I was born, and spent my early childhood in Swansea (South Wales). On a recent visit I visited two places I’ve never been before.
Swansea, Mumbles and the Gower is enjoying huge amounts of regeneration at the moment, the old Morfa Stadiwm (where I use to train) has been replaced by the shiny Liberty Stadium, home to the Ospreys and The Swans. SA1 is a swanky new dockside development akin to our own Leith area in Edinburgh, and the leisure centre which was closed because of asbetos has been replaced by LC2.
The shape and structure of LC2 is much the same as before with, almost complete glass at the pool end displaying the huge flumes and enticing everyone in. Here’s a video of of the building of LC2.
The LC2 has plenty of facilities including an indoor surfing ride, a climbing wall and kids play area. We visited the pool, which was a lot of fun, our favourites were the rubber ring flume and the dark flume which is very slim and pitch black!
Our second never-before-visited-place was the Gower Heritage Centre, it reminded me a lot of East Links which we visited this time last year, and thoroughly enjoyed. Our entrance was free as we went with family who had an annual family pass which was shockingly good value at £25! The centre includes local heritage attractions including a world war exhibit, woolen mill and traditional cider making. There was a picnic area, cafe, toy tractors to play on, an excellent play park, animals (including ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs) as well as a free puppet show. For a small fee there are various craft workshops as well as pottery (which we enjoyed, only £2.50). The heritage centre has a really authentic and friendly feel to it, a real asset to the area. We’ll definitely go back.
Visiting Edinburgh with a preschooler? The Museum of Childhood is a FREE (please consider making a small donation if possible) attraction on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, easy to overlook it’s placed about half way down. Spread over several floors the glass cases house antique toys, teddies and dolls. There are toys that young children will enjoy playing with including a dolls house and homemade fishing game along with several interactive exhibits. There is a small gift shop at the entrance/exit.
Enjoy a couple of hours here before heading to Monster Mash (5 minutes walk) for old-fashioned meals in an authentic setting. Served on your granny’s old dinner plates the speciality is sausages, mash and gravy served in several different flavours. Also on the menu, various pies, fish and haggis. Most main courses come in at under £6.
For a budget conscious day out in the heart of Edinburgh this combo is difficult to beat!
It’s been a busy holiday and today was no exception. Gorgie Farm is one of those places you pass all the time and always say about going but never get around to it.
Well, today was different, our Edinburgh Under Fives book gave it a good write up, especially for younger children, so off we set – well actually it’s only about a ten minute drive away. The farm, being in the city centre, was more comprehensive than I had expected. The array of animals included hens, goats, sheep, a snake, ponies, pigs, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits. There was also a small play park with picnic area and a farm shop.
There was plenty to see and do, and on a warmer day we could have easily spent a couple of hours. Today was a little chilly so we introduced Erin to the animals and their respective noises, she really enjoyed it and started trying to make the noises herself, we left after about 45 minutes knowing we would definitely be back! Did I mention that admission was free (there is a donation box)!
Buy Used Copy of Edinburgh for Under Fives
Buy New Copy
Today’s outing was to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. We had been before, but never with Erin…
So do toddlers and galleries mix?
Yes, Erin loved it. The exhibits included a ball dispay – 1000 balls of all shapes and sizes scattered in a huge room. The exhibit was interactive but apparently they had too many parents (!) getting over excited! It’s a shame I’d have liked a kick about
The highlights for Erin were the stripey floored room – a room in which the floor was covered in migraine inducing multi-coloured vinyl tape and the ball room where she liked the echo of her voice.
The gallery and staff were, as the book stated, very child friendly.
Great morning out and definitely one to revisit in a couple years time.
For christmas I received a book voucher from my brother. I bought two books, one of which was Edinburgh for Under Fives.
This book is Fab (with a capital F!!). It’s basically a directory of Edinburgh written by parents for parents. It covers everything a mum (or dad) living in Edinburgh requires, from local attractions to eateries suitable for the littl’uns, nurseries and healthcare info. Jam-packed. We couldn’t wait to get started on the crux of the book, which is the attractions or ‘places to go’ part.
We set off for The Dean Gallery via sainsburys at blackhall for a sausage buttie and a coffee (very nice, and reasonably priced too!).
We enjoyed the Dean Gallery a lot, it was Erin’s first foray into the world of modern art and she seemed to enjoy it until the peace and tranquility sent her to sleep. Accurately noted by the book, the highlights were Paolozzi’s Vulcanand his restored studio. The gift shop was great, and the only disappointment was upstairs being closed as they were changing exhibitions. A great mini trip, that was absolutely free.
I'm a 27 year old mum to 4 year old Erin. We live just outside Edinburgh in a small rural village.
I've been blogging for four years and write about anything and everything that takes my fancy.
Above is me with my beloved Ernie in Port Aventura and left with our love child in Florida.
Comments (1) 
I've been blogging for four years and write about anything and everything that takes my fancy.
Above is me with my beloved Ernie in Port Aventura and left with our love child in Florida.
Themocracy