A Weekend In Pembrokeshire

 If you want to get away from your wi-fi, hi-fi and i-docking-usb-pods for a weeked, you need to take a relaxing trip to Wales, and more specifically to lovely Pembrokeshire.

(We can’t promise that the journey won’t be stressful, especially if you’ve got a variety of generations in the car with you demanding toilet breaks, Werthers original or Radio Loud on. Still, plow on and you’ll soon be in your own little Haven- there’s a clue…)

Pembrokeshire is based in the south west of Wales and is ideal for a weekend getaway. With plenty to visit such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, animals to spot, and beaches to visit, the county’ of Pembrokeshire is a great place to relax and take part in activities too.

Pembrokeshire has a huge coastline , with a variety of bays for you to explore including Newport, Fishguard, Carmarthen bay, as well as small islands like Skomer and Ramey.

We suggest that you head to somewhere when you can see the coast and enjoy the national parks, but with nearby access to lakes so you can  kayak, raft, gorge scramble, abseil, go shooting. If you stay in the right place you can  also indulge in Welsh breakfasts, excellent ales and come back heavier (but happier) than when you left!

Friday Night

Arrive in Pembrokeshire at Little Haven Haverfordwest.

This is the perfect place to see beautiful coasts and unspoilt shores.  Like a little heaven, Little Haven is on the west coast of Pembrokeshire and is an old fishing village that’s ideal for a peaceful, rested weekend away.

However, staying in Pembrokeshire means you are still close enough to action sports, kayaking, rafting and more for a great ‘GO Activities’ appropriate long weekend away!

Late Rooms offer a few hotels in Haverfordwest but as they are so idyllic, they can be costly.

The stunning £100 per night rooms are found at David’s Guesthouse, a grade II listed former Vicarage, set  with four poster suites, hearty English or Welsh Breakfasts, thick doorstop bread, secure parking, and even space for boats should you have brought them with you! Mere steps from the Norman Castle and the River Cleddau as well as pubs, this might be a great treat. If that’s too much, just 10 miles away lies the more modern Idos Boutique Suites in Narberth, a traditional stable block conversion close to the town of Narberth, complete with premium beds, wi-fi and i-docking for the modern traveler at a lower price.

After you drop your bags, we recommend getting into outdoor life! Start with an exploration of the stunning Pembrokeshire coast. You can do this on foot, or with the Costal Bus Service. Head to the south side of The Point in the Settlands and see the area called ‘The Sheep Wash’. Then for dinner we recommend an appropriate pub after seeing where they got washed previously- The Black Sheep (!) for some local produce. We can assure you that the dark chocolate torte and some drinks will certainly go down well after a day of driving!

If it’s still light, head back via Haverfordwest Castle which was built in the mid-12th century- there’s not much left of it, but it’s amazing what the castle has stood up against, from the Civil wars  and an attack in 1405. A local story also tells how in 1644 the castle was abandoned after cows on the hill were mistaken for attackers!

Saturday

We recommend an early start for breakfast (you have to try a Welsh fry up!) before you drive to St David’s half an hour away. There you will find the gorgeous Whitesands Bay, about two miles west of St. Davids, which is great for surfing, kayaking, rock pooling and climbing. Book in for a day of activity here and prepare to be exhilarated! A canoe trip in an open top or Canadian type boat can be as thrilling or as tame as you need it to be.

You can enjoy a picnic on the sands with your provider, or you can go your own way for lunch- why not try the The Farmers Arms, a nearby family pub to refuel?

The you can take the day down an adrenaline notch with clay pigeon shooting or golfing.

Or why not go to Ramey Island, an RSPB Boat Reserve. You can get a boat from the nearby St Justinians to spot some Guillemots Razorbills and even Atlantic grey seal colonies.

Afterwards, head back to Little Haven via the town of Broad Haven. With a few shops and some nice pubs, this is worth a look at.

Then head to the Griffin Inn In Dale for some scrumptious fish pie, a great steak or a couple of real ales before going bed!

Sunday

Sunday is usually the day of rest but we say, make an exception whilst your here.

Why not spend a day at the National Park Coasteering with a cliff jump or gorge scrambling for added measure? You can get involved in some rock building whilst you are there.

If you want a break from nature, then you can always do a spot of paintballing, karting or off road driving. Then stop at the Swan Inn for a fabulous roast before you hit the road and head home again.

Elaine