What’s on this summer in the Dramatic Heart of Wales

As the summer holidays are in full swing, families are on the lookout for exciting adventures that everyone can enjoy. The Dramatic Heart of Wales, Neath Port Talbot, has a jam-packed summer of family fun for all ages – perfect for music lovers, adrenaline enthusiasts and even furry friends.

Music Madness

The Dramatic Heart of Wales is gearing up for an exciting summer of music. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

• 27^th July: Pink Floyd Tribute at The Princess Royal Theatre
• 15^th – 18^th August: Gwyl Pontardawe Festival
• 23^rd August: The Magic of Motown at The Princess Royal Theatre
• 23^rd August: Cian Ducrot & ADMT at Margam Country Park
• 24^th August: Carl Cox at Margam Country Park
• Every weekend: Live music at Spring Valley Lakes

Wild Watersports

Families can make a splash in the Dramatic Heart of Wales by hiring pedalos, canoes, kayaks, and SUPs with South Wales Adventure Company in Neath, Spring Valley Lakes in Glynneath and Margam Park Adventure in Margam Country Park.

Surfing lessons are available to book at Aberavon Seafront with Surf School Wales ­– suitable for all abilities, from beginners to those wishing to perfect their technique.

Families can even embark on a star-lit adventure by night kayaking with South Wales Adventure in Resolven.

Here are the upcoming watersports events:

• 24^th, 27^thJuly & 3^rd & 13^th August: Canoe and Kayak Session with Margam Park Adventure
• 9th, 21^st August: Kids Half Day Surf Camp with Surf School Wales
• 23^rd July & 12^th, 13^th, 15^th August: Kids All Day Surf Camp with Surf School Wales

Family Fun at Margam Country Park

Margam Country Park promises the ultimate family day out. With its fairytale village, adventure playground, land train, farm trail, archery and alpaca walking ¾ there’s something for everyone.

Here’s the exciting lineup of family events:

• 21^st July: Summer Family Fun Day Out
• 4^th August: Jemima Puddleduck Outdoor Theatre
• 15^th August: ZooLab Speedy the Snails Summer Holiday
• 16^th August: International Bat Night
• 17^th August: Vintage Car Show
• 29^th August: The Great ZooLab Bug Hunt

Dog-Friendly Adventures

The Dramatic Heart of Wales is every dog’s dream. Owners and their furry friends can enjoy beautiful dog walks along the canals, rivers, waterfalls and seafront, and there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants such as The Brit Pub Cwmavon, Afan Lodge in Afan Valley, and Franco’s Fish Bar at Aberavon Seafront.

Margam Park Adventure and Afan Adventure Dog are also hosting special activities for dogs to enjoy:

• 27^th July & 3^rd August: Dog-friendly Canoe and Kayak Session with Margam Park Adventure
• 25^th August: Introduction to Dog SUP with Afan Adventure Dog
• 31^st August: Introduction to Barkour with Afan Adventure Dog

Mountain Biking Mania

Experience the ultimate mountain biking adventure at Afan Forest Park, home to the most extensive all-weather single track in Wales. With six incredible trails ranging from 7km to over 40km, and an extreme-graded bike park – there’s something for every biking enthusiast.

Margam Country Park, the venue for the 2023 Mountain Bike National Series, also offers diverse trails for all ages and skill levels. Spanning a total of 27km, these trails weave through the beautiful park and forestry roads.

Here are some of the cycling events this summer:

• 28^th July, 18^th & 20^th August: Mountain Biking Guided Ride with Margam Park Adventure
• 28^th July & 18^th August: eBike Guided Tour with Margam Park Adventure
• 11^th August: The Big Cycle

Sporting Action

Neath Cricket Club, renowned for hosting international teams and cricketing legends like Ricky Ponting – is once again hosting two Metro Bank One Day Cup matches this summer:

• 31^st July: Glamorgan V Nottinghamshire
• 2^nd August: Glamorgan V Sussex

Adding to the excitement, Dawn to Dusk Enduro, one of the biggest and best endurance race in the UK, returns to the the Dramatic Heart of Wales in Glynneath over the August Bank Holiday:

• 24^th & 25^th August: Dawn to Dusk Enduro Event

Golf enthusiasts are treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons, Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, Mumbles Head and the Bristol Channel at Pontardawe Golf Club. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a summer of golfing at this stunning location.

Surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, Cimla Equestrian Centre is hosting pony mornings for children over the age of 6 to experience the joys of owning a pony by caring for and riding the horses. Every Tuesday and Thursday of the summer holidays.

For an unforgettable summer holiday, plan a trip to the Dramatic Heart of Wales here.