There’s something magical about spending a day with little ones, especially when you can pry them away from screens and into the great outdoors. I recently had the joy of a full day with my adorable niece and nephew, and I was determined to make it count. No tablets. No telly. Just memory making, muddy boots, and a whole lot of giggles.
🕒 Time to read: 6 minutes
Go on a Unique Picnic
We kicked things off with a picnic, but not your average soggy sandwich on a blanket kind. This was a quirky little gem in Sketty, Swansea called The Picnic Bench. The moment we walked in, I felt at ease. It’s casual, colourful, and kid friendly (no one blinked when my they started a loud debate about ice cream flavours).
The decor? Adorable. Think pastel prints that scream 1950s diner meets Pinterest dream board. The colour palette was a dreamy mix of mint green, baby pink, buttercup yellow, and soft sky blue, like a scoop of retro Neapolitan ice cream. My favourite was a framed quote that read, “Eat cake. It’s somebody’s birthday somewhere.” Honestly, same.
There was a chalkboard wall with “hello” written in different languages, each one matching a themed picnic bench. The chalkboard stretched to the floor, so the kids could doodle while we waited. Genius.
And the details! Miniature everything: polaroid photos of past diners, tiny salt and pepper shakers, milk bottles for milkshakes. Even the benches were mini. It was like dining in a dollhouse, and I was here for it.
The kids’ meals came in two picnic bench options, each served on the cutest little wooden benches. The first option had crispy cod cubes, a cheese sandwich, and a choice of baked beans or peas on the bottom tier. The top tier was a treat parade: fries, a fruit pot, a chocolate cookie, a mini cupcake, and a milkshake served in a tiny glass bottle.
The second option (the winner of the day) featured meatballs in tomato sauce, mini cheese and tomato pizzas, and fries on the bottom; with jelly and ice cream, a fruit pot, a mini cupcake, and a milkshake on the top. Guess which one won? (Hint: it jiggles.)
Adults were spoiled for choice! Each picnic bench came with its own themed menu, turning lunch into a mini world tour. You could pick from Italian (think pasta, garlic bread, and tiramisu), American (burgers, hot dogs, wings, and cheesecake), Mexican (nachos, tacos, churros), Vegetarian (a colourful mix of veggie sliders, falafel, and fresh salads), British (classic fish and chips, sausage rolls, and Victoria sponge), and of course, a very patriotic “Welsh Dragon” bench, featuring local favourites like lamb cawl, Welsh rarebit, Bara Brith, and a mini Welsh cake. I love that they included a bench that celebrates Welsh flavours, it felt like a little edible love letter to home.
I went for the American Dream bench with classic cheeseburger, hot dog, fries, onion rings, wings, cheesecake, apple pie, mini cupcake and a milkshake. Yes, it was as tasty as it sounds.
When the food arrived on actual mini wooden picnic benches, the kids squealed. Their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. That moment? Pure gold.
The kids loved it, and even said so on their mini feedback form, which was just as adorable as everything else.
Visit Waterfall Country
With full bellies and happy hearts, we set off for Waterfall Country, it’s as magical as it sounds. For those who haven’t heard of it, Waterfall Country is a lush, forested area in the Brecon Beacons National Park (known as Bannau Brycheiniog) in South Wales. It’s famous for having several stunning waterfalls all within walking distance of each other, making it perfect for a day of exploring with little legs in tow.
Now, while it’s not technically in Swansea, it’s only about a 45-minute drive away, and it’s worth every mile. If you’re visiting Swansea or live nearby, it makes for a brilliant day trip that feels like a proper adventure.
The area generally includes:
- Four Falls Trail
- Henrhyd Falls
- Melin Court Falls
- Aberdulais Falls
We chose the Four Falls Trail and parked at Gwaun Hepste (CF44 9JF), a postcode I highly recommend, as others can lead you astray. Wellies on, raincoats zipped, and off we went to chase some waterfalls.
There’s something about waterfalls that just fills your soul. The sound, the smell of the forest, the mist on your face, it’s like nature’s spa day. And yes, there’s actual science behind why waterfalls make us feel good (something about negative ions giving us positive vibes, go figure!).
Our first stop was Sgwd Clun-Gwyn (which means “fall of the white meadow”). We heard it before we saw it; thundering and powerful. The kids wanted to climb to the rocky viewing point like the daredevils we saw. I said a firm “nope” and handed out snacks instead.
© BCH Camping
Then came my favourite: Sgwd-yr-Eira (which means “fall of snow”). You can actually walk behind this one, and because it had rained recently, it was in full dramatic flow, like something out of a fantasy film. We got absolutely soaked. The kids shrieked with laughter as the spray hit us from all angles. “It was so worth it!” they yelled, referring to the long trail we’d hiked to get there… before running back through the spray again and again.
© Visit Wales
We only managed two of the four waterfalls, but that was enough. No one asked for a screen. No one complained. We just soaked up the moment, literally and figuratively.
It’s All in the Detail
From pastel prints to polaroid walls, from jelly giggles to waterfall whoops, it’s the little things that made this day so special. I’d love to return in winter to see the waterfalls frozen in time, with icicles glistening like fairy lights. Imagine the same trail dusted in snow, with hot chocolate in hand and rosy cheeks all round!
So if you’re planning a day out in Swansea, pack your wellies, bring your appetite, and don’t forget to look for the magic in the details. Because as we say here at Teacups and Glitter, it’s all in the detail.
Have you been to The Picnic Bench or explored Waterfall Country? I’d love to hear your favourite spots or tips. Pop a comment below and let’s swap stories!
And if you’d like more ideas like this straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe. I’ll be sharing a winter version of this adventure when the frost rolls in, so keep your eyes peeled for that sparkle!
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