Swansea arena coastal park (2)

Swansea coastal park, Copr Bay – everything you need to know

by with No Comment Family lifeSwansea & South Wales

The new Swansea coastal park at Copr Bay opened recently, along with the digital arena, and I went for a walk around to find out what there is to do and see there.

If you’ve not been down yourself yet, here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Swansea’s new coastal park?

The coastal park in Swansea is right next to the new digital arena in the city centre, on Oystermouth Road.

There’s a new multi-storey car park underneath the coastal park, so you can easily drive there for a visit or catch a bus to the Quadrant shopping centre and walk over from there.

How do I get to Swansea’s coastal park?

If you park in the new multi-storey car park then there are a few staircases and a lift that lead straight up to the coastal park.

If you’re visiting the park from town then you can use the new gold bridge over Oystermouth road to get there.

There’s also a staircase and access ramp up to the park from Oystermouth road.

What is there to do at the coastal park? What play equipment is there for the children?

There’s loads to see and do as you wander around the coastal park, which is about the size of a football pitch (1.1 acres).

Right by the new arena are 2 wooden climbing frames, one a bit bigger than the other so children of different ages can enjoy them.

At the other end of the park is another little play area with a seesaw and three of these bouncy/balance things.

In the middle of the park is possibly my favourite feature, the water play area.

There’s a pump that the children can use to get the water going, and it then flows under the path to the second section with dams that you can open and close to move the water around.

I think this part of the park will be a huge hit in the summer!

Towards the top end of the park by the arena there’s a shiny new table tennis table, so come prepared with bats and a ball to have a game or two.

One feature that’s a lot of fun is the trio of crazy mirrors, perfect for taking silly selfies with your kids. And a bit further into the park is a lovely wooden musical instrument for children to get creative with.

One thing that’s really great about the coastal park is that it’s full of little details to discover as you walk around, like this giant game where you have to get the balls in the grooves and the chess board for anyone fancying a game in the fresh air.

Swansea coastal park facilities

There will be public toilets at the bottom of the access ramp on Oystermouth road.

In the park itself there’s lots of green spaces for playing and loads of different styles of benches and wooden seats for anyone wanting a sit down.

Some of the benches have these solar panels built into them which will power charging points that anyone can use to charge their phones and laptops.

The Green Room

At the arena end of the park is The Green Room – the new café from the team who run the really popular Secret beach bar.

The Green Room is open for breakfasts, brunches, and lunches during the day, and then switches to being a pre-gig venue by night, with a performance area for live music, poets, and comedians.

The new Swansea coastal park is well worth a visit, whether it’s just for a wander round or to let the children explore and have fun with all the little play areas.

Have you been to have a look around yet?

What’s your favourite part of the new park?

stunning places to visit on a trip to the Cote dAzur

7 stunning places to visit on a trip to the Côte d’Azur

by with No Comment Travel

There are so many stunning places to visit on a trip to the Côte d’Azur that after one trip there you’ll be wanting to head back year after year.

With flights from London to Nice taking just over 2 hours you can be taking in the beautiful sights before you know it.  And arranging a place to stay is just as easy when you use an Ebooking site to sort it all online.

You won’t want to get too comfortable at your hotel though, once you know all the amazing places nearby that you can visit.

 

Here are 7 stunning places on the Côte d’Azur that you won’t want to miss.

 

1. Antibes

Antibes is a town between Nice and Cannes, with so much to offer.

Head to the old town to mooch around the markets, visit the historic cathedral, explore the Picasso museum, and pick from the huge number of places to stop for food.

Or if you’re looking for a taste of luxury then you can visit the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc for lunch or hire a yacht for the day from the marina.

 

2. Biot

Up in the hills above Antibes is the small fortified medieval village of Biot.

The village has a long, interesting history that you can learn all about at the Musée d’Histoire et de Céramique Biotoises (the museum of the history and ceramics of Biot.

You can get even more culture by visiting the Fernand Léger Museum – the only museum in the world dedicated to the local artist.  Then head over to La Vierriere de Biot to watch the glassblowers at work and buy some stunning glassware to take home with you.

3. Fréjus

Fréjus is another place on the Côte d’Azur with a lot of history to discover.

There are parts of the cathedral that date back to the year 400, making it one of the oldest Christian sites in France, and making the site somewhere well worth visiting.

There’s also a whole load of Roman history to discover in the town, from the aqueduct to the amphitheatre.

And when you’ve taken in all the history you can manage, you can enjoy the town’s gorgeous beaches.

 

4. Menton

Menton might not be as well known as some of the other spots on the Côte d’Azur but it is absolutely worth a trip.

