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OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

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CANCER

JUNE 22 – JULY 22

Neptune’s retrograde may affect your goal-setting sector in some unexpected ways.

You could suddenly decide to take a deal in a new direction, or switch your focus from cash-rich careers to ones that focus on caring.

But if it feels right, you should press on – this is the message from your chart.

A cash yes may come with conditions – don’t forget, you have the right to refuse.

DESTINY DAYS

Deep thinking is something to make time for on Monday, especially in love.

Keep a cash promise on Thursday.

Sample a new outdoor activity on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS

A painting of a familiar place.

Your favourite sweet snack.

A store that’s being refurbished.

ASK YOUR NEPTUNE QUESTIONS

Neptune hits retrograde this week, for the next five months, at the top of your chart – and starts a time of closer scrutiny of your goals, in both love and life.

Am I aiming too low? Or expecting too much?

Do I give up too easily and how can I gain more willpower?

The answers you need are already there in your mind and heart, but only by asking yourself these difficult questions, can you access them.

The smallest successes can mean the most going forward, so do take time to celebrate them.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

GEMINI

MAY 22 – JUNE 21

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

You start your Venus time with a treasure chest of positive personal feelings.

Instead of talking down your true self, even in fun, you can boost yourself up, really start to believe in your own right to succeed.

This can highlight love choices, and the kind of work moves that enrich every part of you.

Even the ones you usually hide.

Friends who seem so together may secretly need help.

DESTINY DAYS

On Monday, get moving, walk a little more, sit a little less.

Tackle admin backlog on Thursday.

Be a rock for a restless workmate on Friday.

LUCKY LINKS

An all-female musical group.

Contests linked to flags.

Numbers that add up to 101.

ASK YOUR NEPTUNE QUESTIONS

As the most fragile but also fiercely alive of planets spins into retrograde, you are asking all kinds of difficult questions.

The theme is who you keep close to you, and why – and what part you could play in the local community, or wider world.

Are my friends really my friends?

Do I gravitate towards fake confidence or drama over genuine connections?

Do I do enough to show special people they matter to me?

When you answer these questions honestly, you pave the way to a more connected, and fulfilling future.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

Any sense of hesitation in love can go as Neptune stirs up your emotional self, and Venus makes you bolder and braver in what you say and how you behave.

Partners, old or new, can be longing for this moment, and more than ready to respond.

But do stay on the side of commonsense when it comes to promising more than you may currently be in a position to deliver.

DESTINY DAYS

Mix up your contacts on Tuesday and bring unexpected people together.

Ask for a longer deadline on Thursday, if you need it.

Check all dates and spellings at least twice on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS

A contest that crosses continents.

Numbers that start with “5”.

A piece of jewellery linked to “G”.

ASK YOUR NEPTUNE QUESTIONS

The sensitivity planet’s first retrograde in your own sign encourages deep personal soul-searching from now until December.

Who are you really, what do you want, where are you going?

So many aspects of your true self you may have glossed over in recent times merit deeper investigation.

It may be painful at times to admit you want and need more, but it is essential for your ongoing wellbeing.

However destabilising the experience, you will stay in Aries control.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

LIBRA

SEPT 23 – OCT 23

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

Enjoyment and success can go hand in hand – and finding a study path you love is much more possible now.

Just be realistic about where you want, and need, to go next.

Your relationship style may be rocked as Neptune reverses, but this can show you where a bond (family, friendship or passion) needs work.

You’ll savour the chance to show more of your true self.

DESTINY DAYS  Turn back time on Monday and reunite with special names, or numbers.

Stick to a friendship decision on Wednesday.

Widen your pool of possible dates, on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS  An event that includes three generations.

A gift you haven’t yet tried out.

Contests that combine colours and letters.

ASK YOUR NEPTUNE QUESTIONS Do I go with the flow because I’m afraid to make a stand? Or tolerate bad relationship behaviour because I’m afraid to be alone?

How can I be a more effective member of a team?

As Neptune hits retrograde in your zone of co-operation and collaboration, your focus should be firmly fixed on who you work and live with and how much these bonds benefit you.

It’s never too late to make a change, if you start to see a bond taking a negative, or maybe just indifferent, direction.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 21

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

Your dreamier side can be a surprise, but as sensitive Neptune flips into reverse, this is the part of you that can fuel practical plans.

