Red Roses Park

Red Roses Park sits just outside Whitland in Carmarthenshire, a proper slice of South Wales countryside that doesn't get nearly enough attention from visitors. It's a nature reserve - the kind of place where you'll spot woodland birds, walk among native trees, and genuinely feel like you've stepped away from things for a bit.

The reserve works best for walkers and anyone who wants a quiet couple of hours in the Welsh countryside without the crowds you'd get at more famous spots. Birdwatchers will have their binoculars out straightaway. Families with younger kids might find it a touch limited if they're expecting play equipment or visitor facilities - it's really just the reserve itself, which means you get peace but not much else.

We'd suggest allowing two to three hours to properly explore the walking paths. The terrain's gentle enough that you won't need special gear, though proper walking shoes beat trainers after rain. Spring and early summer are your best bet for birdlife and wildflowers, though it's lovely in autumn when the woodland changes colour.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Cowpots Camping is closest at just under two miles, or Woodland Vale if you want something slightly further out - Red Roses Park works perfectly as a morning or afternoon break from the caravan. It's free to access, which helps when you're juggling a week's worth of entertainment costs. The reserve pairs well with coastal trips to Pendine if you're after a mix of nature and beach.