Sunshine, history, and family fun: A perfect bank holiday at Margam Park

It was one of those rare bank holiday moments where the weather actually lived up to expectations—glorious sunshine, not a cloud in sight. As we all know, that's quite a surprise for a bank holiday in the UK, where it's usually a gamble whether you'll be dodging raindrops or soaking up rays. But this time, we got lucky. The forecast was promising, so we packed up the family and set off for Margam Park Country Park, just a short 40-minute drive away from home.

When we arrived, the first thing that hit me was how peaceful the park was. It’s one of those places that has something for everyone, and we had the whole day ahead of us to explore. We started by taking a stroll through the beautiful grounds, with the towering trees casting long shadows on the lush grass. The old monastery is tucked away on the grounds, and it’s such a fascinating place to explore. It felt like stepping back in time, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of the history and the stories these walls could tell.

As we wandered, the kids found their stride. There’s so much space here, and they were in their element, running off to explore different corners of the park. The vastness of the place, with its expansive lawns and wooded areas, meant there was always somewhere new for them to discover. I took a few moments to sit and just watch them run around, hearing their laughter echo through the park—it was blissful.

One of the highlights was the petting zoo. The kids absolutely loved getting up close to the animals. From the sheep and goats to the rabbits, they spent ages just watching and interacting. Of course, the animals were just as curious about the kids, and there were plenty of smiles and giggles as they fed and petted them. It’s always a joy to see the kids so fascinated by nature.

The miniature railway was another big hit. It’s a classic, and there’s something magical about riding a tiny train through the park. The kids were beyond excited to hop on board, waving at me as the train set off. The route winds through some of the most beautiful parts of the park, and it was the perfect way to take in the scenery without having to walk the entire length of it. The sound of the train’s whistle added to the charm of the day, and we all felt like we’d been transported to a simpler time.

Lunchtime rolled around, and we found a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic. We had packed sandwiches, fruit, and a few treats, and it was the ideal setting—sun shining down, birds chirping in the trees, and the sound of kids running around in the background. It’s funny how much more enjoyable food tastes when you're surrounded by nature and good company. After a leisurely lunch, the kids couldn’t resist a little more playtime. They ran off again, taking full advantage of the wide-open spaces. The fresh air and exercise had them full of energy, and I could see they were having the time of their lives.

By the time we decided to start wrapping up our adventure, the kids were absolutely exhausted. You could tell they’d had a fun-filled day; they were a bit sun-kissed and had that classic “I’m too tired to keep my eyes open” look. As we made our way back to the car, I could tell they were looking forward to a warm shower and a good night’s sleep.

For me, these days are a reminder of just how special it is to have a place like Margam Park nearby. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, take in the scenery, and just be in the moment with your family. A perfect way to make memories, recharge, and enjoy the simple things in life. We’ll definitely be back again.