So do give what may seem impossible hopes a fair chance.

In love terms, Venus underlines what matters most to you: security in feelings, rather than finances.

This can take away a recent cash shadow.

Luck revisits a past series of numbers.

DESTINY DAYS

Follow up on unsatisfactory work situations on Monday, yes, you have the authority.

Stay calm with someone older on Thursday.

Eat and drink wisely on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS

A parcel wrapped in yellow paper.

New arrival news linked to people, or pets.

Your favourite brand of perfume.

ASK YOUR NEPTUNE QUESTIONS

What you keep secret about yourself, and why, is at the heart of your experience of Neptune’s 2025 retrograde.

It’s time to ask yourself, why do I keep certain things hidden, even from myself?

Why do I deny my deepest dreams?

And who could I be if I decided to give more control over to other people?

You have a strong streak of self-protection that serves you well – until it doesn’t.

Tuning in to when you could let more vulnerability show, can transform your self-image, and your future.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

ARIES

MAR 21 – APR 20

Any sense of hesitation in love can go as Neptune stirs up your emotional self, and Venus makes you bolder and braver in what you say and how you behave.

Partners, old or new, can be longing for this moment, and more than ready to respond.

But do stay on the side of commonsense when it comes to promising more than you may currently be in a position to deliver.

TAURUS

APR 21 – MAY 21

Your dreamier side can be a surprise, but as sensitive Neptune flips into reverse, this is the part of you that can fuel practical plans.

So do give what may seem impossible hopes a fair chance.

In love terms, Venus underlines what matters most to you: security in feelings, rather than finances.

This can take away a recent cash shadow.

Luck revisits a past series of numbers.

GEMINI

MAY 22 – JUNE 21

You start your Venus time with a treasure chest of positive personal feelings.

Instead of talking down your true self, even in fun, you can boost yourself up, really start to believe in your own right to succeed.

This can highlight love choices, and the kind of work moves that enrich every part of you.

Even the ones you usually hide.

Friends who seem so together may secretly need help.

CANCER

JUNE 22 – JULY 22

Neptune’s retrograde may affect your goal-setting sector in some unexpected ways.

You could suddenly decide to take a deal in a new direction, or switch your focus from cash-rich careers to ones that focus on caring.

But if it feels right, you should press on – this is the message from your chart.

A cash yes may come with conditions – don’t forget, you have the right to refuse.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUG 23

Retrograde ripples radiate out through your chart – and the sense of facing the unknown can be strong, this week.

But you also have the loyal, loving embrace of Venus to protect you, and help you make productive plans.

So you can keep your inner balance positive.

In love? Warm friendship can counteract hot tempers.

Single? The One has many study qualifications.

VIRGO

AUG 24 – SEPT 22

Venus starts at the top – so do you.

Your name can be leaping up a passion list all week, so do stay in the game, even if you have been feeling defeated.

If you’re already attached, shared goals are good, but solo goals are also essential to keep the spark alive.

Your deepest sense of self is challenged by Neptune’s retrograde, but in ways that reinforce what you truly believe.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 – OCT 23

Enjoyment and success can go hand in hand – and finding a study path you love is much more possible now.

Just be realistic about where you want, and need, to go next.

Your relationship style may be rocked as Neptune reverses, but this can show you where a bond (family, friendship or passion) needs work.

You’ll savour the chance to show more of your true self.

SCORPIO

OCT 24 – NOV 22

A working style that is more instinctive and less by the book may feel a risk, but this can be right for you, right now.

So relax some rules you have set up around you, and see what happens next.

If you’re in love, Venus intensifies feelings and you will adore the thrill of this.

If you’re single, someone you have dismissed as “too much” can suddenly start to seem exactly right.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 23 – DEC 21

The key to absolute creativity is an open mind and heart – and now Neptune helps you achieve this.

The less you expect, this week, the more you can receive – plus you are ready to get more sensitive ideas and feelings out there, no matter what the dangers.

In a love-bond, this breaks down one final barrier. Single?

Your soulmate is standing while everyone else is seated.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 – JAN 20

You’re certainly not afraid of hard work – and this is what love may demand of you this week.

But big rewards are on the horizon, and at last, you can see them for yourself.

Meanwhile, in a family setting, sensitive feelings may feel overwhelming, but stay calm and kind, and you can navigate through.

