Laurel Cottage, Haverfordwest

Pembrokeshire Coast. Sleeps up to 8

St Davids Cathedral and the Bishops' PalaceSt Davids Cathedral, dedicated to Wales’s Patron Saint, is a historic monument and a busy international music venue as well as a place of worship. Built in 1181, it has weathered the centuries with varying fortunes. In the most recent phase of conservation and building a modern refectory has been added to the newly restored cloisters. Visit for coffee or a meal and take time to enjoy the history and atmosphere of this very special place. Across the tiny river Alun is the St Davids Bishops' Palace. Now in the guardianship of CADW, it is a ruin but it’s lovely decorated stonework, wheel window, halls and stairways have been restored sufficiently to fire the imagination of young and old. Let your children play while they absorb the atmosphere of this site of medieval power and influence. The Pembrokeshire Coastal PathFrom Laurel Cottage it is a mile’s walk to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Either east or west, the cliffs are spectacular, with masses of bird and wildlife and a continually changing panorama of sea and sky. Early in the year the paths are smothered in flowers – a very special time to visit!If you want to walk further afield, take the local shuttle busses to join the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path which encircles the Peninsula. Outdoor Activity and Boat TripsThere are all kinds of activities for families, groups or individuals on offer on the St Davids Peninsula. Choose a jet boat or traditional cruising vessels to get up close to much of Pembrokeshire's exceptional marine wildlife and coastal scenery. Spot dolphins, porpoise and seals and an array of different sea birds. Tickets are available in St Davids. Try surfing, coasteering, sea kayaking or cycling (bikes for hire locally) or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches – Whitesands (2m), Caerfai (1m), Abereiddi (5m), Solva (3m) and Newgale(6m) are the closest. Solva Woollen MillVisit the local historic woollen mills at Middle Mill and Tregwynt. Tregwynt produces fine locally designed woollen goods, popular both locally and in up-market designer outlets throughout the world. Solva Woollen Mill is now the oldest working woollen mill in continuous production in Pembrokeshire. As well as a colourful range of woollen goods, it produces carpets, stair runners and floor rugs. The owners are proud to have supplied a wall hanging and a carpet to the Prince of Wales for his Welsh retreat in Myddfai. St Bride's Bay Water Taxi for WalkersSolva Sailboats operate a water taxi which will take you to your chosen destination from where you can walk back along the stunning Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to Solva. Possible destinations include Porth Clais, Porthmynawydd, St Justinians, Nolton Haven and Little Haven (weather dependent). Phone 01437 720972. PorthgainOn the north Pembrokeshire coast, just seven miles away is the village of Porthgain, an extraordinary village, rich in industrial archaeology but also an attractive harbour. Eat at the Shed Bistro or the Sloop Inn and discover the work of local artist Alun Davies or the collection of art in the Harbour Lights Gallery. Keep your eyes open for new talent emerging. If you visit on a calm Monday evening in summer you could even have a go at rowing a six-oared pilot gig! Golfing in PembrokeshirePembrokeshire has quite a variety of championship golf courses to choose from, many with excellent club house restaurants. Priskilly, Newport, Cardigan and Haverfordwest are all within easy reach. Just two miles from Laurel Cottage, above Whitesands beach, is the St Davids City Golf Club - the most westerly golf course in Wales. This is a 9-hole course with 18 tees playable all year round. It boasts ‘no winter greens, no winter tees, no muddy feet - with fabulous views of Whitesands Bay, St Davids Head and Ramsey Island’. Picton Castle and GardensJust the other side of the County town of Haverfordwest is Picton Castle with its extensive and lovely gardens. This beautiful castle, believed to have been built originally in the 13th century, has a rich history spanning nearly 800 years. Visit the house and gardens for a fascinating day out – and then perhaps have tea in its courtyard cafe. Beach riding with Nolton Riding Stables Nolton Haven is a pretty sandy cove at the back of St Brides Bay. Go up to the top of the village where the stables cater for beginners or experienced riders. Their instructors will check your riding requirements and offer you countryside trails or beach rides to suit. Family Days out in Pembrokeshire Further south in the county there are theme parks galore with diversions for all the family. Look up Oakwood Theme Park, Bluestone Water Park, Folly Farm Zoo, The Overhang Climbing Wall in Tenby, Manor Wildlife Park and Heatherton Sports for a good mix. Charming St Davids cottage set inside a verdant walled garden, an ideal choice for extended families or friends sharing.

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