50days: #1 Llanelli WWT Wetland Centre

Llanelli WWT – view from a hide on the Millennium Wetlands

Just 35 minutes from our Gower B&B, Llanelli WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) was the perfect day trip on a sunny spring morning. I say spring – it was 15th February but the mild weather and abundance of daffodils made it feel more like late March… quite welcome after the months of drizzle!

Although we love our home – especially after the huge refurbishment that transformed our seaside B&B into something akin to a mini boutique hotel – we have been housebound for far too long this winter. As soon as a little row of sunny icons beamed across the weather app on an idle Monday, we were off, racing into the glorious sunshine, free from those cumbersome layers of Goretex. It was literally dazzling as we zoomed around the north Gower coast, skirting the salt marshes of the Burry Estuary to arrive at the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre in time for coffee and cake.

Llanelli WWT Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre is full of information and  friendly advice on how to make the most of your time. There is a shop, child-friendly cafe, maps and guides, binocular hire and viewing tower. It’s also the place to check the What’s On board for the day’s programme of family-friendly activities: we couldn’t resist the Puddle Jumping Championships which were in full swing for February half term.

Llanelli WWT Highlights

• A huge range of bird hides dotted all over the Millennium Wetlands giving everyone a chance to gaze peacefully out over the tranquil haven
• Caribbean Flamingos – getting close to these colourful characters teetering on one leg
• Water Vole City and the Swan’s Nest Maze – endless fun for small people
• The lofty Viewing Tower with a panorama over the beautiful landscapes of Burry Estuary and marshes
• Hand-feeding the birds – bird food on sale in visitor centre

Guided Activities at Llanelli WWT

• Daily ‘Guide-in-the-hide’ sessions
• Monday Munchkins – seasonally themed activities for toddlers from 11am every Monday in term time
• Weekend and Holiday activities vary seasonally but include pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, den building, crafts, downy duckling days, canoe safaris and bike trails.

Llanelli WWT Need to know:

Open – 9:30am-5pm each day (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Directions – Llwynhendy, Llanelli, SA14 9SH

Contact – 01554 741087

Website – www.wwt.org.uk/llanelli

Follow – twitter @WWTllanelli or facebook /wwtllanelli

Accessibility – buggy and wheelchair friendly

Costs – Adults £9.20, Children (4-16) £5, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £25.75