Gilbert's Cottage, Haverfordwest

Pembrokeshire Coast. Sleeps up to 6

Mathry VillageThe quiet hilltop village of Mathry with its church and village green, has a traditional local pub - The Farmers Arms - serving bar meals and acclaimed Sunday lunches. Newly opened and a short step from the cottage is the Siop Fach Tearoom and Collectables - with fresh decor and views across the valley, it offers delicious food (great for breakfast on the terrace looking over to the Preseli Hills) throughout the day as well as a shop with souvenirs,The local Church of the Holy Martyrs (doors always open) is a stop on the 'Saints and Stones Pilgrimage' Historic Trail for pilgrims. This is a wonderful base for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. A footpath from the village crosses farmland to the beach and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path with its fantastic scenery and stunning plant and wildlife. Abercastle, Porthgain and AbereiddiThe rugged north Pembrokeshire coastline is scattered with hidden coves and beaches. Abercastle - landing site in 1876 of the first single-handed Atlantic sailing west to east - is a tiny hamlet and pretty working harbour, home to both fishing and pleasure boats. Porthgain harbour was once a vibrant centre of nineteenth century coastal industry, its large brick hoppers now designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is a popular destination for visitors and locals who come to use the harbour, dine at The Shed and The Sloop - both very popular local eateries - and enjoy the galleries, the green and the pleasant holiday atmosphere. Abereiddi, just along the coast, has pretty colour washed former quarry workers cottages, black sandy beach and the remarkable Blue Lagoon - a disused quarry now filled with deep aquamarine seawater. Popular with families, the sand which is visible at low tide, also contains a high concentration of fossils and is a draw for fossil hunters. Abermawr and Aberbach beachesWalk with your dog down through the Pen yr Allt and Broom Woods - it is lovely at any time of year but sports an amazing carpet of bluebells and wild garlic in the Spring. Accompanied by birdsong, the paths lead you above the marshy streambed to the un-crowded shingle and sand beaches of Abermawr and Aberbach. If you are there in the Autumn look out for seal pups on the shoreline. Melin TregwyntThe hundred year old and internationally renowned Tregwynt Mill, up the valley from Abermawr and Aberbach, takes a new approach to Welsh woollen goods. Revive your furnishings from a Welsh-made range of exclusive wool blankets, throws, cushions, accessories and clothing, combining traditional techniques and modern design. You might like to complete your shopping expedition with a visit to the tea room! St Davids Village/City, St Davids Cathedral and Bishops' PalaceA visit to St Davids, Britain's smallest city (little more than a village), is an essential on any holiday to Pembrokeshire. Hidden away in the valley, the lovely medieval Cathedral with its beautiful organ and newly restored cloisters and next door, the ruined Bishops' Palace are host to musical and theatrical events through the year - make sure you don't miss the Cathedral Music Festival in late May!On the hill above, the city offers clothes and outdoor shops, art galleries, coffee shops/restaurants and places to book breathtaking boat trips out to the seal and bird islands of Ramsey and Grassholm. FishguardThis Mathry holiday cottage lies north of the little market town of Fishguard which boasts a range of small shops, pubs and restaurants, an excellent Saturday Farmers Market selling delicious fresh local produce, an award winning Leisure Centre and a small cinema. Famous as the site of the Last Invasion of Britain in 1797, the event is commemorated by a tapestry displayed in the Town Hall; sewn by local needlewomen, it marks the 1997 Bicentenary of the event during which the British commander set up his headquarters in the Royal Oak pub on the square. Come to Fishguard for music - Folk Festival in May, International Music Festival in late July and Aberjazz - the jazz and blues festival in mid August. The Irish Ferry sails from the ferry terminal at neighbouring Goodwick - a daily service to Rosslare in Ireland. Workshop Wales GalleryJust outside Fishguard, and certainly worth a visit, is the Workshop Wales Gallery with its inspiring collection of over forty local, national and international artists' work - there is a summer sculpture show in the beautiful gardens too! Golfing Breaks Pembrokeshire WalesFamily owned Priskilly Forest Golf Course is a few minute's drive from Mathry. Open all year to visitors of any ability, it is a 9 hole gem, set amongst mature oaks, sycamores and rhododendrons and with panoramic views from Strumble Head to the Preseli Mountains. All your golfing requirements - either for purchase or hire - are available at the golf shop. The Club House also serves excellent food and drink. St Davids City Golf Course is a spectacular 9 hole course on the headland overlooking Whitesands Beach - a real challenge! Outdoor Activities in North PembrokeshireAt both Newgale and Whitesands surf hire and instruction is available at the beach. In St Davids, TYF Adventure offers a wide variety of activities and just down the road from Mathry, Preseli Venture offer instruction in sea kayaking and surfing. There is lots to chose from if you are looking for adventure!Inland explore the Preseli Mountains - wonderful views, hill walking, cycling or driving. Visit the mysterious and beautiful Gwaun Valley - a timeless world with hanging deciduous woodlands. Llys y Fran Reservoir and Country ParkA little further afield is the reservoir at Llys y Fran. It offers a wonderful day out in the country for the whole family - enjoy walking, bird watching, boating, fishing, picnicking and the views of the country. WatersportsPembrokeshire offers myriad opportunities for all types of watersports. Try surfing, coasteering, sea kayaking, sailing, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing and so much more. Family FunDr Beynon's Bug Farm and Grub Kitchen, Hangar Five trampoline park, West Wales Karting, the Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company, Scolton Manor and Country Park, Folly Farm, Manor Wildlife Park and Castell Henllys reconstructed Iron Age settlement are just a few of the quality family attractions in Pembrokeshire. GardensVisit Dyffryn Fernant, Manorowen Walled Garden and Penlan Uchaf all beautiful gardens open to the public near Fishguard. Characterful family and dog friendly holiday cottage in the hilltop village of Mathry for year round holidays in north Pembrokeshire. Do read the reviews.

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