Stay off the beaten track
Charming countryside hideaways
If your idea of a Summer getaway is to literally get away from the crowds – or at least have a bolt-hole to escape to, we have just the thing. A selection of countryside holiday accommodation that’s just a little off the beaten track but not too far from Pembrokeshire’s key attractions.
Rosemoor Country Cottages and Nature Reserve, Walwyn’s Castle
Just two miles from beautiful St Bride’s Bay, you’ll find the former country estate of a Victorian gentleman, the grounds now converted, in part, into a nature reserve, with 9 self catering holiday cottages – 6 pet-friendly/3 pet-free.
Within easy reach (on foot) of safe, sandy beaches and close to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, a stay at Rosemoor makes for a great family holiday. Haverfordwest, the old county town, and the popular seaside village of Dale, are both around 6 miles away. Closer to home, the nature reserve and lake are home to otters, badgers, numerous birds and rare plants.
Pembrokeshire Cottages, Dog Friendly Cottages West Wales.
Ivy Court Cottages, Llys-y-Fran
Ivy Court features 10 cottages, tastefully converted from 19th century farm buildings and traditional Welsh barns, standing within three acres of pleasantly landscaped grounds and alongside the 350 acre Llys-y-Fran Country Park and Reservoir. Guests have free use of the heated covered swimming pool, tennis court, children’s play area and games room.
The Country Park itself offers a variety of water sports, fishing, cycling, mountain biking and other activities. A short drive away are Caldey Island, Carew and Pembroke castles, the beaches of Tenby and bustling Saundersfoot.
Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire (ivycourt.co.uk)
Tregynon Cottages, Pontfaen
Two charmingly renovated 16th century stone cottages set high above the Guan Valley in the heart of the Preseli Mountains. Owned by Discover Walking Pembrokeshire, they are the perfect base for both seasoned walkers and keen beginners. Discover Walking offers guests guided walks, some right from your cottage door, in the hills and along the coast. Alternatively, just relax in the lawned grounds with a glass of wine or cup of tea and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Four star accredited by Visit Wales, each cottage has been fully modernised and is well equipped. All bedrooms are en-suite and there’s unlimited wi-fi.
Musselwick Farm Cottages, St Bride’s
Visit Wales awarded 5 stars to these five luxury cottages by the sea on the beautiful St Bride’s and Marloes peninsula. Each with its own individual style, these converted farm buildings cater to a variety of guests. The Cowshed sleeps 2 and comes with its own private hot tub. At the other end of the scale, The Millhouse sleeps twelve, and boasts a huge hot tub for ten! Communal space includes an outside bar, BBQ pizza oven and grass tennis court.
Dogs are welcome and the nearby coastal path to Marloes Sands is one of the owners’ favourite dog walks.
If self-catering’s not your thing, we highly recommend a stay in this luxury boutique B&B near Newport and Fishguard. For seven years running Y Garth has be given Visit Wales’ 5 star Gold Award; it has earned a place in the Michelin Guide and been acclaimed for its breakfasts too.
With three comfortable, luxuriously appointed rooms to choose from, Y Garth is perfect for a romantic escape. And particularly popular with walkers who appreciate the proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and the Preseli Hills.
Banc-yr-Eithin Vintage Caravan, Eglwyswrw
For a haven of peace and tranquillity, you can’t beat a stay in this cosy vintage caravan set in its own private garden. You’re just fifteen minutes by car from the beaches and the lovely towns of Newport and Cardigan and 10 minutes’ walk from the Preseli Hills.
But why would you want to leave a king sized bed (with 100% cotton, professionally laundered linen), wood-burning stove, BBQ and firepit, and covered seating area where, glass in hand, you could read a book or watch the birds at the hanging birdfeeders.