If you’re looking for a fun family day out in Pembrokeshire this summer holidays, you’ll be pleased to hear that the brand new Llys-y-frân Aqua Park opens to the public just in time for the school holidays.
We were lucky enough to be invited to a special pre-launch event to experience Pembrokeshire’s newest aqua park before its official opening. It gave us the chance to explore the new inflatable obstacle course, try some of the other activities on offer and see exactly what visitors can look forward to this summer, so we can tell you all about it!
Llys-y-frân Reservoir (or as we sometimes call it locally, “The Dam”) is one of our favourite places to visit in Pembrokeshire. We often head there for walks around the reservoir, to admire the beautiful views, for Ozzy to enjoy the dog agility park, visit the church and memorial garden, or enjoy lunch in the café. Despite visiting many times over the years, we’d never actually taken part in any of the adventure activities, so this felt like the perfect opportunity- thank you so much for inviting us!
From archery and axe throwing to lunch overlooking the reservoir and finally taking on the brand new Llys-y-frân Aqua Park, it turned into one of our favourite family days out of the summer. Read on to find out more:
Things To Do In Pembrokeshire During the Summer Holidays
- Llys-y-Frân New Aqua Park Reel
- Trying Archery and Axe Throwing
- Lunch at the Llys-y-frân Café
- Taking on the New Llys-y-frân Aqua Park
- Friendly and Supportive Staff
- How We Felt Afterwards
- A Refreshing Ice Cream
- Llys-y-frân Aqua Park Information
- Would We Recommend Llys-y-frân Aqua Park?
- Llys-y-frân Aqua Park FAQs
- When does Llys-y-frân Aqua Park open?
- Where is Llys-y-frân Aqua Park?
- How much does Llys-y-frân Aqua Park cost?
- How old do you have to be for Llys-y-frân Aqua Park?
- Do I need to be able to swim?
- Is Llys-y-frân Aqua Park suitable for beginners?
- What should I wear?
- Is there food and drink available?
- What else is there to do at Llys-y-frân?
- Would we visit again?
- Read more:
Llys-y-Frân New Aqua Park Reel
Watch the reel of our visit to the new Llys-y-Frân Aqua Park below:
Trying Archery and Axe Throwing
Our morning began with two instructor-led activities – archery and axe throwing.
I absolutely loved the archery. The instructors made it easy for complete beginners and soon had us aiming confidently at the targets.
To make things even more entertaining, we even played a zombie-themed game, although unfortunately,- spoiler alert- the zombies won!
The girls really enjoyed archery!
Next came axe throwing.
This was something I’d always wanted to try, and it was surprisingly satisfying when you finally managed to get an axe to stick in the target. We got to try different types of axes too. I loved the one above because of the heart!
This was Caitlyn’s favourite axe- yes, we are now the type of people that have a favourite axe!
It definitely takes more technique than strength and the instructors were fantastic at helping everyone improve. It was fun, safe and informative.
Lunch at the Llys-y-frân Café
After all that activity, we’d worked up quite an appetite, so we headed into the café for lunch.
I chose a jacket potato with vegan cheese and salad, which was absolutely delicious. I was also pleased to spot vegan chilli on the menu, making it a great choice for anyone looking for vegan options. In the past, I’ve had a delicious hummus roll too.
The girls had a children’s meal (their choice) of chicken goujons, chips and beans.
The café has lovely views across the reservoir and was the perfect place to relax before the biggest challenge of the day.
Taking on the New Llys-y-frân Aqua Park
I have to admit I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as we walked down to the new Llys-y-frân Aqua Park.
Years ago, I would probably have run straight onto the inflatable course without a second thought. This time, I was much more nervous, but I really wanted to give it a go.
We went to the activity centre to get changed into swimwear. On cooler days, wetsuits are supplied too. We definitely didn’t need them during our visit- it was so hot! We then walked down towards the slip for our safety briefing and to put on our buoyancy aids. In case you’re wondering if they will have one to fit you, they are very good and were fine when I asked for a larger-sized one. When I still struggled to do the zip-up, they showed me how to loosen it to fit. We had a serious safety talk, and then it was time for FUN!
