Great Things to Do Near El Molino del Pilón
See the Royal Equestrian School in Jerez
Anybody interested in horses can not miss this magnificent display. Book tickets to see the show "How The Andalucian Horses Dance" which will also allow you to wander around the beautiful palace and gardens at this location in the centre of Jerez - www.realescuela.org
Visit the zoo
Jerez Zoo is interesting and well run. It's a worthwhile half-day outing - www.zoobotanicojerez.com
Play golf!
There are some great courses in the area, all available to non-members, the closest is a short drive away at Arcos Gardens - www.arcosgardensgolf.es. Montecastillo at Jerez, Montenmedio Country Club near Vejer and Fairplay Golf and Spa in Benalup are all within easy reach.
Take the children to Aqualand
...just outside El Puerto de Santa Maria. Make the children the excuse and have a great time yourself on the slides and flumes at this fun waterpark. Open June - September to coincide with the Spanish school holidays. www.aqualand.es
Visit Gibraltar
Definitely not Spain - and not Britain either. A great day trip, the best bit is the Rock itself which you can access via cable car (arrive early to beat the queues), private tour or rent an E-bike. Other attractions include the World War II Tunnels, St Michaels Cave, the Windsor Suspension Bridge, The Skywalk and of course duty-free shopping. Don't forget your passports!
Visit Ronda
Enjoy the scenic drive there as well as this famous picturesque town perched astride the gorge.
See Cádiz
So rarely mentioned in any guidebook, but the old town is an absolute gem. Some of things to experience - visit the Cathedral, climb the Torre Tavira, explore the castle and get a sense of its naval history, or simply sit in a patio, be-decked with flowers and people watch.
Visit Cape Trafalgar and the Costa de la Luz beaches
In 1805 the famous naval battle was fought just 5 miles off shore from the headland at Cape Trafalgar and you can begin to imagine the scene at this atmospheric and beautiful spot. The beaches here are superb too, Zahora at low tide is ideal for young families as it provides shallow waters and interesting rock pools. El Palmar just up the coast is a surfers paradise and is the home to some fantastic fish and seafood restaurants as well as night market and surf schools.
Bolonia - Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins
Be amazed by the scale of these largely unheard of Roman remains. A whole Roman city, tucked into a curve of the coastline. You can follow your archaeological exploration with a great fish lunch right there on the beach.
Explore Medina Sidonia
Visit this quaint white hilltop village, see the church and the Roman fortress and explore the old town that was once largely owned by the wealthiest family of Spain.
Visit Tarifa on the southern tip of Andalucía
See the kite surfers (you could have a go yourself!), explore the castle and the old town and marvel at the views across to Morocco. Africa is just 11 miles away across the Straits.
Sip sherry in Jerez de la Frontera
Home of sherry, brandy and sherry vinegar. Visit one of the many bodegas (wineries) to experience how the local tipple is produced. Tio Pepe is a good place to start, with tours in various languages, generous tastings, a touristic train and shop - www.tiopepe.com
Wander around Arcos Old Town
Just a short drive away, here you can explore its miradors with breathtaking views, medieval streets, impressive churches, fresh food markets, weekly open-air market and wonderful restaurants and tapas bars.
Carthusian Horse Centre
Visit the stud farm on the road on the outskirts of Jerez and see the most important breeding centre of the Spanish horses. This place shows the sheer natural beauty of the animal. Shows take place every Saturday at 11am - www.yeguadacartuja.com
Take a drive and explore
Stunning scenery is within easy reach: it's a beautiful mountain drive via Alcala, Ubrique, Grazelama and El Bosque or, even closer, the amazing views near Algar of the reservoirs and mountains.
Horse racing in Sanlucar de la Barrameda
There is horse racing on the beach in August, for exact schedules consult - www.carrerassanlucar.es. An exhilarating and fun day out for the whole family.
Visit Doñana National Park
Take a boat from Sanlucar and see its southern edges or drive to Matalascanas and do the full tour in a 4-wheel drive desert bus! This is Europe's largest birdlife reserve and quite unique.
Explore Sevilla
Discover its Cathedral, the Giralda Tower and the exquisite Moorish palace or Alcazar. You can even take a city bus tour - it's a great way to see the sights.
Go shopping...
... for leather goods in Ubrique!
Spend the day at La Playita
Just 15 mins drive from the villa is an attractive artifical lake with sandy beach, safe bathing area, beach bar, picnic area, 2 watersport centres and beautiful views across to Arcos. Usually open June - September.