A warm Welsh welcome

As a family who have always gone self-catering, my husband Pat and I were a little bit nervous about taking our two girls (aged 2 and 9) to a luxurious 4-star hotel for a mini-break but we were pleasantly surprised.

Game to give it a try, we arrived at the Stradey Park Hotel in South West Wales and held our breath while the kids bounded in, through the automatic glass doors, to the beautifully decorated reception hall.

As my two-year-old, Holly, made herself at home by sprawling across the rather nice leather sofas, questions like, 'Did I wipe that last squished banana from her fingers?' ran through my mind. The reception staff greeted us with such a warm and friendly welcome that I was immediately put at ease.

First impressions last, and we were not disappointed. Beautiful decor - modern but comfortable, with spacious family suites of two rooms with an interlocking door, and a contemporary bath/shower room. Four days ahead to relax, unwind, take in some local sights, and absolutely no washing-up to do. Bliss.

Play time

Taking advantage of the early evening sunshine, we headed straight off to Parc Howard - only 10 minutes walk away - a wonderful Victorian park with separate play areas for the little 'uns and the older kids.

Our girls played happily having been given a rare 'late license' compared to normal bedtime hours. The big pirate ship and lovely play sand pit kept them entertained while we sat back and enjoyed the view across Camarthen Bay.

Four-star comfort

Back in the comfort of our family suite, we enjoyed a great nights' sleep (helped by the most enormous super king-size bed). Meanwhile, the girls, tucked up in their 'day' beds, and content with their wall-mounted flat screen TV, slept equally soundly. We rose ready for breakfast in the lovely surroundings of the Samphires restaurant.

Here, in the elevated dining room with stunning views, the girls' new 'best friends' (the team of very friendly staff) served up the most delicious and fresh brekky. The planned day ahead; taking in Anna Ryder Richardson's Wildlife Park, was enough excuse to devour the sausage, bacon and egg, and selection of fresh fruits and pastries on offer, before heading off.

Uncaged Animals

Watching my kids hand-feed the wallabies has to go on my list of top 10 treasured memories. This is all part of the 'animals uncaged' experience that Anna Ryder Richardson and her partner have brought to Manor House Wildlife Park.

Madagascar fans will appreciate that the 'move it, move it' monkeys (or, lemur enclosure) - was also a massive hit! And it was all set in idyllic natural woodland, with good old-fashioned fun to be had; willow wigwams and forts, tree swings, space hoppers, and hay fights in the barn.

Wet, wet, wet!

Early rise, and another day of activities ahead, preceded only by the 'Can I see my nice lady at breakfast now?' request from Holly. Staying more local, we had a morning stroll around the tranquil site of the National Wetlands Centre Wales, just five minutes drive from the hotel.

A £1 bag of bird feed was enough to keep the girls happy feeding the vast array of rare breeds and the many families of cute ducklings taking their first stroll across our path. The little houses or 'hides' kept Holly amused as we explored the lakes and pools along the pathways and through the trees.

Time then to explore the beautiful Gower Peninsular with its stunning countryside, cliffs, coves and gorgeous beaches. Within just 25 minutes drive of the Stradey Park Hotel, you can explore this stunning area and give the kids their 'bucket and spade' experience.

We by-passed 3 Cliffs Bay (stunning beach, but access a bit tricky with a toddler) and favoured Port Eynon for its easy access, parking literally yards behind the beach. It was also blessed with the essential facilities - cafes, shops and toilets.

Rooftop dining

Three hours later, with two soggy kids, we headed back to the comfort of our hotel to clean up and have a good meal. The restaurant at Stradey Park, while stunning, opened a little bit late for the girls (7.30pm).

We opted to choose from the bar menu (and separate kids menu), and have dinner delivered to the fantastically swish rooftop residents' lounge - a modern twist on art deco style, complete with balcony and stunning views over the bay. The food was beautifully cooked and presented food and the sticky toffee pudding was to die for!.

Folly fun

Any trip with kids to South West Wales is not complete until you visit Folly Farm in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. We saved this treat till last, and set off with our picnic hamper in hand - prepared especially for us by the Chef at Stradey Park - and our girls found their heaven!

A whole day here was not quite enough; with wacky dog trials at the K9 Capers show, huge indoor funfair, outdoor adventure playgrounds for all ages - from shipwrecks to castles, sand diggers, go-karts and pedal tractors.

All of this before even meeting the farm animals and the pet centre for 'hands on' cuddles, and the zoo animals with the new giraffe enclosure and the hilarious antics of the macaque monkeys.

Having 'survived' the 4-star experience with children, we would encourage anyone else to do the same. A little luxury goes a long way, and hey, us mums and dads deserve a treat for our hols too, even if the little 'uns are in tow!

Need to know

Stradey Park Hotel, Furnace, Llanelli, Camarthenshire, Wales SA15 4HA
Tel 01554 758171
www.stradeyparkhotel.com
Family room incl breakfast £99

Manor House Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby. SA70 8RJ
Tel 01646 651201
www.manorhousewildlifepark.co.uk
Adults £8.95
Children (4-17) £6.95
Concessions £6.95
Ages 3 and under Free

National Wetland Centre Wales, Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Camarthenshire SA14 9SH
Tel 01554 741087
www.wwt.org.uk/llanelli
Adults £7.75
Concessions £5.85
Child (4-16) £4.25
Family £21.60 (2 adults, 2 children)
Children (under 4yrs) Free

Folly Farm, Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire SA68 OXA
Tel 01834 812731
www.folly-farm.co.uk
Adults £8.00
Children (3-15yrs) £7.00
2yrs and under Free