With the current climate you don’t need to cancel your summer holiday plans. Why not choose a staycation this year over jetting abroad.

We’ve compiled a list of the very best places to visit that’s on your doorstep and enjoy the ride by booking your minibus with us and enjoy the very best prices and comfort.

Snowdonia

Visit the stunning National Park, home to Wales’ highest mountain.

If hiking up Snowdon doesn’t take your fancy, there’s a train which will take you all the way to the very top. Enjoy the most spectacular views Wales has to offer whilst enjoying a warm coffee in their mountain top cafe. Before making your way to the summit, enjoy Llanberis Station and the picturesque village of Llaneris. The station also has a fully licensed Station Buffet, Platform Grill, Bakery and gift shop so you can take a little memento home.

Visit Snowdon

Portmeirion

Created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion was slowly built from 1925 and finally completed in 1976.

Clough created the village in the style of an Italian village, and wanted to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. 

Take in the architectural heritage, stunning setting and sub-tropical gardens with guided walking tours, land train around the gardens and plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to enjoy. They even have their very own spa!

Visit Portmeirion

Anglesey

Anglesey is the largest Welsh island and offers stunning landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages to explore.

There’s plenty to discover from the island’s rich culture and heritage, gardens and unusual ‘moonscape’ landscapes that are home to hundreds of plants and wildlife. Perfect for lovers of wildlife with much of the coastline being declared as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For the outdoorsy person, Anglesey is perfect with a choice of activities to explore the island from walking, cycling, kayaking and more.

Visit Anglesey

Zip World

Although technically not based in one place, Zip World is the perfect destination for those thrill seekers.

Based at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bethesda and Betws-y-Coed, there is plenty of activity to get your heart racing. Here’s a brief breakdown of each site and the thrilling adventures you can get up to.

Blaenau Ffestiniog – Zip World Slate Caverns

Do you dare try exploring Caverns? Fly, climb and traverse your way through a unique underground course in a slate mine disused for the past 200 years.

If the Caverns are a step too far, enjoy an enormous underground trampoline park. Jump and slide your way through the disused mine on the best playground ever!

Take on Titan! Sit back and zip away as you fly down Europe’s largest zip zone! Take on 3 zip lines and soak up the amazing quarry views.

Bethesda – Zip World Penrhyn Quarry

New to Zip Worlds if their Quarry Karts. Gear up for a gravity-fuelled adventure and take on the UK’s only mountain cart experience. Travel down the Penrhyn Quarry mountains, alongside the world’s fastest zip line and enjoy the incredible views of the Snowdonia mountain range.

Want to take a break from all that adrenaline. Submerge yourself in the rich history of Penrhyn Quarry on their Penrhyn Quarry Tour. Relax and enjoy the ride as you’re driven around the famous site, and soak up the magnificent panoramic views.

Prepare for BIG RED, the largest mobile zip in the world. Perfect for those younger thrill seekers. Fly up to 270ft alongside your friend and see the views of the quarry lake.

Take on the fastest zip line in the world! Velocity 2 allows you to travel at speeds of over 100mph while you take in the breathtaking views below.

Betws-y-Coed – Zip World Fforest

Perfect for the whole family, try the Fforest Coaster with one kilometer of gravity driven twists, turn and thrills. Take it slow or speed through the forest, you are in control.

Think Bounce Below, but 60ft up in the trees. Treetop Nets has the longest net walkway in Europe and ages 3 and up can take part in the fun.

Fancy a challenge? Take on Zip Safari 2 and soar your way through the forest on zip lines, and tackle obstacles at every twist and turn.

For the little ones, let them take on Tree Hoppers which is a smaller version of the Zip Safari 2. See them zip, hop, balance and bounce through the woodland playground.

Feeling brave? Pull the trigger and send you and your friends flying through the forest on Skyride 2, Zip World’s giant swing! Set 80ft in the air, this is definitely one for the thrill seekers.