Mars may try to speed up a journey, but do set your own pace.

AQUARIUS

JAN 21 – FEB 18

Sticking to a health track, even when it no longer feels like a great fit, is not the Aquarius answer.

This week, you can read or hear about something that could be so much better, and you will recognize it straight away.

If you’re in love, Mercury adds forward-planning to Venus’s security, and some big plans can be made.

If you’re single, a dull date can hide such a hot prospect.

PISCES

FEB 19 – MAR 20

That forever home for your heart is coming closer – and advice from a family member may be unwanted, but could still be so good.

So take time to listen, and to learn.

Hanging on to objects, ideas – and maybe even people – that you no longer need can be a Pisces trait.

Neptune urges you to face this, discuss it – and deal with it.

The luck factor spins anti-clockwise.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

SCORPIO

OCT 24 – NOV 22

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

A working style that is more instinctive and less by the book may feel a risk, but this can be right for you, right now.

So relax some rules you have set up around you, and see what happens next.

If you’re in love, Venus intensifies feelings and you will adore the thrill of this.

If you’re single, someone you have dismissed as “too much” can suddenly start to seem exactly right.

DESTINY DAYS  Monday, Scorpio self- belief can move mountains.

Wednesday, wait for an answer as long as it takes.

Accept an unlikely invite, on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS  Your friend with the most creative career.

A building of dark and light bricks.

Female names ending in “A” 

ASK YOUR NEPTUNE QUESTIONS Your work and wellbeing zone is in the sights of Neptune, and as this planet starts a five-month retrograde, it’s more important than ever to keep asking: Am I putting in the right effort in the right directions?

Could I do more to support and sustain my own success?

How can I take back control from habits that are not serving me well?

Your underlying strength of spirit will guide you through, until you find yourself working and living in ways that more closely match your
ideals.

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

LIZ Cameron, 32, is a health sector project manager and author. she lives in Canberra, Australia.

“As I walked out of the bookshop, a smiling woman approached.

She was a foreign student studying Australian culture, she explained, and asked if I’d mind completing a survey.

It was January 2011 and I was a shy, insecure 18 year old just starting my gap year.

I had no idea she was from a cult – and that I’d get sucked in.

I took the pen from the girl, who said her name was Yujun.

The questions were easy, from what I liked about Australia to my religion, so I gave my answers then said goodbye, thinking no more of it.

A week later, Yujun emailed more questions about my faith, as I’d said I was Christian.

She told me my answers showed I was ‘beautiful’, which made me feel good.

The next week, I went to her home for tea with her and her housemates.

That was the start of the love-bombing – the hugs when I arrived for meals, their joy at me joining Bible sessions.

Seeing how happy they were made me want to feel that way, too, so within a few months, I was getting up at 5am to pray, followed by a 6am service at their house and hours of Bible reading.

My mum started to worry, but I reassured her I was fine.

As the brainwashing took hold, the girls told me they belonged to Sarang Church and that its founder, Pastor Joshua, had been falsely imprisoned in South Korea because of his faith.

Searching for information on him or the church was forbidden, though.

I accepted this without question, even taking part in a ‘heavenly bride’ fashion show organised by the church.

In September 2011, they revealed Pastor Joshua – also called Jung Myung-seok or SSN – was the Messiah.

I was ecstatic when SSN wrote to me from prison to say he loved me, and I dreamed of being chosen to be a ‘Faith Star’ – one of his brides on Earth.

I moved out of my parents’ house that November to live with the group.

I no longer saw any of my old friends, as the church had become my life.

When my mum tried to show me research on the church in January 2012, I ran away, terrified – I’d been taught that even looking at it would be ‘spiritual suicide’.

Another time, when my dad came to the house to see me, my housemate hid me in the back of a car and drove away, because nothing was more important than being spiritually pure.

A few weeks later, a group of us flew to South Korea to meet SSN and, waiting in the prison, I was so nervous.

Suddenly, there he was.

He said how happy he was to see us, while I said in stilted Korean: ‘I love you.’

Deep down, I didn’t actually feel any love during our meeting, but I blamed myself and prayed harder.

Back home, I received letters from SSN, which had become sexual.

I told myself he was the Messiah and everything he did was holy.

