Pembrey Country Park

Pembrey Country Park is a large country park near the village of Pembrey on the south coast of Carmarthenshire, West Wales, near Llanelli.

The Park consists of some 5.2 square kilometres of land, of which 2.02 square kilometres is open to the wandering public. With its coastal setting, there are numerous sandy beaches to the south with spectacular views of the north of the Gower peninsula. The inland areas of the park contain a number of visitor attractions.

Activities

- Cycling The park is a good venue for cycling and there are a number of narrow tracks for this purpose where there are fewer wanderers. It is also accessible via the Millennium Coastal Path/Celtic Trail. The Millennium Coastal Path and Celtic trail lead directly to the park, and within the park there is a large woodland area, and various routes through the park, that are narrow and designed for cycling. The Ski centre also hires Mountain bikes.

- Walking Just as the Cycling there are various routes to be taken, one included the famous St Illtuds walk. The visitors centre has a list of walks, and route cards can be purchased there. Dog walking is welcome, but owners are reminded to ensure dogs are kept on a lead, and all waste is picked up.

- Skiing The Ski Centre offers a dry ski slope for skiing and snowboarding, including a ramp and some on track obstacles to keep you on your toes. Or on the floor! The ski slope offers one of the most up to date ski facilities in Wales. The slope was opened in 1998 and is fully floodlit. The slope is around 130 metres, and also has a 40 metre beginner's area. The sprinklers keep things speedy and realistic and there is also a lift up to different sections of the slope.

- Toboggan ride The Ski slope has, built, around it a toboggan ride - "The Cobra"

- Cefn Sidan beach The only lifeguard patrolled beach in Carmarthenshire and winner of 11 out of 14 times of the Blue Flag beach award the 8-mile (13 km) long beach has been described as one of the best in Europe by some. During winter periods you can even take your dog down for a run, but remember to clean up after you.

- Golf There is a pitch and putt golf course available in the park. As you enter keep going straight and as you come to the brow of the second hill you will see the Golf Kiosk.

- Picnicking There are miles and miles of green grass available for you to sit down, relax and have a picnic. As well as a number of picnic tables throughout the park.

- BBQ There is a designated barbecue area at times at the park, but generally the rule is, no open flames, if in doubt speak to a ranger or call the visitors centre.

- Miniature railway Home of the only Miniature railway in Llanelli - the Llanelli and district model engines operate steam locomotives throughout the summer.

- Giant adventure playground Two big parks, one for the big kids, one for the little, and a large viewpoint with picnic tables to watch over your 'lil ones.

- Vast, lush green grass, perfect for playing Frisbee, sunbathing, relaxing, sports.

- Horse riding The park operates various horseback riding lessons and a large area to practise, contact the visitors centre for further information.

- Caravan and camping The Caravan Club operates just outside the main-gates of the park - call 01554 834369 as booking is essential. Inside the park camping can only be booked by groups of six or more vans or tents or a mixture of both and must be a bona fide organised group with public liability insurance covering at least £2m. Contact the visitors centre for further information

- Educational ranger service The park rangers have a great wealth of knowledge on the history, maintenance and facilities of the park and can operate a rangers guided tour, contact the visitors centre, ensure you book first.

- Historical features The park served as a railway, and an airport during World War II and bunkers and pill boxes still remain today on view.

See also

• WWT National Wetlands Centre
• Millennium Coastal Park

External links

• [http://www.peoplesplaces.co.uk/Pembrey_Country_Park
• Carmarthenshire County Council: Pembrey Country Park
• www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Pembrey Country Park