Still got some adrenaline left to spare? Try Plummet 2, yet another world first as you drop through a trap door over 100ft high. It’s the closest thing to free falling.

If you are looking to visit one or more of the Zip World’s sites in one day, each site is a 30-40 minute drive away.

Visit Zip World

Looking to get away and see the very best Christmas markets Europe has to offer?

We’ve put together the best markets in Europe ranging from the oldest to the largest.

Münchner Christkindlmarkt Munich, Germany

27 November – 24 December 2019

Münchner Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest traditional markets in Europe.

Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the market takes place on maienplatz, Munich’s main square.

Retaining it’s traditional Bavarian character, you’ll find stalls offering hand-painted glass baubles, nostalgic paper pictures, home-brewed beer, traditional German sausages, stollen and more. 

Enjoy live advent music every evening at 5:30pm from the balcony of the Town Hall. 

To finish the evening, why not climb up St Peter’s Church Tower after sunset to see the spectacular views of the markets after dark.

www.muenchen.de/int/en/events/christmas-market.html

The Old Viennese Christmas Market Vienna, Austria

16 November – 23 December 2019

One of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe, The Old Viennese market takes place in front of the City Hall, with 150 stalls selling traditional mementos, decorations and gifts.

Try the Weihnachtspunsch – a delicious spiced punch and melt-in-the-mouth Viennese pastries as well as plenty of other festive treats on offer.

Had your fill of shopping? Try your hand at curling, ride a reindeer or skate around the 3,000 square meter ice rink.

For the little ones, there’s a Children’s World, which offers a carousel, reindeer train and light installations within the park with festive advent music performed on the square from 4pm daily.

www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/markets/christmas-markets

Prague Christmas Markets, Cech Republic

30 November 2019 – 6 January 2020

Although there’s plenty of markets around Prague, the best is in the heart of Old Town.

With a giant Christmas tree at the centre, you’ll find rows of colourful huts selling everything from wooden toys, candles, jewellery as well as Medovina, a honey wine which is a must try.

Other popular food on offer includes large hams roasted on spits, barbecued sausages, Hungarian flatbreads and plenty of sweets and cakes, such as spicy gingerbread and pancakes.

Take a trip down to Wenceslas Square market to see a classic nativity scene with lots of carol signing and treats like hot sugar-coated pastries. 

www.pragueexperience.com/events/christmas-markets.asp 

Strasbourg Christmas market, France

22 November – 30 December 2019

Visit France’s ‘Capital of Christmas’, the oldest Christmas market in Europe. Which looks like a real-life nativity scene at this time of year. 

Wander around the 300 traditional market stalls centered around the city’s central squares and enjoy authentic Alsatian gifts and food such as the almondy, fruity, brioche-like Kugelhopf.

Don’t miss out on the Christmas market tour which takes you behind the scenes of the artisan’s workshops. You’ll see how the traditional Bredele Christmas cookies are made and get to design your very own Christmas ornament.

https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/accueil 

Take the stress out of driving and let us take you to Bristol or Cardiff airport for your winter getaway.

Book today with Swansea Bus & Coach and start planning your festive trip!

One of the best things about Christmas is wandering around the Christmas markets.

Whether it’s buying unique gifts or taking the children ice skating, we’ve compiled a list of the top Christmas markets to visit in the UK. Covering everything from traditional markets to festive fairground fun.

Edinburgh Market

16 November 2019 – 4 January 2020

Next to the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh’s Christmas market turns East Princess Street Gardens into a festive Santa Land. There’s plenty to do from the mini-train ride, Christmas-tree maze and more for both little ones and adults.

Enjoy a calendar of shows, performances as well as light and music displays. If you’re looking for a new year get away, enjoy the world-famous Hogmanay street party to see the new year in.

