Dear Welcome to Pembrokeshire! We are so proud of what this area has to offer and would really like you to enjoy as much of it as possible during your stay with us. We have compiled this information with you in mind. It is packed with places to see and things to do to assist you in your exploration of West Wales. If at any time you would like further information or recommendations of places to visit during your stay please come and see reception at any time and we will be delighted to assist you. We hope you enjoy your stay here in Pembrokeshire…. Kind Regards, Alison, Harriet, Dana, Melissa, Jess, Phyllis and Nia. Your Reception Team Family Attractions Folly Farm If you are a family visiting the area with young children in tow then Folly Farm is a definite must. With animals ranging from rabbits and guinea pigs to giraffes and zebras there is plenty to delight all ages. Folly Farm also has a an indoor play area with vintage fun fair rides and snack bars where parents can sit and refuel whilst children play. The animal keepers at Folly Farm also put on daily shows designed to educate and entertain both children and adults alike with pet handling areas and cow milking displays. (leaflet available at Reception) Heatherton Heatherton offers a wide range of activities from paintballing to crazy golf. Admission to the park is free but you pay for each activity seperately by purchasing tokens. Must do activites includes their new “Walk on Water” otherwise known as Zorbing this includes getting inside a giant inflatable, see-through ball and rolling around on the surface of the water. (leaflet available at Reception) Manor House Wild Welsh Zoo This wildlife park reopened by interior designer Anna Ryder Richardson is worth a mention particulary for its Wallaby Section that allows you to go in the enclosure as you please and feed the Wallabies. Children will be delighted as the wallabies approach for petting and niblits of food. (leaflet available at Reception) Natural Attractions Bosherton Lily Ponds Three narrow valleys were flooded between 1780 and 1860 to create these tranquil and beautiful lakes, now an important nature reserve, great for walking. The Lily ponds have also become a popular area for bird watching. Grassholm and Ramsey Islands Spend the day visiting the RSPB’s magical Pembrokeshire islands of Grassholm and Ramsey. Grassholm is home to the third largest Gannet colony in the world, you may also see porpoise, shearwaters, puffins, seals and possibly a glimpse of larger marine mammals. Ramsey island is also a nature reserve where you have the opportunity to spot peregrines, choughs, fulmars, kittiwakes, grey seals and more. Barafundle Bay This is one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches, often described as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’. The beach is backed by dunes and trees and is owned and managed by the National Trust. The beach is only accessible by the coast path. Beaches With over approximately 50 beaches in the area you will be spoilt for choice. Please see reception for a list of all named beaches in Pembrokeshire. The Coast Path The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britains National Trails and includes 186 miles of walkers paradise including pristine beaches, wild headlands, steep limestone cliffs and red sandstone bays. The coastal path is split into sections and a number of the walks are circular. Please see reception for more details and and bus timetables. Adventurous Activities Sailing Sea Cruises Tenby offers a wide range of boat trips including a 2 sail boat special where you are taken on a spectacular trip to explore the hidden bays and beaches that make up Pembrokeshire’s famous coastline. Tel: 07980 864 509 Kayaking, Cycling and Walking Mayberry Adventures offer a number of full day and half day experiences in these activities which are a fantastic way to explore the more secluded areas of the county. Tel: 01348 874 699 Watersports Equipment Hire The Hire Hut in Saundersfoot provides both lessons and hire of water sports equipment by the hour. You will find the hire hut just opposite from the harbour car park along the one way system. Surfing and Windsailing There is an abundance of surfing opportunities in Pembrokeshire and if you would like to partake in lessons West Wales Wind, Surf and Sailing, Dale Pembrokeshire, have expert tutors for various courses. If you have your own board see reception for tide times and more local beaches. Coasteering Not an activity for the faint hearted, Coasteering involves adventure swimming, rock hopping and cliff jumping, a perfect opportunity to get up close to Pembrokeshires coastline. Tel: Celtic Quest Coasteering on 01348 881 530 Historic Attractions Carew Castle The magnificent Carew Castle has a history spanning 2000 years. Set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23 acre millpond, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. The site incorporates an impressive 11th century Celtic Cross, the only restored Tidal