Gower Fresh Christmas Trees

Rows of Nordmann firs stretch across the hillsides here, their bright green needles catching the winter light. This working Christmas tree farm sits in the countryside between Swansea and the Gower Peninsula, where families come each December to choose and cut their own festive centrepiece. The experience is properly old-school - you'll get a saw, wellies are essential, and expect to get muddy.

Children absolutely love the hunt for the perfect tree, though toddlers will tire quickly on the uneven ground. Most families spend about an hour here, including the obligatory photos and the slightly chaotic business of getting your chosen tree back to the car. The owners are helpful sorts who'll net your tree and give you a fresh cut at the base.

Timing matters - arrive early in December for the best selection, but don't leave it too late or you'll be stuck with the straggly specimens nobody else wanted. It's a lovely tradition that beats the supermarket car park hands down, though the trees aren't particularly cheap.

For families staying at nearby sites like Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park or Nicholaston Farm, this makes a proper festive outing. The farm sits well within reach of the Gower's beaches, so you could easily combine tree-hunting with a coastal walk if the December weather plays ball.