Welcoming Group Retreat, near Limeslade (384HH)

Set on the waterfront, this city is a great base to explore the South West of Wales and take in the culture of numerous museums and the many parks and gardens to choose from. There are a range of fun activities to choose from such as wind surfing and kite surfing, local beaches along the Gower Peninsula include Caswell Bay, Llangennith Beach and Oxwich Bay. The Clyne botanical gardens are perfect for a peaceful walk, Plantasia is also worth a visit, this rainforest in the heart of the city is home to a huge variety of tropical plants, parrots, monkeys and reptiles.

The Swansea Museum is the oldest in Wales, its exhibitions focus on the industrial and maritime history of the city. Also in the Maritime Quarter is the National Waterfront Museum. There is free admission to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, a fun and interesting day out for all ages with many of the items collected by Sir Henry Wellcome. The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has a diverse collection of photography and art from local artists.

Swansea has a large leisure complex with an indoor waterpark, surf machine, gym plus many more sport and play activities. Local public gardens and parks include Singleton Park, Cwmdonkin, Brynmill and Penllergare Valley Woods. Slightly further afield is the Carmel Nature Reserve. Mumbles is a great day trip, a pretty seaside town with Victorian pier and lighthouse. Oystermouth Castle is open seasonally and visitors can walk along the ancient ramparts which have amazing sea views across Swansea Bay.

Although smaller in size than other regions of Wales, this area still has a great selection of historical sites to visit and rolling countryside with a dramatic coastline. Perhaps best known for the impressive Brecon Beacons, this mountain range is very popular for those seeking an activity holiday with something to suit all, from mountain biking and caving to horse riding and star gazing events. The Vale of Glamorgan is worth a visit, with a 9 mile heritage coastal path not to mention the famous Barry Island with its vibrant amusement park which is all only a few miles from Cardiff.

Not just an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk combined can also boast having the most castles per square mile in Britain. In recognition of its revolutionary importance the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is now a World Heritage Site and has a fascinating collection of ironworks, mines and a national museum.

Cardiff is perfect for a day of shopping and sight-seeing. The varied choice of entertainment ranges from live music venues, guided tours and art events. For a peaceful walk or nature spotting trip then the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a beautiful and isolated place to unwind.