where they made their closely guarded secret recipe for vanilla ice cream from the window of their Criccieth general store. Now still using the same recipe, the family offer their famous vanilla amongst other popular flavours.  They make amazing ice cream cones, which are available as gluten-free and can be topped with flakes, hundreds and thousands and many more sweet treats to pick you up after a long hot day. Or if you would rather opt an indulgent tasty treat enjoy a Knickerbocker Glory, sticky toffee pudding or Welsh cake sundae – they look truly delicious.

https://cadwaladers.co.uk/

Llanfaes Dairy

Llanfaes Dairy in the heart of the Brecon Beacons produce the finest artisan ice creams. They are committed to incorporating wholesome and natural produce using locally sourced fruit, milk and cream. There’s over 40 flavours to try including a selection of cheesecake flavours, Welsh honey and seasonal variants which include mince pie and figgy pudding! It doesn’t end there, there’s also a wide range of ice cream cake on offer – perfect for after a summer barbecue.

http://www.llanfaesdairy.com/

All Image Credits: © Crown copyright (2017) Visit Wales