We’re gingerly poking around with a stick under a big rock, keen to catch another glimpse of the big crab we’ve just watched scuttle underneath, but wary tha€t it might emerge ready for a fight. The January wind has a frozen bite, but it fails to deter my two little explorers from their wildlife hunt across the wide flat sand expanse of Mumbles Bay beach.
Fin straightens up, and prods the first wavelets of the incoming tide with the toes of one of his Shark wellies. ‘It’s time go home, Dada,’ he announces, with all the solemn wisdom of his four years on Planet Earth.

Beach Hill Cottage Overlooking Mumbles Bay

My son’s ultimate compliment, visited only upon places of stay that he really likes. We’ve only been at Beach Hill Cottage for 3 days, but he’s already decided it’s home. He and his 7-year-old sister Scarlett are certainly tearing around the pretty, cosy little house on the hill like they own the place, waving at the friendly neighbours who treat us like we’ve been here forever, playing noisy games of make-believe in their bright shared bedroom.
Each morning, we rustle up scrambled egg and toast in the well-equipped galley kitchen, then rush outside to gape at the panoramic view across the bay below, the sand wiped footprint-free and inviting by the retreating sea. Five minutes later, we’re pootling around the rock pools, surprising stranded crabs and tiny fish.
Now, after hours of breathless scrambling around in the watery winter sun, it’s time to flee. We wipe the sand off our hands, grab our buckets and spades, and begin the uphill climb home. Calling us is the promise of the big mugs of steaming hot chocolate we’ll sip, sitting on the wall outside and watching the glittering waters devour the beach once more.

Beach Hill Cottage sleeps 4+cots and can be rented from £299. Click here to view prices & availability.