Liverpool is an incredible city and we are so lucky to have so many amazing places right here on our doorstep.
Whether it be a beach you're looking for, a calm woodland walk, a catch up with friends for a coffee or shopping spree, or even a nice cold pint, there's no shortage of things to do here. But as someone who loves to explore new places, I couldn't wait to go further afield for a weekend.
If the lockdown taught me anything, it's that you really don't need to go abroad to have a break away, there is so much to see and do here in the UK. So whenever I can now, I like to get out and about. Nothing beats being out in the fresh air, rain or shine.
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So the start of June I had a long weekend booked off work and straight away was wondering what I could do. Originally I thought about several little day trips but early on Saturday morning, after an incredible Arctic Monkeys gig the night before, my partner suggested heading into Wales.
We chose to go a little further afield towards West Wales, to a little town called Aberaeron which is in Ceredigion. With it being a three hour drive from Liverpool, we looked on Air B&B for the cheapest place to stay and headed on our way.
When we arrived it was like a little hidden gem, having been only open a week, the Moo-Tel was tucked away on a farm and the clue is in the name, it was inspired by cows. It was lovely and just out of the way enough that it wasn't overrun with crowds.
With a rustic feel, Bargoed Farm also had a camping area, a restaurant, farm shop and children's play area as well as a calm space for fishing.
After having a nose around, we then decided to spend a few hours in Aberaeron town which is well-known for its wildlife and colourful houses. Because we had the car, we made the 15-minute journey to New Quay for fish and chips and saw they were doing boat tours for dolphin spotting.
So after my partner was almost attacked by a hungry seagull, we booked our boat tour, being the only ones on the boat, and enjoyed an hour around the bay for the sunset - we even saw a mother and calf dolphin jumping out of the water which was an amazing sight - I'm just gutted we didn't catch it on camera. We paid £20 each but there are different tours and different prices.
And what's great, the place we stayed allowed dogs to stay over and dogs were also allowed to hop on the boat - for free - to watch the dolphins. There were plenty of happy pets sitting on that boat on Saturday evening.
I do believe dolphins that day were also spotted over in North Wales, which is an even shorter drive from our home in Liverpool, and just as lovely.
The next day we decided to head back to New Quay for some paddle boarding (which was great until a huge jellyfish came our way), and despite the gorgeous weather, it wasn't an overly busy place. We then went back to Aberaeron which reminded me a little bit of Italy further inland, blue skies, no crowds and cute buildings, before heading to Aberystwyth for tea before making the three hour journey back home on the Sunday.
Although we were only away for one night, we managed to fit in so much and we came back home feeling much more relaxed and happier. Wales is great for anyone of any age and there's something everyone can enjoy, through little shops, a picnic on the beach, water sports or arcades.
I would definitely recommend a "staycation" if the price is right, whether you spend the day as a tourist in your own area or you travel further afield. But you really don't have to go far to enjoy a break away, even if it's for one night.
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