The town is part of France now, but in the past it’s been claimed as part of Italy and part of the principality of Monaco.

Menton has a lovely mild microclimate, which makes it perfect for all the plants and flowers that grow in the beautiful gardens there.  The Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical garden in particular is worth a wander around, with over 1500 types of tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean plants.

 

5. Grasse

Grasse is a town in the hills north of Cannes that is famous for being a hub for fragrance makers.

If you’ve ever wanted to know how perfumes are made, and maybe even have a go at making your own signature scent, then you need to pay Grasse a visit.

 

6. Route Napoléon

Something a bit different, the Route Napoléon might not be an obvious destination but it is well worth a visit when you’re in the area.

It’s the route that Napoléon took in 1815, running from Antibes and north up to Grenoble.  It would take around 7 hours to drive the whole stretch, but you can get an incredible experience by just driving some of the way along.

The route is often described as one of the best driving experiences in France, and it is an incredible way to see the area.

 

7. Dolceacqua

If you’re happy to travel just a little bit further afield on your holiday, then you absolutely should head to Dolceacqua.

It’s a medieval village in the hills of Val Nervia, in Italy.  And it is a place you’ll never forget.

Once you arrive in Dolceacqua you’ll see the bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, that leads you into the oldest parts of the village.  This is where you can happily get lost in the narrow streets, stumbling across sights like the the old castle and the stunning church, as well as art galleries and artisan workshops and wineries.

 

The Côte d’Azur has always been a hugely popular holiday destination and it’s really not hard to see why.

My family have been going there for years and I have so many amazing memories of visiting all these different places, both as a child and as an adult.  I’d love to take my own children there at some point, to share some of these experiences with them.

Each spot along the coast has something special to offer and you can always find something new to discover each time you visit.

 

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post 

Planning winter escape with your bike

Planning a winter escape with your bike

by with No Comment Family lifeTravel

You might think of winter as a time to set the bike aside and drive instead. You may be surprised, then, to learn that many bikers regularly ride all the way through the coldest months of the year.

Depending on where you live, winter months can either be extremely harsh or completely mild. In either case, a good fat tire beach bike or hybrid can take you wherever you need to go.

Here’s what’s great about planning a winter escape.

Getting out in the colder months

Just because the weather is changing doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need exercise. Getting outside can keep you happy, healthy, and free of illness.

Though it can take a little trial and error to figure out exactly what to wear, there’s no reason not to bike to the park or trail.

If you’re feeling a little ambitious, a longer trip may be just what you need to break out of your winter blues. 

 

Making your seasonal escape

A “winter escape” usually means taking at least two days to bike at a relatively distant location. Perhaps you prefer to bring your ride to a cabin in the mountains or bikepack between campsites.

Urban and suburban areas too are perfect for making an escape. Just find a place to stay, pick the attractions you want to see, and plan a route.

 

Being able to travel on any terrain

If you want to travel on rough terrain, steep slopes, or frozen ground, the best thing you can do for yourself is pick up the right ride.

A fat tire can add both traction and stability. Electric bikes for women or men can increase your range and let you power up difficult slopes when you run low on energy. There are currently plenty of affordable models, so there’s no excuse for riding a dud.

 

Feeling the crisp winter air

Once you get used to it, feeling the cold air on a relaxing ride can be one of life’s great pleasures. Of course, traveling in cold weather does require more gear than traveling in summer or spring. The key to biking comfortably in the cold is layering properly and covering exposed skin.

As you pedal, your body naturally heats up. When you layer, you can simply remove articles of clothing that aren’t necessary. As you cool down, put them back on. Because windburn can take a serious toll on your skin, try to cover your hands and feet other extremities with nonporous clothing items made from leather or another tough material.

For your face, bring a neck gaiter and a good hat.

If you’re looking to get away from a busy winter work schedule, you can do little better than taking a quick getaway with your family or friends. Though they can take a little forethought, cold-weather trips are often even more rewarding than traditional summer ones — just remember to keep safety in mind and equip yourself with the best men’s or womens bikes for sale.

 

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

reasons to visit the beach in winter

6 reasons to visit the beach in winter

by with No Comment TravelWellbeing

One of the things I love about where we live is being able to pop to the beach whenever we want to.

And while the coast is gorgeous in the warm, summer months, there’s something I really love about visiting the beach in the winter.

Whether it’s Christmas breaks in Cornwall or brightening up January with a trip to Brighton, you can’t beat the coast for a holiday destination in the colder months.

If you need a bit of convincing though, here are 6 reasons to visit the beach this winter.

reasons to visit the beach in winter

1. You could have the beach all to yourself

The cold weather doesn’t quite attract the crowds to the beach the same way hot, summer weather does.