One wrong thought could taint me, and to be saved I had to sleep less, pray more, eat little and exercise.

Losing a dangerous amount of weight caused my organs to atrophy and, in January 2012, I ended up in hospital with an eating disorder.

‘DEEPLY DECIEVED’

Mum saved me by convincing the clinic to discharge me to her instead of the church, then by bringing me to a cult de-programmer.

After two days of them talking to me about the tactics cults use, it hit me – Jung Myung-seok was in prison for raping and sexually assaulting three women, and I’d spent 18 months in his cult.

Months of grief followed as I realised how deeply I’d been deceived.

I began slowly rebuilding my life, meeting other cult survivors, making new friends and forging a career for myself.

In 2023, Jung Myung-seok was convicted of further sexual assaults, including rape, and sentenced to an extra 23 years in prison.

Leaving a cult isn’t easy, but sharing my story helps.

I want others to know there’s a way out.”

• Cult Bride by Liz Cameron (Pantera Press) is out now.

The way you speak to children can either push them away or build their trust. Here’s what not to say. . .  

Parenting isn’t just what we do, it’s what we say, too.

Shutterstock

Finding the right words when emotions are running high can feel like walking a tightrope, says Jessica Agudelo from Mental Health First Aid England. “The language we use as parents plays a crucial role in shaping how we are perceived by our children.” 

We all want our children to feel safe, supported and understood. But these days, three-quarters of parents are worried about their kids’ mental health, according to a recent report by Bright Horizons.

And they have every reason to, with one in 10 kids aged 5-16 years old having a clinically diagnosable mental health illness.*

It’s a growing problem – hospital admissions for mental health problems in under-18s in England have risen by 65% in the past decade.**

And while the pandemic has had a profound impact, experts say it’s not the sole factor. 

Without you realising it, your words could unintentionally hurt your child, rather than lift them up, which can influence whether they seek support from you or others.

“The words we choose in everyday interactions can either support and empower, or come across as judgmental and dismissive,” says Jessica.

“Supportive and constructive language helps develop trust and open communication, creating a safe space for children to express themselves, especially when they are having a hard time.” 

There is no handbook on how we should parent, so how do we know the right things to say, especially if we didn’t receive this from our own parents when growing up?

We asked four children’s mental health experts, who are parents themselves, to share the words they try to use, along with one thing they make sure they never to say to their kids. 

WHAT TO SAY. . . 

“I’m listening”

Getty

When kids are upset, saying ‘I’m listening’ helps them feel heard and calm down[/caption]

Lisa says: “When kids are distressed, they don’t always know why. When I say: ‘I’m listening’, I’m letting them know we have time to talk and work out what’s going on.

“You don’t have to agree with everything they’re telling you. Often just feeling heard and listened to really grounds them and helps them regulate their emotions again.

“Kids can balance themselves quickly once they get things out of their system.” 

“I’m here with you”

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Say ‘Well done, you should be proud of yourself’ to help build self-esteem, rather than focusing on others’ approval[/caption]

Jessica says: “Simply offering silence and a safe, comforting space for your child to process their feelings is often all they need.

“When my daughter was upset recently, I let her scream because that’s what she needed. By acknowledging her pain without rushing to fix it, I was showing her that it was OK to feel whatever she was feeling.

“This allowed her to experience her emotions authentically, which is crucial for emotional growth.” 

“You should be proud of yourself”

Paul says: “Instead of saying: ‘I am proud of you’, I try to say: ‘Well done, you should be proud of yourself’.

“I’ve worked with young people with incredibly low self-esteem and low self-worth.

“By saying: ‘I am proud of you’, we can unintentionally give the message that success is based on how they make other people feel.

” Telling a child: ‘You should be proud of yourself’, is far more impactful for building their self-image.

“I always try to say this to my six-year-old son. The radiant smile on his face when he replies: ‘I am, Daddy’, shows me he knows he can do things that bring pleasure to himself, without seeking approval from me.” 

“Nothing you say could make me stop loving you”

Getty

Be sure to acknowledge tough conversations and praise their strength in sharing[/caption]

Lynn says: “I always make sure I acknowledge if a conversation is likely to be hard for them.

“Make it clear that you are proud of the strength they are demonstrating in telling you about their problems.