If that wasn’t enough, wander around the many gift and food stalls, including pop-up bars. Why not finish the evening by taking a ride on the Ferris wheel for spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.

www.edinburghschristmas.com 

Chester Christmas Market, Cheshire

16 November – 22 December 2019

Looking for a bit of Christmas Nostalgia? Enjoy over 70 wooden cottages all wrapped in decorations surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre.

There’s delicious mulled wine, locally produced festive food and beautifully handcrafted gifts.

Relax and feast upon a hog roast bap and enjoy some real ale from the bar.

www.visitcheshire.com/whats-on/chester-christmas-market-p223731

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

7 November – 23 December 2019

If you were hoping to explore the iconic Christmas markets in Germany but couldn’t quite make it this year, then Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is the next best thing.

Birmingham’s internationally-renowned Christmas market is inspired by its twin town of Frankfurt and the bustling market is the biggest German Christmas market outside of mainland Europe.

Mainly based around Victoria Square, you’ll find picturesque wooden lodges selling everything from gifts and decorations to arts and crafts.

Enjoy some thoroughly German food including schnitzels, bratwursts, gluhwein (mulled wine) and weissbeer (wheat beer). 

Looking to take a break from shopping? Why not view Birmingham and the stalls from above in the Big Wheel or test your skating skills at Centenary Square’s ice rink?

www.thebfcm.co.uk

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

21 November 2019 – 5 January 2020

Enjoy six exciting weeks of winter festivities with free admission and more entertainment than ever before.

With over 100 rides and attractions, there’s something for the whole family.

Looking for Christmas gifts? There’s over 200 traditional German chalets with The Angels Christmas market offering handmade crafts including candles, wooden toys, Christmas decorations, jewellery, ceramics and more.

Hyde Park’s Christmas spectacular features ice skating, carols, rides, Santa Land and the Ferris wheel to see the festivities from above.

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Book today with Swansea Bus & Coach and start planning your festive trips!

Looking for some spooktacular events this Halloween? Whether you’re looking for some family friendly fun or something a little scarier, we’ve compiled 10 spooktacular events to get your scare on this Halloween.

Great for Families

1. A’scare’ium – Bristol Aquarium

Discover what’s lurking in the depths this Halloween with gruesome facts and fun tales leaving you with a new fondness for deep sea creatures and all their creepy cousins!

Get hands on making your own fish slime and craft yourself a deadly Lionfish headdress! Take on our mini tours of the scariest underwater creatures like spider crabs, piranhas and eels – and don’t forget to spot the sunken pumpkins on your way around!

From Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November. Bristol Aquariums A’scare’ium is open 10am-5pm with last entry at 4pm.

Enjoy group entrance discounts for Bristol Aquarium when you book your mini bus or coach with Swansea Bus for 15 people or more.

www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/mc-events/ascareium/?mc_id=169

2. Spooky Halloween – Folly Farm

Something spooky is happening at Folly Farm, join them if you dare! With a scarecrow trail, Spooky craft activities in the Halloween Hideout and a spooky magic show!

Bring along your little monsters for a fun-filled day out, the Spooky Halloween event is every day from the 19th October – 3rd November.

Swansea Bus and Coach has partnered with Folly Farm and offering discounts starting from 38% on group entry tickets when you book a mini bus or coach for 15 people or more with us! 

www.folly-farm.co.uk/whats-on/spooky-halloween/

3. Halloween Nights – St Fagans

It’s time to bring your little goblins and ghouls to the Museum for a night of Fright-fully good family fun!

Meet a host of ghostly guests, knock on the doors if you’re brave enough and see who’s home. Each night the Wicker Man will burn. Celebrate as summer turns to winter and make a wish as the sparks fly. With spooky stories, creepy craft workshops and a chance to make your own special magic spell there’s plenty to entertain the whole family.

