Pembrokeshire is a Winner!
Published: Tuesday 27th Mar 2018
Written by: Anita Lee
The results are in, Pembrokeshire is officially ‘Destination of the Year 2018’, as voted for by the Countryfile magazine readers.
It is a fantastic accolade but one which does not come as a complete surprise. Pembrokeshire is the perfect holiday destination whether you are a couple spending time together on a romantic break away, to a family enjoying the vast array of exciting activities and attractions. From the very young to the elderly, it’s a special place which will provide many happy memories. Its also an amazing playground for your dog, with all those miles of coastal footpaths, beaches and woodlands to explore! Take a look at our pet friendly cottages.
Pembrokeshire is a real tale of two halves, the rugged wilds of the North, with a preservation of the Welsh speaking language and culture. To the softer terrain of the South best known as ‘Little England beyond Wales’.
The North of the county is dominated by the Preseli Hills, or Preseli mountains as they are known locally, the peak Foel Cwmcerwyn is 536m above sea level. The Preseli’s are rich in historical sites with burial chambers (Carreg Coetan), hill forts (Mynydd carningli) and stone circles (Bedd Arthur). An area extremely popular with walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
There are lots of attractions in the North of the county from the picturesque Cenarth Falls, which is right on the border of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Cenarth is a pretty village with the River Teifi flowing through, you may even spot the occasional salmon leaping. The river cuts its way through the rocks and provides scenic waterfalls. Don’t forget to take a look at the coracle museum!
Castell Henllys is a reconstructed Iron Age hill fort ideal for the whole family to travel back in time, with regular events. The site warmly welcomes dogs who will enjoy the leafy woodland walks. Just less than two miles away is where you can take a look at the ‘gentle giants’ at the Dyfed Shire Horse farm, based at the foot of the Preseli Hills. Watch the farrier at work, let the kids burn off energy in the indoor & outdoor play areas and relax in the café for a well-earned refreshment.
North Pembrokeshire has a fine collection of beaches, Whitesands Bay, is one of the best surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire, which has a wide expanse of sand. Due to the ‘surf break’, surfers, canoeist, and body boarders all compete for the best waves. Newport beach is at the mouth of the River Nevern, a dune backed expanse of sand. A fashionable holiday destination which attracts an array of holidaymakers from all walks of life. Poppit Sands is a lovely sandy beach at the mouth of the River Teifi. It is also the beginning or end of 186 miles of coastal path to Amroth in the South.
This leads me to South Pembrokeshire, with Tenby town lying on the South Coast of the county. A holiday hot spot which really comes to life in the Summer months. Medieval town walls, cobbled streets, magnificent sandy beaches, pastel coloured houses and working harbour. A couple of miles by car is Saundersfoot, a coastal village with beautiful beaches, harbour and a good selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Along this South Coast are small coastal villages, Wisemans Bridge, Amroth and Pendine famous for its land speed records. Further inland there is the small market town of Narberth with its independent shops, antiques shops, and restaurants.
There is the Daugeleddau estuary, the joining of four rivers, these being the Western, Eastern Cleddau, Carew and the Creswell river. This area is particularly picturesque and a haven for wildfowl. Lawrenny Quay is the perfect place in which to launch a canoe or kayak and discover the secret waterways. Martletwy is home to Cwm Deri Vineyard producing wines and liqueurs, there’s also a restaurant which serves both lunchtime and evening meals.
South Pembrokeshire has lots of family attractions, Oakwood Theme Park, Heatherton World of Activity, Folly Farm, and Manor House Wildlife Park. There are boat trips to the islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm and Caldey Island home to the Cistercian monks.
For those who love adrenaline fuelled activities there is the climbing centre in Tenby, the staging of a long Course weekend and an Ironman. You can try coasteering, kayaking and go on a jet ski safari.
Choose your Pembrokeshire cottage and make it your holiday destination this year!