So if you do head to the beach in the winter there’s a good chance you’ll have the place to yourself. And there’s something about wrapping up warm and strolling along a deserted beach that’s good for the soul.

2. You can most likely take your dog with you

A lot of beaches let dogs on the sand during the winter months when the beaches are quiet.

So if you have a dog in the family take the chance to mix up your walks with a trip to the coast.

3. You’ll sleep better

Have you ever noticed that you seem to sleep really well after spending time at the beach?

A study carried out for the national trust found that people who went for a good walk along the coast slept, on average, 47 minutes longer than those who didn’t. In contrast, people who did a similar walk inland only slept 12 minutes longer on average.

4. It can help you feel calmer

The soothing sound of the waves at the beach can help calm our brain wave frequency, and even put us into a gentle meditative state.

Spending five minutes watching the waves and listening to the sounds of the water can leave you feeling much calmer. And the benefits are easier to get in the winter when there are no crowds to drown out the sounds of nature.

5. The sea air will boost your mood

That lovely salty air at the beach is full of healthy negative ions, which help to boost our ability to absorb oxygen as well as balance our serotonin levels.

Serotonin is the feel-good chemical that regulates our moods and boosts our sense of wellbeing and happiness.

6. It’s a great way to get some exercise

On a cold winter’s day you won’t really want to stand around for too long at the beach, and walking on the sand is great exercise for your whole body.

If you want to you can take things a step further and go for a cold-water swim.

A study on cold water therapy found that immersing yourself in the water on a chilly winter’s day can boost your dopamine (the happy hormone) levels by 250%.

Do you love going to the beach all year round, or do you normally only visit during the summer?

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

fascinating facts about the northern lights

7 fascinating facts about the northern lights

by with No Comment Travel

The northern lights have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, and visiting somewhere that I can see them for myself is absolutely on my bucket list.

You can see the aurora borealis from various places across the world including Norway, Iceland, Canada and Greenland.

One amazing way to go and see them would be on an Ambassador Cruise Line northern lights cruise, either around Norway or Iceland.

For a trip to see the northern lights in Iceland, consider securing some trusty transport first. Cozy Campers has a fleet of campervans designed for chasing the lights as far as you can possibly and safely go and marvel at them in the comforts of your vehicle.

If you don’t know much about this stunning phenomenon, here are 7 fascinating facts about the northern lights.

1. They were first named by Galileo Galilei

Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei named the phenomenon the Aurora Borealis back in 1619. Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn, and ‘borealis’ is the Greek word for north.

2. They were recorded a long time before Galileo named them

Galileo may have given the northern lights their name, but they were observed and documented long before he came along.

There are records of the northern lights being seen in China in 2600 B.C, and some believe that the lights are depicted in the cave paintings of Cro-Magnon man, in about 30,000 BC.

3. Each light display is different

Every single display of the northern lights is unique, so you’ll never have the same experience of them twice.

The lights are caused by gas particles in the Earth’s atmosphere colliding with charged particles from the sun’s atmosphere.

Variations in the way the particles interact mean that the light displays are different every time.

4. You can sometimes hear them

You might expect the aurora borealis to be silent, and for the most part you’d be right. But at times of maximum aurora activity you can sometimes hear clapping and crackling sounds, that are similar to what you can hear during a thunderstorm.

Some people also report hearing whooshing sounds when they see the northern lights, and scientists haven’t quite worked out yet why this might be.

5. Earth isn’t the only planet with northern lights

The aurora borealis aren’t unique to our planet.

Astronomers have also witnessed northern lights on Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

6. They can be seen from space

The astronauts on the International Space Station have filmed some stunning footage of the aurora borealis as they pass by it while in orbit.

Seeing them from this different viewpoint is just incredible and a sight I don’t think you could ever get bored of.

7. There are some fascinating myths and legends about the northern lights

  • Some North American Inuit tribes believed the northern lights are the spirits of dead people who are playing football
  • Other Inuit tribes believed they represent the spirits of dead animals
  • In Estonia is was believed that the aurora borealis were horse-drawn carriages bringing celestial guests to a wedding
  • A Norse legend is that the lights are reflections from the shields of the Valkyries and that they acted as an archway into Valhalla

Did you already know all these facts about the northern lights? If you didn’t already want to go and see them for yourself, has reading this made you change your mind?

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

things to do in Southern California this winter

5 things to do in Southern California this winter

by with No Comment Travel

As incredible as Southern California is during the warmer months, it’s also amazing during the winter.

If you don’t like huge crowds of people, winter is the ideal time to visit SoCal. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of things to do when the summer bustle and activities are through.

Here are five great wintertime activities to do in Southern California this year.