The Halloween Nights will be running from the 29th October – 31st October. 6pm-9pm.

www.museum.wales/stfagans/whatson/10583/Halloween-Nights-/

4. Underworld Halloween – Dan Yr Orgof

Deep underground in Dan Yr Ogof Cave the annual Halloween experience takes place. Will you be brave enough to take the sweets on offer from skeleton creatures and enjoy the caves in all their spooky glory with witches flying, ghouls and ghosts around every corner.

Book with us and enjoy discounts from 20% on group bookings to Dan Yr Ogof.

www.showcaves.co.uk/halloween.html

5. Spooktacular – Oakwood

Beware! You’re in for a scare! Oakwoods Spooktacular is back again with new attractions for 2019!

Get your scare on during the 19th and 20th October, then everyday during the half term holidays.

Looking to take the fear factor up a notch? Spooktacular Bites Back is not for the faint hearted, the late night scarefest is back again on the 26th and 31st of October.

If you are looking to book a trip for 15 people or more, enjoy savings from 43% on group tickets at Oakwood when you book a mini bus or coach with us.

www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk/events/spooktacular/

6. Halloween Underground Cinema – Cardiff Castle

Looking to sit down and watch a good scary movie? Cardiff Castle are bringing back the Underground Cinema for a whole host of Halloween movies. With classics such as Scream, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Friday the 13th and others, there’s something for everyone.

This frightfully fantastic line-up will be running from the 30th October – 2nd November. Just make sure to book quickly as some have already sold out! 

www.cardiffcastle.com/whats-on/2019/10/30/halloween-underground-cinema/

Teenagers and Adults only

7. Fear Scream Park – Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park is bringing back Fear Avon Valley Scream Park for its 6th year!

Voted the UK’s Best Scream Park based in Keynsham Bristol, the multi-award winning event has a range of attractions, immersive street theatre and even a fire, laser and light show!

With a new attraction this year it’s perfect for scare fans, although this event may be too scary for children under 12 and those who are under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Fear Scream Park will be running from 6pm-11pm October 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 30th, 31st and November 1st and 2nd.

www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/fear-scream-park/

8. After Hours: Creepy Carnival – Techniquest

Techniquest isn’t just for the kids, join the Creepy Carnival and explore two floors of exhibits featuring the Science of Fear dome, Cardiff Cabaret Club and fully licensed bar. 

Fancy dress is optional but you could win two tickets to the next after hours event if you are the best dressed!

This event is for adults and for one night only on Thursday 24th October from 6:30-10pm.

www.techniquest.org/events/after-hours-creepy-carnival/

9. FearFest Evil – The national diving & activity centre

Based just outside Chepstow and only a 45 minute drive from Cardiff is FearFest – Evil, the ultimate Halloween Scare Experience. 

Strictly for those aged 16 years and over, enjoy an immersive horror experience set around an abandoned railway line, disused quarry and forgotten woodland. 

If you survive the twisted forest, house of horrors and hangman’s swing there’s live entertainment, refreshments and cafe bar to calm your nerves and dance the rest of the night away.

FearFest-Evil is available October 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th and 31st from 6:30-10:30pm. 

www.fearfest-evil.co.uk/

10. X Scream – The Welsh Mining Experience, Rhondda Heritage Park

For the 3rd year running, X Scream – Once Upon A Time comes to Rhondda Heritage Park. After being nominated for the prestigious SCAR Award as one of the UK’s top horror attractions, the new adventure promises to be more grotesque than ever!

This fully immersive and interactive experience will feature actors, special effects and sudden shocks as you navigate the buildings, underground tunnels and outdoors in the dark.

The recommended age is 16+ (if accompanied by an adult, 13-16 year olds will be admitted but bad language, gore, special effects and adult content are to be expected.  Strictly NO under 13).

X Scream will be running for 11 nights from 18th-21st and 25th-31st October from 6:30-10:30pm.

www.x-scream.com

Swansea Bus and Coach has partnered with Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, one of the hottest family attractions in Pembrokeshire, to offer our customers discounts starting from 38% on group entry tickets to the Welsh attraction. 

