We have just returned from a wonderful break in South Wales staying at Willow Springs Campsite in the heart of the Afan Valley. It has been a couple of years since we last visited South Wales where we enjoyed a week long break in our T5 camper exploring Pembrokeshire with friends. This year we headed to Neath Port Talbot, a hub for outdoor activity offering world class mountain biking, surfing and an abundance of trails and waterfalls and a great destination for a family friendly break.
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camping in south wales: Willow Springs Campsite
Willow Springs campsite is a small, family run eco- campsite located in the heart of the Afan Valley, near Port Talbot in South Wales. We stayed here for three nights and it is a beautiful, small and peaceful campsite offering an ideal base to explore the area.
The campsite offers 10 camping pitches ( non electric) in a rural setting all with parking and suitable for a campervan, motorhome (upto 25ft) trailer tents, standard tents, and day vans. If glamping is more your things- Willow Springs has three Shepherds huts available to rent.
Willow Springs campsite facilities
The campsite has three private bathrooms, washing facilities, an eco friendly laundry and drying area, dog wash, bike wash, sheltered cooking area, undercover recycling, and free wi-fi around the reception area.
Is Willow Springs family friendly?
Children are most welcome at Willow Springs, and it is a beautiful and quiet environment for families. There is so much to do in the local area, with an abundance of trails, waterfalls, parks, and hidden wonders. Margam Park is an absolute gem of a place and only a short drive away from the campsite, If you have very small children, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times, as the campsite is in the middle of a valley, so you need to ensure you are watching your little ones to ensure they stay safe.
Camping with Covid-19 regulations
The thing I get asked a lot is how are the campsites adhering to covid-19 regulatons? There are some campsites that are working really hard to maintain the safety of staff and visitors. The reules and regulations are quite simple. Maintain 2m social distancing at all times, use the hand sanitisers provided. No visitors are permitted. If you have any covid-19 signs and symptoms – stay at home!!! The facilites were extremely clean throughout our stay, and the other guests were all mindful of each other which is extremely important.
Marc provided a wonderful indiction at the beginning of our stay to ensure we were all clear on the rules, regulations to protect yourselves and others. He was always on hand to answer any questions, concerns or offer advice throughout the stay.
Things to do nearby
There is so much to do in the area you really wont be disappointed! Port Talbot offers an abundance of outdoor activites for all of the family to enjoy.
There are a huge number of walks, trails and cycle trails nearby with Afan Forest park nearby with some brilliant family friendly cycle routes. We took to Rookie trail guided by Ben at Afan Valley Bike shed who was absolutely brilliant, with his extensive knowledge, patience and coaching to ensure the whole family enjoyed the trail.
If you love a beach, then I can highly recommend a visit to Aberavon Beach. Aberavon Seafront is one of Wales’ longest sandy beaches. Aberavon Seafront also serves up numerous cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants and takeaways. It is a beautiful beach and extremely quiet when we visited.
Margam Country Park, set in 1,000 acres of parkland is a brilliant day out for all of the family. Margam Castle is the backdrop and you will be able to meander alongside the 18 century restored orangery and the reuins of the 12th century Margam Abbey.
The kids loved Fairytale land the well equipped playgrounds, not to mention paddleboarding and go karting before returning to Willlow Springs campsite for tea and toasted marshmallows.
You may also find our activity holiday post helpful
For more information head over to Dramatic Heart
Disclosure; We were invited to stay at willow springs campsite in return for our honest coverage and collaboration with Port Talbot Tourist board.