The floating obstacle course is packed with climbing walls, balance beams, slides, jumps (there are no official jump platforms, but you can jump into the water to begin, etc.) and obstacles that are guaranteed to get you laughing, usually after falling into the water.
I started quite well before my nerves kicked in. I was trying to take it step by step. I enjoyed getting in the water- we saw fish! I enjoyed my swim in the warm sea. I usually much prefer swimming without a buoyancy aid but I didn’t mind it on this occasion. I was ok at the first activity but then I got to the poles and panicked a bit.
Instead of worrying about keeping up with everyone else, I tackled the course in my own way. I took things slowly and steadily, and if there was an obstacle I didn’t feel comfortable attempting on this visit, I simply climbed off and swam around it before carrying on. Izzy waited for me patiently, bless her.
And you know what? That was absolutely fine. The others in our group and all the staff were so lovely and encouraging. I would have given up earlier if it weren’t for them.
One of the things I loved most about the experience was that everyone could enjoy it at their own pace. There was no pressure to complete every obstacle, and I left feeling proud that I’d challenged myself.
I’m already looking forward to going back and building my confidence by trying a little more each time.
Izzy absolutely loved every minute, especially the slides.
Friendly and Supportive Staff
One thing that really stood out throughout the day was the staff. From the activity instructors to the Aqua Park team, everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, patient (they needed to be with us!) and encouraging. Nothing ever felt rushed, and they genuinely wanted everyone to enjoy themselves safely, whatever their confidence level. A huge thank you to the whole team for making the experience so enjoyable. Sometimes I feel that activities like this aren’t for me, as I don’t find them as easy as some, but I realised the more I do things like this, the more I will be able to do them and the more they will become “my type of thing”. I need to stop limiting myself and open up to new opportunities.
As I mentioned earlier, I hopped on and off the Aqua Park, and falls are part of the fun. When I fell inside the inflatables, I then struggled to pull myself back up on any of the platforms. Thankfully, I met a lovely Welsh influencer for the first time- Ellie- Famous Girl in the Valleys– she is so lovely! She and her friend (sorry, I can’t remember her name) both pulled me up out of the water on separate occasions- thank you so much! They also taught me a good trick to help. Kick your legs out back behind you, then after three, use all your force to get back on top of the platform. We couldn’t swim to the steps, as you’re understandably not allowed to swim under the inflatables. They have said they will fit in some steps into the inside areas of the inflatables, which will make it so much easier for those of us with less upper-body strength.
Ellie also has her own “rescue story” from her Aqua Park session, which she tells in her hilarious way here. I was weak and breathless from laughing so much all through the session. It was just the type of fun we need more of. I’m so glad she was ok and rescued by the FOUR lifeguards, of course.
I also got to have a reunion with Kaz from Mama’s Life and Travels, whom I used to see more regularly during the good old blogger event days. Since Covid times, I have been so out of the loop. It’s reminded me of how much I loved meeting up with fellow bloggers in those days. Although we live locally to each other, we would always see each other at events all over, such as at a weekend in Conkers in Leicestershire (back in 2015!).
How We Felt Afterwards
By the time we’d finished, we were absolutely exhausted, but in the best possible way. It felt like we’d had a brilliant full-body workout without really noticing while we were having so much fun. We left feeling proud of ourselves, full of smiles and belly laughs, and already talking about when we’d come back and who else we want to take here with us! That is always the sign of a great day out. We’re looking forward to coming back to kayak when that activity reopens too.
A Refreshing Ice Cream
We finished the Aqua Park activity and then went back to the Activity Centre to shower and change. We were so hot and thirsty by then, so we popped back to the cafe to get another ice-cold drink and an ice cream- they also sell vegan ice cream and one of my favourites, Magnum Vegan Almond- yay! I felt this treat was well deserved!
Llys-y-frân Aqua Park Information
The new Llys-y-frân Aqua Park opens to the public in time for the summer holidays and features a giant inflatable obstacle course with climbing walls, slides, balance obstacles and splash zones.