Book a mini bus or coach for 15 people or more with us and enjoy big savings on your entry tickets to Folly Farm for some all-weather fun, all-year round.  

On booking with Swansea Bus & Coach, you will receive a special code allowing you discounted prices when you book your tickets through Folly Farm directly, offering an excellent value day out for all. 

Situated just north of Saundersfoot and Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo is rated one of the top 10 zoos in the world. 

Animal lovers can see Wales’ only giraffes, as well as zebras, Bactrian camels, bongos, lemurs, meerkats, tapirs, Barbary macaques, squirrel monkeys and the critically endangered black rhino Dakima, one of the rarest animals in the world, who recently made headlines as she announced her pregnancy! You can also meet Madras, Massala and Peshwari, Folly Farm’s newest Humbolt penguin chicks. 

For more animal fun, head inside into the Barn where you can hear animal talks and even hold some of their barn animals. Check out their daily activities including times of all the shows here. 

There is also a beautiful indoor vintage funfair at Folly Farm featuring 17 classic British rides and a large indoor play area featuring soft play, slides and climbing structures – great for all ages.

Back outside, there is the Big Wheel and Carousel Woods, which features an enormous wooden climbing structure, with slides, tubes, climbing nets and rope walks.  Families can also enjoy a land train ride around the park with the vintage themed tractor and trailer ride. 

There is something for everyone, whatever the weather, at Folly Farm.  

Find out more by visiting the Folly Farm website here

It’s never too early to start planning your Christmas trips so why not book a day trip to the Bath Christmas Markets with Swansea bus & Coach.

With 150 chalets spread across Bath’s Georgian streets showcasing the very best local makers and designers. You’ll be sure to satisfy your Christmas shopping with unique presents from handcrafted jewellery to homeware and personalised gifts. You’ll also find plenty of food stalls to whet your appetite from hog roast, caramelised nuts and delicious aromatic mulled wine to wash it all down.

Spread over 18 days this years Markets will take place from Thursday 28th November – Sunday 15th December. If you’d like to see who will be there and find out more information about this year’s Market you can do so here www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.

There’s plenty of activities for the whole family such as Bath On Ice. Get your skates on and enjoy a trip around the ice rink, or perhaps Glow in the Dark Mini Golf at Bath’s famous mini golf course! This year Bath On Ice will take place at Royal Victoria Park from Friday 15th November – Friday 3rd January. Check opening times and prices at www.bathonice.com.

If you truly want to take in all the sights of Bath and the Christmas Markets, the Bath Abbey Tower tour is the perfect opportunity to view the spectacular Roman city. The fully guided tour takes between 45-50 minutes in which you will go behind the scenes and see the Abbey from a completely different perspective. You’ll visit the ringing room, bell chamber and even stand on top of the Abbey’s fan vaulted ceiling. Once at the top, you’ll have the best vantage point in Bath with views across the city and beyond. Tickets can be purchased on the day from the gift shop.

If the 212 steps to the top of the Tower doesn’t excite you, every Saturday The Abbey puts on an informal Christmas Carol service with traditional carols every hour from 1pm to 5pm, lasting around 20 minutes. Find out more here: www.bathabbey.org. 

History buffs – the Roman Baths are your go to destination. See the preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world and the unique thermal springs that still flow with naturally hot water. Come face-to-face with history by meeting real roman characters and ask them anything you want! During the winter months the Roman Baths will be open from 9am to 5pm daily, tickets vary but you can get family deals and student and senior discounts. You can save 10% by pre booking online, find out more here: www.romanbaths.co.uk.

If you’d rather relax before the Christmas chaos, Thermae Bath Spa is the perfect place to relax and refresh. You can enjoy Britain’s only natural thermal waters and choose from over 40 spa treatments and packages which includes a ticket to the Roman Baths, two hour spa session and a voucher for a three course lunch or Champagne afternoon tea in the Pump Room.

