By Kate Hodges
07th June 2017
Reconnect with nature at this spacious and blissful National Trust campsite, nestled in a hollow just a stone’s throw from the glorious, sandy Freshwater West beach – whose zippy surf and golden sands will make you gasp in delight. If you can tear yourself away from the seaside, there’s plenty to explore – head via a network of footpaths to the Stackpole Estate to discover walled gardens and ancient stone circles. Freshly opened in 2017, with sparkling facilities, you won’t find any huge caravans here – camping is restricted to small campers and tents – and if it’s rainy the communal barns make a convivial place to shelter. Plus it’s dog-friendly!
Want to visit Pembrokeshire, and leave it just as unspoiled as you found it? Under the Thatch track down the greenest and most ethically-managed holiday cottages in Wales (and beyond), and they’re gorgeous to boot. Pick from stone cottages perched right on the beach to stunning town houses with stylish interiors. There are family homes situated in National Parks a stumble from private coves, and even the group of cottages complete with showman’s wagon restored by Griff Rhys Jones for his programme ‘A Pembrokeshire Farm’. We adore their huge country houses - perfect for sharing with a like-minded group of friends or extended family.
Wake up to the sounds of farm life every morning, and help feed the animals, at this cluster of nine holiday cottages and homes, converted from slate barns, and only four miles from the beach. Some cottages have hot tubs, and all share a luxurious, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, gym, pool table and soft play area, plus a play bar with sand pits, table tennis and air hockey, all designed to make your kids’ stay fun and yours totally relaxed. Want to chill more? You can book massages, beauty treatments and freshly cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. Nearby Cilgerran Castle and Castell Henllys’ Iron Age hill fort are ripe for exploration, while you can spot seals and dolphins from exhilarating boat trips.
Set in 22 acres of private grounds, and only four miles from the glistening surf beaches of Newgale Sands, Asheston Eco Barns are packed with character and unashamedly luxurious. That luxury, however, doesn’t come at the expense of the environment – around 85% of the cottages’ energy needs are generated on-site with solar hot water systems, log-burning stoves and geothermal heat pumps. There’s plenty of places to explore nearby – St David’s and whale-watching trips are very popular, but it’s equally easy to stay put, spending time together and relaxing. The space is incredibly family friendly – cots, highchairs and stair gates are standard, baby baths and monitors available, and there’s even a playground for the kids to enjoy. Pretty blissful!
Explore the stunning scenery, Celtic history, and wide, wide beaches of Pembrokeshire with one of Sykes’ hand-picked cottages. Great value for money, Sykes has town houses in St Davids, cottages on farms, and bungalows just a seal’s honk from the beach. Live like a local in character-filled houses - some with hot tubs, gardens, or even direct access to the shoreline. Choose a place perfect for your family – large or small – and in your ideal location, then relax and have fun.