“As a parent or carer, your child might also be reassured if you tell them there’s nothing they could say that will make you stop loving them, and reassure them that they don’t have to put on a brave face.” 

WHAT NOT TO SAY. . . 

Getty

When a child shouts ‘I hate you!’ they don’t want you to leave. Instead of walking away, say: ‘You sound really cross, shall we talk?’[/caption]

“I’ll just leave and you can be by yourself then”

Lisa says: “It’s easy to say this when your child is angry and shouting: ‘I hate you!’

“But deep down, they don’t really want you to leave. Removing yourself also the chance to have a conversation with them and sends the message that if they are cross with you, you’ll leave them alone.

” This doesn’t mean parents can’t think about their own needs, too. You could say: ‘You sound really cross right now, shall we talk about it?’

“If they keep shouting, say: ‘I know you’re cross right now, but I don’t like being shouted at, so if you keep shouting at me, I’ll need to go into another room for a bit.’ It’s OK to let them know you have feelings, too.” 

“Are you OK?”

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It’s natural to ask ‘Are you OK?’ but kids often just say ‘I’m fine.’ Instead, try open questions like: ‘I’ve noticed you seem down, can we talk?’ This helps them open up[/caption]

Jessica says: “It’s instinctive to ask: ‘Are you OK?’ when we sense something might be off.

“But this often doesn’t get to the heart of what’s going on – it’s too easy for kids to brush it off and say: ‘I’m fine’.

“Instead, try saying: ‘Tell me about your day. What was good about it and what wasn’t?’ Or: ‘I’ve noticed you seem a bit down today, can we talk about it?’

“These open-ended questions invite a child to share more freely. When they feel heard, they’re more likely to open up.” 

“Don’t cry”

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Paul says: “Instead, I try to say: ‘I can see you are upset, it’s OK to cry’. It’s important not to make light of or brush aside how a child is feeling.

“This is important for all children, but for far too long we‘ve told boys that crying is weak. Telling a child to suppress emotions is damaging to their development and wellbeing.

“If we suppress feelings of sadness, it can lead to long-term mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.” 

“Why can’t you just be happy?”

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Try to understand that feelings of depression, anxiety and self-hatred are all-consuming and cannot simply be pushed aside[/caption]

Lynn says: “I avoid phrases that create a barrier like this, or: ‘Why do you always have to be like this?’ and: ‘What do you have to worry about?’

“Phrases like this put a wedge between you and the young person. Try to understand that feelings of depression, anxiety and self-hatred are all-consuming and cannot simply be pushed aside – and remember, as an adult, you have more coping mechanisms than they do.” 

•  Sources: *Mental Health Foundation **The Lancet  Visit Lisabruton.com, Lynncrilly.com

OZZY, a 1kg Bengal eagle-owl, swoops through the Welsh woodland dotted with brightly painted toadstool fairy houses to land gracefully on my three year old’s gloved arm.

“Again!” Raffy shouts, with a grin almost as big as Ozzy’s head.

It’s safe to say, the 90-minute flying experience with expert Alex and three owls – including the tiny but speedy Frodo and barn owl Allan – has gone down a treat.

Experiences cost £65 per adult, £30 for over-fives (Britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk).

We’re in Carmarthenshire, a county in South Wales that most tourists drive through on their way to Pembrokeshire – more fool them.

The wide, sandy beaches here hug the coastline for miles, majestic castles perch on hilltops and local delicacies are plentiful.

A Bug’s Life

First to win over the kids is Llanelli Wetland Centre with the pinkest (and smelliest!) flamingos I’ve ever seen, thanks to our visit coinciding with mating season.

But the highlight is undoubtedly a minibeast hunt, after which volunteer Eric pops the children’s finds – a millipede, slug and spider – under a microscope and gives us a zoology lesson way more interesting than I ever had at school.

Who knew slugs poo out of their heads? Entry costs £11.15 per adult, £7.20 for over-threes (Wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli).

Home for the week is Dylan Coastal Resort, where our swish three-bedroom spa lodge has all the mod-cons and a hot tub to soak up stunning vistas of the Taf Estuary.

On-site is the floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted Milk Wood Spa with yet more gorgeous views of the ever-changing tide from its sauna, steam room, indoor pool and alfresco hydrotherapy pool.

Later, a wander downhill brings us into pretty Laugharne, the town made famous by poet Dylan Thomas.

