Indoor & Outdoor Playing & Socializing
We are very fortunate to have plenty of open space here, where children can enjoy the freedom of running around without parents having to worry about the danger of cars and traffic. Cars are only allowed into the farm-yard for loading and unloading on Saturdays (or in exceptional circumstances), and the main reason for our imposing a 10 mph speed limit on the track, down to 5 mph nearer to the homestead, is for the safety of the children.
We passionately believe that playing and socializing are essential to enable children to grow into happy, successful and decent members of tomorrow's society. That is why we have developed Cwmiar Farm Holiday Cottages to what they are now - a paradise for little people.
Children like to make new friends and at Cwmiar Farm holiday cottages they can do that very easily. Sometimes, both parents and children make friends with another family and come here several years running to enjoy their holidays together
The Clubhouse
Some parents have told us that if it rains it's not such a problem when children are older, because their parents can take them out for the whole day, to one of the numerous places of interest nearby; but with toddlers it's different, they need to come back at lunch time to have a proper lunch and much needed 'siesta'. So, with this in mind, we decided to build an indoor play area, not only for them, but for older children as well. As usual, we got somewhat carried away and have ended up with a 'club-house' where parents can relax, play and socialize too.
The Mill Pond and Clubhouse
Clubhouse Gallery. Click a photo for a larger image.
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No more do our guests, young or old, have to stay in their cottage when it rains, or if their young devils want to play games or watch TV. We have 4 outdoor play areas - one for children up to 100 years young with swings, seesaw, zip line, 2 sandpits, trampoline and two tree houses, and more.
The main playground (suitable for children up to 100 years young)
Especially for Toddlers
Another playground is especially for toddlers, where the little ones can run, ride, climb, swing & play in the Wendy-house or sand-pit, without the older children, who are not always so careful with little ones. There are also tables & benches, so that parents can sit and have a cup of coffee, or even a picnic with their children if they wish.
The third play area is for playing ball games, it is actually the manege (approx 60m x 30m) – so it's a soft landing for any falls and as we don't get much time for riding the horses, it's usually available for the children and often dads too when they're playing football. Guests often organize matches: children against children or parents & children against parents & children.
The fifth play area is for mini tennis, basket ball etc.
In addition to all these there is Llanllwni Mountain (moorland), which is designated a 'Special Landscape Area', a few yards from the cottages, where they can walk, run, climb, paddle in the stream, watch the sheep, cattle and ponies that roam wild up there, as well as birds - buzzards, kites, larks, and a huge heron who fishes in our ponds.
Flying kites up there is also great fun. (Obviously, young children should be accompanied by an adult). A mum told me recently that when she took her two little boys to the mountain, they asked her what that strange smell was, to which she replied, "That's the smell of fresh air, boys."!
Pony Fun Days
We also have an arrangement with the local riding stables to hold pony fun days here; boys and girls who would like to, can learn how to brush the ponies, put on saddles and bridles and do lots of riding and gymkhana games - good fun is had by all - beginners and experienced riders alike. If anyone would like to have a lesson or to hack out, that can be arranged as well.
Pony Fun Days start just before 11 o'clock, when Yvonne the instructress brings some of her ponies here and they take over our stables and the manege for the day. Yvonne is brilliant at bringing out the confidence of even the most timid children, and amazingly copes with all standards of ability and ages, from 3 year-olds to 18 year-olds (we even had a grandma join in one day); and they all have a wonderful time.
Whilst the ponies are in the stables the children are told a bit about the one they are going to ride and are shown how to brush them and put on saddles and bridles. Then they all go to the manege, where they are taught how to get on and to walk and trot and do a few exercises whilst they're on board' so that they realize they can move about whilst they're on the pony.
They also learn a bit about stable management what horses eat etc. After a short lunch break they spend the afternoon playing gymkhana games and even doing some jumping if they want to.
Mums and dads have a great time too, by leading, holding on and cheering on, as appropriate. By 3.30 the children have been presented with their rosettes, everyone has had a memorable day and is assured of a good night's sleep!
Barbeques
Each cottage has its own portable BBQ, in addition there is the 'Social BBQ' - 4 BBQ's built next to each other and overlooking the pond and the mountain.
