5 Experience Gift ideas for Dad that he’ll love

If you haven’t got round to buying Dad, or your husband (as if you’re like me you’re still buying for the kids) a Fathers Day gift yet, panic not.  There are some great locally sourced experiences you can get them, without even having to enter the shops.

Like my top gifts for mum, my top 5 picks for Dad are all experience related and are all locally sourced gifts that ‘Dad’ is bound to love.  If he doesn’t, you could always go instead!  

Catch those waves

In South Wales we’re really lucky to have some pretty awesome beaches and some of them were just made for surfing.  So, if Dad lives in Wales and hasn’t given it a go yet, nows the time.

There are plenty of surf schools in Wales to pick from and they all offer introductory sessions with both group and one on one lessons.  Some offer family packages so you could all have a go.  Lessons start at around the £30 for a two and half hours lesson.  So have a look and book him on.

For more information visit:
www.southerndownsurfschool.co.uk
www.porthcawlsurf.co.uk
www.cresseyssurfaccademy.com
www.gowersurfing.com

Perfect that swing

We really are spoilt for choice for golf courses in South Wales.  From the 2010 course at the Celtic Manor, which hosted the Ryder Cup and the European Cup to Royal Porthcawl which features regularly in the Top 100 of British Gold Courses.  Wales is firmly on the map for golf.

The Celtic Manor are currently offering huge discounts on the 2010 course starting at just £79 (normally £160) and include an engraved memento of the visit during June and July. An 18 hole round at the prestigious Royal Porthcawl would normally set you back around £140 but during the summer they are offering a twilight Sunday package where it costs £85 after 3pm.

Or why not book him onto a lesson?  Lessons at Southerndown links course cost £25 for a half an hour lesson with their Pro John Peters.

For more information visit:
www.celtic-manor.com
www.royalporthcawl.com
www.southerndowngolfclub.com

Throw another shrimp on the barbie, or a sausage even!

You may have seen that a while back I attended the Easter cookery bake and freeze class at Angela Gray cookery school, which was amazing and I learnt so much in just one evening.  It was while I was there that I noticed she offered barbecue classes on mastering using the Weber lid on barbecue techniques.

Well what man doesn’t love to barbecue, and equally what man couldn’t do with a little improvement in this area?!  So unless Dad can give Jaime Oliver a run for his money, why not book him on to one of these barbecue classes so he can improve his skills in time for summer.  Say goodbye to boring sausages and hello to beer can chicken and smoked pork and even chocolate pudding!  The Weber barbecue class costs £99 and lasts four hours.  If you’re already a barbecue fan you may fancy trying my barbecued Sea Bass.

All courses can be booked online.  For more information visit: www.angelagray.co.uk 

Sample some single malt

Penderyn Distillery produces award winning single malt whisky in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons.  They offer hour long tours for just £8.50 per head where Dad will learn about the founding of Penderyn and how their whisky is made and at the end sample some of their products in the tasting bar.

Or, for true whisky enthusiasts why not book them onto a Distillery Masterclass at £45 per head. This interactive experience offers an in-depth look into the making of the award-winning Single Malt Welsh Whisky and lasts around 2 1/2 hours.  Just make sure they have a lift home afterwards!

If wine is more his thing, why not try a wine tasting tour, as suggested in the Mothers Day gift guide, at Glyndwr Vineyard in Llanblethian.

Both whisky experiences can be booked online.  For more information visit: www.penderyn.wales

Feel the need, the need for speed

If Dad is a bit of a speed demon or has always had a love of stylish cars he’ll love the driving experiences on offer at Llandow Racing circuit.  Dad can get into the driving seat of a selection of supercars, sports cars, a hovercraft or a lorry.  They’ll get to do laps with a instructor next to them to guide them and give them tips on how to manoeuvre those turns.

Cars include Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, Ferrari Modena, Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8, Aston Martin, Jaguar F-Type R, Nissan GTR, Maserati Gran Turismo, Chevrolet Camaro.  Packages start from £15 for one lap in a sports car to £769 for a full experience of ten different supercars and six laps in each!

You can buy a gift voucher which will last for 12 months.  For more information visit: www.llandow.com

If you like any of these ideas, why not pin for later or share with friends.

Whilst all ideas listed here are for South Wales area, if not in Wales, there’ll be similar providers in your area.  I hope that these provide some ideas for Dads gifts wherever you are!

Please note all views are my own and all links are unaffiliated.  Please check with the providers for their own offers and terms and conditions.