This package is £86 per person for lunch and £90 for the Champagne afternoon tea, click here to book www.thermaebathspa.com/treatment-prices/spapackages/package/spas-ancient-modern/. There are also other packages available from as little as £49 per person, find out more: www.thermaebathspa.com.

Book today with Swansea Bus & Coach and start planning your festive trip to Bath!

Discounts from 20% on group bookings for Dan Yr Ogof when you book your trip with us at Swansea Bus and Coach.

If you fancy a little adventure and an exciting day with family and friends in South Wales then you will want to visit the stunning Dan yr Ogof, National Showcaves Centre for Wales.

Located in the Swansea Valley, South Wales, Dan-yr-Ogof cave is a 17-kilometre long cave system beneath the countryside of south Wales which was first discovered in 1912 by three local brothers.

Not only can you explore the stunning caves, if you’re a dinosaur enthusiast like Ross Geller from Friends then you can discover the largest collection of life-sized dinosaur models!

Or if you love a little history step back in time and experience the recreated Iron Age village and stone circles.  For animal lovers why not visit the Shire horse centre and if you’ve still got bags of energy pop along to the fun playgrounds.

Dan yr Ogof is the perfect destination for a family day out, with plenty to keep both children and adults entertained!

Open from 10.00am, with tickets available throughout the day until 3.00pm (3.30pm during Welsh school holidays)

To take advantage of these rates call us on 01792 586605

Enjoy group entrance discounts for Bristol Aquarium when you book your mini bus or coach with Swansea Bus for 15 people or more.

Once you have booked your transport with us we will give you a special code to give Bristol Aquarium.

Once booked get excited to discover the wonders of the deep in their colourful aquarium, right in the heart of Bristol. Explore more than 40 naturally-themed displays and spot the thousands of amazing aquatic creatures, including tropical sharks, rays, seahorses, puffer fish, piranhas, and so many more. Wander through their underwater tunnel to watch the marine life swim over your head.

Bristol are the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house, called Urban Jungle where you can discover hundreds of exotic plant and tree species from around the world.

Bristol Aquarium is the perfect day trip for birthday parties, school trips, friends and family days and Swansea Bus can organise a mini bus for smaller groups.

Check out the Summer Rays until 1st September!

Find out more here: https://www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/

This summer, the science centre is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landings! There’s new shows, trails and even robots to check out.

They look at rocket power and the dangerous ride to the moon, explore the invisible dangers of space and even follow the Apollo missions’ explorations of the lunar surface.  A great day out in any weather!

www.techniquest.org

Massive music

July is an incredible month for music in Singleton Park with Pete Tong presenting his Ibiza classics on 27 July and Jess Glynne rocking the city on 28 July.

Festival fun

Kicking off the summer holiday festivals are the Rum & Reggae Festival at Brangwyn Hall on 20 July and the Beach Sculpture Festival on 23 July on the Gower Peninsula. Brangwyn Hall is also hosting Swansea Bay’s Beer & Cider Festival from 22-24 August.

Entertaining the little ones

Catch Zog at the Swansea Grand Theatre on 23 July, or take the kids to celebrate Pirate Week at Gower Heritage Centre from 27 July to 4 August. On 13 August, Plantasia will be welcoming Dinosaurs in the Jungle or head to Oystermouth Castle on 26 August for Prince & Princesses Day.

Something a bit different

Whatever your interests, you are sure to find an event for you from the fantastic Mumbles Raft Race on 11 August and Wales’ Biggest Summer Craft Fair at Liberty Stadium on 4 August to the world’s biggest butterfly survey – the Rhossili Butterfly Hunt – on 28 July.

Whatever you want to do, and wherever you want to go, this summer, don’t forget that Swansea Bus & Coach can get you there and back with incredible value mini buses and coaches.

* All information correct at time of publishing. Please check with venue before travelling.