For a sporty break close to home, head to one of the UK’s best outdoor adventure playgrounds, Wales. Writer Donna Richardson makes two stops for an active holiday in Wales
Wales is a fantastic destination for an active family escape, where you can explore the mountains and valleys on e-bikes or on foot. When we decided to visit this beautiful part of the world, Wonderful Escapes (wonderfulescapes.co.uk), or Wern-y-Cwm Farm, near Abergavenny, leapt out at us. We wanted a break where we could reconnect as a family, so we hopped into our Toyota RAV hybrid electric plug-in, eager to explore the rural paradise. The first 46 miles of our 128-mile journey were offset, and two hours later, we arrived at a serene paradise owned by Laura Tenison MBE.
Laura bought Wern y Cwm Farm just before selling her business, JoJo Maman Bébé. Her assistant, Emily, and Ruby the dog, warmly welcomed us and showed us around the historic farm. Calmness struck me, highlighted by dolls in JoJo outfits and fresh flowers creating a home-from-home feel. Soon, Laura arrived with a wicker basket and invited us on a farm tour, where we foraged vegetables and herbs for supper and got to know the estate.
Nature’s home
We started at The Great Barn, then explored The Dairy and finally the impressive Farmhouse. With seven themed bedrooms designed by Laura, the property can accommodate 17-to-23 guests, featuring six bathrooms and a kitchen table for 28. Kids can run freely in the walled garden, and you can light a barbecue, relax in hammocks or soak in the tub while gazing at the lush landscape.
Tucked away on the Skirrid mountain, the farm offers breathtaking views across Monmouthshire to Gloucestershire and Bristol. The outdoor life is mesmerising, highlighted by a dip in the natural swimming pool, perfect for contrast therapy. The wellness facilities include a sauna, bucket showers, a greenhouse conservatory and spa treatment rooms. It’s a paradise for relaxation, where kids can engage in creative play at the outdoor theatre, build a den in the woods, jump on the trampoline or run through wildflower meadows.
Nourishing food
On our first night, we were welcomed with a freshly prepared meal, which we warmed up in our cottage kitchen. The cottage truly felt like home, with an enchanting garden perfect for painting or for practising yoga. That evening, I sat and watched the sunset. It was wonderful to hear the birds roost and to enjoy the silence of the night as the sheep bleated.
We awoke the next morning to a breakfast of warm croissants and coffee after which we went to nearby Abergavenny for shopping, and had lunch at The Grofield Inn where they offered a special menu featuring prawn tagliatelle.
When we returned, we enjoyed a swim in the pool and had a massage. Wonderful Escapes offers both fully catered and self-catered options, with plenty of nearby dining choices for every taste. That night, to celebrate the fact Laura had become a grandmother, we all visited the local pub, The Hunters Moon. Here we enjoyed a delicious Welsh beef burger and were tempted by the à la carte menu featuring small plates like lamb tartare, as well as larger dishes such as barbecue beef short ribs, washed down by wonderful local cider, Robinsons Flagon. Plus, if you like to stroll after eating, there was plenty of open countryside outside that’s perfect for walks and jogs. You can also visit Michelin-star restaurant, The Walnut Tree.
Hikes and bikes
The next morning we went to the spacious kitchen in the Great Barn, where Amelia cooked waffles while Laura prepared a delightful shakshuka breakfast, accompanied by sausages, bacon and eggs, for my family and our Olympic guests: Colin Jackson and Jamie Baulch and partner Cheryl Hicks. They accompanied us on a short walk from the farm to the national park, where you can e-bike or hike up a private track to the summit of the Skirrid. The Olympians introduced a dash of excitement as we tackled the mountain. At 400m, it isn’t massive, but for beginners like me, it’s somewhat more challenging to navigate from the farm up to the summit. So, Laura offered a thrilling tractor ride for Amelia and I. When we reached the final field before the top, standing at the edge of the Brecon Beacons, we felt on top of the world.
‘It was wonderful to hear the birds roost and to enjoy the silence of the night’
The next stop
The second part of our stay took us 50 miles down the road to the stunning Celtic Manor Resort. The vibrant atmosphere here was a sharp contrast to the tranquillity we had just experienced, full of people hurrying to and from activities. We eagerly sought out the action, too, which provided us with endless opportunities for fun.
Returning to our room, we unwound with a glass of champagne on the balcony, while Amelia enjoyed a hot chocolate and treats from the hamper, and cuddled the teddy bear from the hotel. The highlight of our evening was dinner at Pad, where we were treated to a fantastic beef rendang and pad Thai, followed by live entertainment in the Merlin Lounge.
We awoke the next morning ready for adventure golf on the 18-hole course, followed by archery and a jacket potato to recharge. We explored the forest nets, where we climbed, tumbled and tossed balls at each other – an exhilarating way to burn some calories – before a refreshing swim in the beautiful pool and wellness suite.
The next day, I hit the gym keen to try the state-of-the-art equipment. Finally, we had time for a delicious Sunday roast and a brisk walk around the grounds before heading home.
This active escape transformed our half-term, and I was completely blown away by the warmth and hospitality of the Welsh people, especially as we walked alongside two Welsh Olympic legends. Wales is something truly special.
Travel facts:
The Cider House is from £150 per night (sleeps up to 5), Dairy is from £580 (sleeps up to 12), Farmhouse is from £765 (sleeps up to 17). Visit wonderfulescapes.co.uk. Donna drove to Cardiff in a family-friendly Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which offers a pure electric range of up to 46 miles and could be recharged at the farm.
