Fun new retreat cuts down children’s screentime, without turning parents into baddies

Can a family holiday in Wales convince your kids to cut down on screen-time? Pheobe Oliver thinks Wonderful Escapes in Abergavenny might have the answer.

Help yourself to marshmallows, Wonderful Escapes

As a parent of a tween, I’ve tried countless ways to limit screen time. I started with no-tech Sundays, followed that up with screen-time-reducing apps, then, in probably my most desperate attempt: enforced family walks, even on rainy days.

I probably don’t need to expand on the mostly disappointing results. And it’s going to come as a surprise to no one that, inevitably, screens came back into play at the end of every, long, long day.

A family holiday in Wales could be just what your screen-obsessed tweens need

With this in mind, I was particularly thrilled when I heard my friend, Laura Tenison, was launching an unplug, reconnect, and enjoy nature experience for families at her newly renovated Wern-y-Cwm Farmhouse at the foot of Skirrid Mountain.

She’s named it Wonderful Escapes, and from 17 to 20 February 2025 is inviting parents with tweens aged between 8 and 12, to discover just how wonderful it is in the breathtaking Abergavenny countryside: a mere two-hours from London.

Laura promises we can trade screen time for outdoor adventures and creative workshops, along with moments immersed in the natural beauty of southeast Wales. And, as studies continue to show how excessive screen time negatively impacts children’s mental health, sleep, and attention; this retreat couldn’t be more right-time-right-place.  Plus, replacing devices with equally fun stuff and spending real time together as a family, doesn’t paint parents as villains: welcome to being a ‘cool mum’ (or dad) again.

Fun stuff to look forward to at Wonderful Escapes

• Raise the Roof: after settling in, you can look forward to afternoon tea in the Great Barn with homemade cakes. Although it’s the icebreaker game that really kicks off the retreat, along with a lively drumming workshop, which sets the tone for things to come.
• Reach the Top of the World: a guided walk up the Skirrid after breakfast lets families take in the stunning views from the summit – try to spot seven counties. Later in the day kids will be off on a scavenger hunt around the farm, while parents relax in the sauna, natural pool or with a well-deserved massage.
• Bushcraft Time: kids will love learning bushcraft skills like fire-lighting, foraging, and animal tracking followed by an afternoon of table tennis and trampolining. Also, supper keeps things fun with games and a disco: time to bust out some moves and show your tweens how it’s done – or not.
• Make a Masterpiece: workshops with expert creatives, give you and your kids the chance to work together on nature-inspired artwork, and create a meaningful keepsake to take home.

How to plan your Wonderful Escapes family holiday in Wales

Wonderful Escapes welcomes all families – single parents, couples, grandparents, or family friends. It’s also the ideal opportunity to create your own type of family memories, as you’ve the freedom to choose how you spend your time, set the pace for each day and relax completely into this natural, screen-free environment.

Recently converted Wern-y-Cwm is a Grade II listed farmstead, tucked away in the lovely Welsh countryside. It’s surrounded by organically farmed land, so families can indulge in away-from-it-all experiences like stargazing, cosying up round wood-burning stoves or spotting wildlife and birds. There’s also very luxe hot tub for parents-only.

Wonderful Escapes includes a three-night stay in Wern-y-Cwm farmhouse, along with , three meals each day prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Snacks and hot drinks are also included, and relaxation, massage and therapy sessions are available in the picturesque treatment room.

Take a closer look at Wonderful Escapes and check availability