I AM wandering along the cycle path at Mumbles looking for somewhere to buy an ice cream — in the hope it might bring out the sun — when I am asked for directions to the nearest cinema.

"We're on holiday here from Leeds and just want to get out of the rain,'' the woman tells me as two young children cry around her feet.

I can't blame her, or them!

It is pretty gloomy.

Pat Clark, owner of the Captain's Cabin, a Mumbles newsagent and maritime memorabilia shop, goes even further.

"In a word — disastrous," she tells me.

"Last summer was bad. But this year is even worse. We get campers buying sweets and magazines to keep the kids quiet, but our summer items have hardly been touched.

"Our stockists have even cancelled their re-stock visit — they're more concerned with Christmas goods now. I don't think there's enough for tourists to do in Mumbles. We've got Plantasia and the cinema in Swansea, but it's not a cheap day out.

"A lot of the campers have just packed up and gone home. I've been in the business for 49 years and it's the worst summer I've ever known. We're going to have to write it off and pray for good weather next year."

She is not alone. For holidaymakers too this summer's daily downpours have been a headache. Gill Bennett and husband Ian, both aged 34, holidaying in the area for the first time, say it has cast a cloud over their plans.

"What we wanted was a cheap, beach holiday,'' says Gill, from Warrington.

"We are camping in Gower and basically just wanted to be able to let the children run free on the beach. We knew we might get some rain, but it's been ridiculous.

"Every day we open up the tent in the morning and hope for the best. It just never happens.''

Carwyn Walters however, owner of Olives and Oils in Newton Road, Mumbles, says the weather has been so bad, that if anything, it has actually boosted trade for them.

"I think it is actually benefiting the village,'' he argues.

"We've had lots of holidaymakers coming in. Obviously, it's nice when it's sunny, but the village has still been busy.

"Gower is still beautiful in the rain and there are plenty of other places to visit nearby such as the Wetlands Centre in Llanelli. It's nice to see people putting on a brave face and making the most of it."

Indoor attractions are also said to be booming thanks to the dismal weather.

Plantasia, Swansea Museum and the Brynmill Park Discovery Centre, as well as city leisure centres, are all attracting bumper crowds as people search for fun alternatives to the beach.

The weather helped encourage more than 1,000 people a day through Plantasia's doors to take a peek at the snakes and creepy crawlies last weekend. Swansea Museum has also been going strong, typically attracting about 1,000 people every weekend.

Swansea Council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, Graham Thomas, says the rain shouldn't dampen people's spirits.

He added: "Swansea enjoys a fabulous natural location with some of the finest beaches and outdoor activities in the UK but we also have indoor attractions to rival the best.

"We've invested heavily in our community leisure centres where activities such as swimming and a wide range of sports are always available.

"The weather is hardly befitting of summertime at the moment, but there are so many other options available to holiday-makers and residents across the city."

Nic Beggs, marketing manager at The LC says the waterpark has provided people with an alternative to outdoor activities.

"Obviously the rain affects the number of tourists visiting the area, but I think we've been fortunate.

"Local people here in Swansea have recognised that visiting The LC is a good way to spend an active afternoon, out of the house and away from the TV!

"Swansea doesn't seem to be having much luck on the weather front at the moment, so we've extended our opening hours in the waterpark on September 2 and September 3, to a full day, so that children on inset days can make the most of their holidays before going back to school."

The downpour has also been good news at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire, where plants are flourishing.

Commercial manager Jacqui Mitchell said: "Rain in Wales is not uncommon, but it has brought the garden to life, with so many of the plants thriving.

"We also have a tropical garden under glass where visitors can enjoy a break from the rain."

Swansea and Gower weatherman John Powell says he remains optimistic that a long overdue warm spell is on it's way.

"So far, August has been a particularly cloudy month, with just 60 hours of sunshine — the lowest I've ever recorded before is 140 hours. We normally get around 4in of rain in August but we've had 7in already and there's still a few days to go. I always feel sorry for the campers, myself.

"I haven't got a crystal ball but I'd like to think that before long the pendulum will swing the other way. Nature has a way of balancing itself, so we could soon see drier, sunnier conditions."

Here's hoping!