Mill in Wales, a medieval bridge and a picnic area all linked by a delightful mile round walk. Pembroke Castle Idyllically set on the banks of the river estuary, this mighty fortress is largely intact, and its endless passages, tunnels and stairways are great fun to explore, plus there are super exhibitions, which tell the tale of its medieval life. Once the seat of a succession of major barons who played leading roles in shaping Britain's history, this historic showpiece is the birthplace of Henry Tudor, father to the infamous Henry VIII and grandfather of Elizabeth I. Tudor Merchant House in Tenby Step back 500 years and discover how the Tudor merchant and his family would have lived in this fascinating three-storey house, situated close to the harbour within the historic walled town of Tenby. Features of the house include a fine 'Flemish' round chimney and the original scarfed roof trusses. Castell Henllys Visitors to Castell Henllys Iron Age fort in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park look upon a sight that takes them back in time 2,300 years, to late prehistoric Britain. Buildings here have been reconstructed using evidence uncovered in excavations on the site. The reconstructed Iron Age settlement consists of three massive thatched roundhouses, a smithy and a round thatch-roofed grain store raised off the ground on four posts with a fence around the front, as well as a chieftain's house and animal shelters. It is well worth a visit as it gives a vivid and unique insight into the living and working conditions of the original inhabitants. St. David’s – UK’s Smallest City! The city of St Davids is situated on the far south west coast of Wales. Granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II because of the presence of the cathedral St Davids is in reality a small attractive village. Situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids is surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery renowned for its beauty and abundance of wildlife. Whitesands Bay, one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, carries the prestigious European Blue Flag Award. St Davids Cathedral has been the dominant presence since the 12th century and was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the Middle Ages and indeed remains so to this day attracting thousands of visitors every year. Adjacent to the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishops Palace. St. Govan’s Chapel Perched precariously on the cliff at St Govan’s Head, the tiny 13th-century St Govan’s Chapel is a spectacular sight. Huddled among the rocks, almost at sea level, it’s only accessible by climbing down 52 steps. It was built on the site of a holy well that once attracted pilgrims. Inside the sandy-floored chapel is a simple stone altar and a small cell hewn from the rock which contains a fissure. Legend has it that this first opened to hide St Govan when he was being pursued by hoodlums. It’s said that if you make a wish while standing in the fissure it will come true, provided you don’t change your mind before you turn around. Outside the chapel there is a large rock boulder known as the Bell Rock. The legend is that St Govan was given a silver bell which was stolen by pirates from its bell tower. St Govan prayed for its return and angels retrieved it and placed it inside a rock where it would be safe. St Govan used to tap the rock which gave a note a thousand times stronger than the note of the original bell. Tourist Information Centres Fishguard Harbour Tourist Information Centre Ocean Lab, Goodwick, Fishguard, SA64 0DE Tel: 01348 872037 Fax: 01348 872528 E-mail: fishguardharbour.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Haverfordwest Tourist Information Centre 9 Old Bridge, Haverfordwest, SA61 2EZ Tel: 01437 763110 Fax: 01437 767738 E-mail: haverfordwest.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Milford Haven Tourist Information Centre Suite 19, Cedar Court, Milford Haven, SA73 3LS Tel: 01437 771818 E-mail: milford.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Pembroke Visitor Centre Commons Road, Pembroke, SA71 4EA Tel: 01646 622388 Fax: 01646 621396 E-mail: pembroke.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Saundersfoot Tourist Information Centre The Barbecue, The Harbour, Saundersfoot, SA69 9HE Tel: 01834 813672 Fax: 01834 813673 E-mail: saundersfoot.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk St. Davids Tourist Information Centre The Grove, St. Davids Tel: 01437 720392 Fax: 01437 720099 E-mail: enquiries@stdavids.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk Tenby Tourist Information Centre Unit 2, Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT Tel: 01834 842402 Fax: 01834 845439 E-mail: tenby.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Whilst we have provided details of local information centres, we do hope that you will come and see us at Reception for assistance as we all live locally to Saundersfoot and would be delighted to help you further.