Sessions last around 45 minutes and include a buoyancy aid and wetsuit hire.
Prices
Aqua Park sessions cost £18.50 per person. Parking is £3.00 per day.
Age and Height Restrictions
Participants must:
- The minimum age for this activity is 8 years old.
- Ages 8-12: One adult must be on the Aqua Park for every two children.
- Ages 13–16: An adult must be present on site.
- Be able to swim 50 metres confidently without assistance.
- Sign an acknowledgement of risk on behalf of themselves and any under-18s in the booking party
- Arrive 30 minutes before the start of the session
What to Bring
Bring swimwear, sun-tan lotion, a bottle of water, a towel, flip flops or wet shoes, and a change of clothes.
Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided as part of your session.
Would We Recommend Llys-y-frân Aqua Park?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting family day out, somewhere to keep teenagers entertained during the summer holidays or simply fancy challenging yourself, the new Llys-y-frân Aqua Park is a fantastic addition to Pembrokeshire.
For us, it wasn’t about racing around the course or completing every obstacle. It was about trying something new, stepping outside our comfort zones and having lots of laughs along the way.
We can’t wait to return, and next time I might even be brave enough to tackle a few more of those obstacles.
If you’re planning days out in Pembrokeshire this summer holidays, I’d definitely add Llys-y-frân Aqua Park to your list. It offers a brilliant mix of adventure, beautiful scenery and activities for all ages, making it a fantastic place to spend a summer’s day with family or friends. There is even a campsite if you’d like to stay for longer too!
Find out more and book here: Llys-y-Frân Aqua Park
Will you be visiting Llys-y-Frân Aqua Park this summer? Please ask me if you’d like to know anything else.
Llys-y-frân Aqua Park FAQs
When does Llys-y-frân Aqua Park open?
Llys-y-frân Aqua Park opens to the public in time for the summer holidays, with sessions available to book online.
Where is Llys-y-frân Aqua Park?
The Aqua Park is located at Llys-y-frân Reservoir in Pembrokeshire, around 20 minutes from Haverfordwest and easily accessible from many of Pembrokeshire’s popular holiday destinations.
How much does Llys-y-frân Aqua Park cost?
Prices start from £18.50 per person and include a buoyancy aid and wetsuit hire. Parking is £3 per day.
How old do you have to be for Llys-y-frân Aqua Park?
Participants must be at least 8 years old, at least 1.2 metres tall and able to swim 50 metres confidently without assistance.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. Everyone taking part must be able to swim 50 metres confidently without assistance.
Is Llys-y-frân Aqua Park suitable for beginners?
Yes. As someone who was quite nervous, I found I could tackle the course at my own pace. If there was an obstacle I didn’t feel ready for, I simply climbed off and swam around it before carrying on. The staff were incredibly friendly and encouraging throughout.
What should I wear?
Wear swimwear underneath your wetsuit and bring a towel, footwear and a change of clothes. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided.
Is there food and drink available?
Yes. The on-site café serves a range of meals, snacks and drinks. We enjoyed lunch there before heading to the Aqua Park, and there were vegan options available too.
Do you cater for vegans at the Llys-y-frân Café?
Yes. During our visit, there were vegan options available at the café, making it a good choice for visitors following a plant-based diet. Menu choices can change seasonally, but you can usually find vegan meals, light bites, cakes, and hot drinks with plant-based milk. During our visit, I enjoyed a Jacket potato with Vegan Cheese and a vegan Magnum icecream. I also saw vegan Chilli on the menu, If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, it’s always worth checking with the café staff before ordering.
What else is there to do at Llys-y-frân?
As well as the Aqua Park, visitors can enjoy archery, axe throwing, watersports, cycling, walking trails, children’s play areas, a dog agility area, the café and beautiful views around the reservoir, including seeing the Dam, Memorial Garden and William Penfro Rowlands memorial.
Would we visit again?
Without a doubt. We had a fantastic day and can’t wait to return. I’ll definitely be challenging myself to complete even more of the Aqua Park next time!
Read more:
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