 

Southern California in the winter

Southern California is different from much of the nation because it really doesn’t experience winter in the traditional sense (the valleys don’t experience white-out conditions), but there are still fun wintertime activities to enjoy here.

If you’re determined to experience elusive snowy conditions in SoCal, you’ll need to head to the mountains. The higher peaks do get some snow. But chances are, if you’re visiting Southern California in the winter, you’re most likely trying to get away from the snow where you live. So with that in mind, here are the best activities to do during the winter season in SoCal.  

 

What to do during the winter season in Southern California

This list is by no means a comprehensive sampling of all the things you can do in Southern California during the winter season. However, it is a fairly diverse list of activities that can entertain people of all ages. Choose your favourites or tick off every activity in this list during your next wintertime SoCal trip.

  • Private Boat Charters

A private boat charter is a great way to enjoy Southern California’s balmy winter weather. People book private San Diego boat charters for everything from weddings to family reunions and corporate events. With great food, drinks and entertainment, boat charters are sure to become treasured memories for all involved.

  • Whale Watching

If you’ve never been whale watching, it’s time to give it a try! Next Level Sailing whale watching is an exciting experience that allows you to see the largest mammals in the world up close. Winter is the ideal time for whale watching in SoCal and you have a great chance of seeing a lot of whale activity during this season.

If you’re interested in whale watching in La Jolla, hop online and book an excursion. It’s a great activity for a birthday, anniversary, or other celebration.

  • Night Hikes

Night hikes in the Southern California mountains are very enjoyable. Be sure to bring warm clothing, though, because the temperature can get as low as 30⁰ F in certain areas!

  • Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is open year-round and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In December and January, Yosemite is not quite as busy as it is during the other seasons, but it is absolutely breathtaking. The snow-capped mountains create a beautiful backdrop to the lush green growth in the valleys.

  • Huntington Beach

If you’re in the mood for shopping and social interaction, head to Huntington Beach. It has a mild climate year-round and has many different activities to offer during the winter (including kayaking trips, shopping, fishing, and surfing lessons.

For the most part, the weather in Southern California is mild and beautiful during the winter. There are endless things to do, so book your vacation now!

 

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

things you need to know about Irby

5 things you need to know about Irby

by with No Comment Travel

Irby is known for being surrounded by incredible natural beauty. This place has everything a person truly wants in a village. The best thing is that it comes up with all the needed amenities you want adjacent to you. The beauty of this village also increases when combined with incredible education institutes locally, excellent markets, and so on making it an ideal investment for landlords.

What makes Irby special and unique? Let’s check out the prominent 5 things adding more value to this village. 

 

Rich history which makes its citizens feel proud

This lovely village is known for holding rich history indeed.

Here, you can find a variety of historical landmarks. Irby Hall was established in the 17th century, and in 1962, it was determined to be a Grade II listed building.

Because of its glorious history, its citizens feel so special and proud while talking about it. Irby Lettings agents can also help you to know more about it. 

 

Churches to keep you spiritual

Visiting religious places can leave us filled with positive vibes. In Irby, there are many beautiful Churches to worship. In 1934, Irby Methodist Church was built which is also regarded as an evolution of the previous one called “Tin Chapel” established in 1881. 

 

Best educational institutes add excellent value to this city

When it comes to knowing about Irby, the significance of the best schools cannot be ignored.

If you consider a guide to Irby, there are many educational institutes in this city including Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar Alford, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle, Skegness Grammar School, Boston High School, The Boston Grammar School. 

These schools are known for their incredible syllabus and curriculum and therefore students from outside of the city also keep enrolling in these schools. A city having the best schools already makes a special image since it shows how the young generation is being trained. 

 

To get beautiful morning and evening stroll

The beautiful parks and walks also keep attracting people towards Irby.

Whether it is about the dog walkers, hikers, adventures, or having quality time with families, Thurstaston Common, and Royden Park are regarded as the best ones.

The rare plants and animals will make anyone fall in love with them. If you want to explore excellent views of the Wirral from the top, Royen Park is ideal to explore. People living in this village don’t need to travel anywhere when they want to see beautiful parks and go on walks to find some mental peace. 

 

Delicious food and drinks

Food and drink are what we cannot imagine our life without. Irby has a variety of traditional pubs to have great food on weekends/weekdays and chill with the family. The rustic charm will make you feel connected with it so quickly. Bordering Greasby is also ideal to have drinks and real ales. 

 

Because of these above-mentioned reasons, Irby is regarded by the locals as the best place to live. Easy commutes and other amenities keep attracting people all around the world. Whether you want to live or only invest in a property, this area will rule your heart indeed.

 

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post