We follow the scent of wood-fired deliciousness to the sun-dappled courtyard of Ty Glo and head inside to its tiki-inspired interior.

The vibe is super-family-friendly, with a brilliant basket of games to borrow and fantastic food.

The king prawn, mango, chilli and coriander cocktail with gyoza crisps is exquisite and the goat’s cheese bonbons are the definition of moreish, both £10.

Pizza perfection comes in the Ultimate Hawaiian (sorry, Italians) with its ham hock, chargrilled pineapple, jalapeños, fresh corn and onion.

We also dig the Lamb-orgini – roast lamb, caramelised onion, feta and mint yoghurt and the Wild Hog, smothered in wild boar ragù with hog salami and piquanté peppers, £17.50 each (Browns.wales/ty-glo).

Castle on the hill

Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in the world, so we picnic on leftover pizza the next day in the dreamy grounds of Dinefwr Castle (Cadw.gov.wales).

Dinefwr delivers ramparts, towers and plenty of hidden nooks for hide and seek, plus there’s a parkland with deer and roaming long-horned White Park cattle – residents here since the 9th century.

Supplied

Supplied by Catherine Bennion Pedley

Parking costs £5 for non-National-Trust members, while castle and parkland entry is free.

During our days exploring this enchanting county, Wright’s Food Emporium proves a smart stop-off.

The deli is stuffed with local goodies and the pork belly cubano – with its positively obscene slabs of pork belly layered with ham, cheddar, pickles and sriracha mayo inside the fluffiest of ciabatta, £14.50 – is possibly the best sandwich I’ve ever devoured (Shop.wrightsfood.co.uk).

I’m also a firm believer in elevenses, so I’m thrilled to discover that the Gwili Steam Railway serves Welsh elevenses on board.

We sip tea (hot choc for the kids) and feast on Welsh cakes and bara brith (fruit loaf) as the train, operated by the sweetest fanatics, trundles past grazing animals and the crystal-clear Gwili river.

We hop off to explore an old mail train and ride the miniature railway, before returning to base in Carmarthen.

Tickets cost from £13 per person (Gwili-railway.co.uk).

Cool runnings

One of my favourite memories from childhood holidays in Wales is whizzing down a bobsleigh-like toboggan ride, and the country’s longest is at Pembrey Country Park, a 500-acre haven of beach, woodland and grassland.

Soon, husband Andy and I are racing down the metal track on sleds, Poppy and Raffy on our laps squealing with delight.

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John Jones

Three rides cost £7.50 (Pembreycountrypark.wales).

The day flies by just as fast, as we follow a bear trail through the pine forest, clamber over dunes and fly kites on the golden sands.

A local tipped me off about Pantri Lolfa, a gorgeous cafe nearby, so we’re fuelled by excellent coffee and gooey brownies.

Later, as the sky turns crimson, citrus-cured salmon with seaweed, pickled cucumber and a champagne sauce, £11.50, plus crab tagliatelle, £24, make for a tasty tea at Dylan Coastal Resort’s Milk Wood House.

Horse play

I always love the idea of horse riding, only to usually spend the entire trek afraid I’ll be bucked off.

But I’ve never felt as relaxed in the saddle as I do riding Apache at the excellent, family-run Marros Riding Centre.

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Catherine Bennion-Pedley

Raffy rides Woody, a fuzzy ginger Shetland, while six-year-old Poppy gets Harry, a grey Welsh mountain pony and Andy, an Irish cob named Hercules.

Having learned the basics – start, stop, steer – we ride through the farm’s ancient woodland and I’m pretty certain the kids are now dreaming of owning a pony.

A one-hour trek costs from £42 per person (Marros-farm.co.uk).

Our last night is spent in Laugharne’s Dexters at Browns, the older sister of Ty Glo and a steak-lover’s dream.

Andy and I splash out on 40-day aged chateaubriand with dauphinoise potatoes, creamed spinach with rarebit topping and béarnaise sauce, £76, paired with glasses of primitivo, £7.75, as the kids tuck into mini rump meals, £12 each (Browns.wales).

It’s certainly an upgrade from my mum’s meat and potato pie, often squished from the long journey down in the boot of our car as a kid.

But just as those precious memories hold a special place in my heart, retracing family holidays with my own little ones now holds a special place, too.