Beachcomber, St Davids

Pembrokeshire Coast. Sleeps up to 4

The City of St DavidsAlthough St Davids has the status of a city it is really a small village. There is a well-stocked supermarket, butchers, greengrocers, as well as a post office, ice cream and chocolate shop and two banks. There are also galleries and gift shops, well worth a visit - clothes, gifts and outdoor gear. Come and browse or buy - it is a delightful place to while away your holiday!On Thursdays on the Cross Square there is an outdoor farmers' market throughout the summer (it is held in the City Hall in the Winter months) - all sorts of local produce and tasty morsels. Cathedral and Bishop’s PalaceIn the valley below St Davids, by the side of the tiny River Alun, is St Davids' wonderful medieval Cathedral. Built in 1181, the Cathedral is both a church and a historic building. It is worth taking the time to enjoy the history and atmosphere of this very special place. Information about its changing fortunes across the centuries is available from guide books and volunteer stewards. Perhaps have coffee or a meal in the remarkable refectory - constructed in 2007 in the 14th century St Mary's Hall. Across the river is the ruined Bishops' Palace – dating mostly from the 13th and 14th centuries - with its lovely decorated stonework, wheel window, halls and stairways. It is partially restored and has the ability to fire the imagination of young and old - let your children play while they absorb the rich atmosphere of this medieval seat of power. Boat Trips – book in St Davids to visit the offshore islandsBoat trips to suit all tastes leave from St Justinians during the season (April to October) to circle Ramsey Island and to see the marine wildlife, birds and spectacular Pembrokeshire coastal scenery. Go dolphin and whale spotting too with longer trips out to Grassholm and the lighthouse! You’re your tickets in St Davids. Pembrokeshire Coastal PathWalk from the apartment to the Pembrokeshire coastal path which stretches the whole length of the Welsh coastline and encircles the St Davids Peninsula. Enjoy fabulous cliff top walking and breathtaking scenery within easy reach, never more than a couple of miles from the apartment. The path follows the rugged coastline and encircles the peninsula through Whitesands, Porth Sele, St Justinians, Porth Clais and Caerfai Bay - walk as far as you like and get a dedicated walkers’ bus back. In the summer busses call in at all beaches, coves and villages along the coast. St Davids Peninsula BeachesWhether your preference is for surfing or rock-pooling, swimming or long walks along the sand, Pembrokeshire has everything to offer. On the St Davids Peninsula enjoy the wide sandy expanses at Whitesands or Newgale - both have lifeguard cover in the summer months - or visit small coves at Caerfai, Porth Sele or Porth Melgan. Woollen Mills at Solva and TregwyntDo visit the nearby Woollen Mill in its pretty setting in Middle Mill, Solva, patronised by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who bought rugs and flat weave stair runners for their Welsh retreat in the Brecon Beacons. This is the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire with its original restored waterwheel - watch the working mill and then enjoy tea in the tea room and perhaps buy a souvenir in the mill shop. Tregwynt Mill near the north coast beaches of Abermawr and Aberbach heralds a new spirit in Welsh design. They sell exclusive wool blankets, throws, cushions, furniture, accessories and clothing combining authentic Welsh tradition with innovative and modern design. Porthgain Village and harbourPorthgain was a prosperous nineteenth century industrial harbour exporting slate from local quarries at Abereiddi and Porthgain – now popular for water sport enthusiasts - boaters, rowers, fishermen and canoeists - their activities overlooked by relics of the industrial past. The village can be busy in summer. It is on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, is served by the Strumble Shuttle (the local bus service) and offers the visitor galleries, a gift shop and refreshments at the popular Sloop Inn and the award-winning Shed Fish Restaurant. Strumble Head – wild scenery, seals and porpoises. North Pembrokeshire has a dramatic and beautiful coastline - sometimes wild and windy but always spectacular. Strumble Head, slightly north of Porthgain, is one of the best places in Britain to look out for passing pods of porpoises which surface in the tidal races just out beyond the point. Seals are often spotted in the sea below the lighthouse where a wartime lookout has been converted as a shelter for the public to use. Nolton Haven Beach and Riding StablesTo the south of St Davids, further round St Brides Bay, the tiny waterside village of Nolton has a beautiful sandy cove with the most westerly chapel in Britain clinging to its clifftops. The Mariners Inn serves good pub food. East Nolton Riding Stables will take you on an exhilarating gallop across the beach or a gentle trek through the Pembrokeshire countryside. Golf Clubs at St Davids and PriskillyWithin a mile and a half of the apartment is St Davids City Golf Club, the most westerly golf course in Wales. This 9 hole course with 18 tees is playable all year round - no winter greens, no winter tees, no muddy feet - and has fabulous views overlooking Whitesands Bay, Ramsey Sound and the infamous 'Bitches' stretch of water just south of St Davids Head. Priskilly Forest Golf Club at Castlemorris is a family owned 9 hole course set in mature parkland with panoramic views. Beginners and families are welcome and there is a good bar, restaurant and beautiful walks for non players. Pembrokeshire Activities for familiesThroughout the summer there are local shows and events which give visitors a real taste of country activities. Check with the local Tourist Information Office for the events which are going on during your visit. For family days out there are activity centres such as Oakwood or Heatherton which offer a variety of different sports within the centres themselves. For the more adventurous visit the outdoor centres TYF, Sealyham or Preseli Venture. If you are looking for less active pursuits visit local castles, historic houses and gardens - Picton Castle, house and gardens, Scolton Manor and Country Park or slightly further afield Ffynone Mansion. There are many castles which roughly follow the ‘Landsker Line’, the most complete being Pembroke Castle and perhaps the most romantic, Carew. Check the visitor details before you set off. Pembrokeshire zoos at Folly Farm and Manor Wildlife Park, between them have an amazing array of exotic animals on show including lions, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, lemurs, penguins, ostriches, gibbons and more.

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