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Tenby is a town that really needs no introduction. The jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire, it's well known as cross the country as being exceptionally pretty with beautifully painted houses lining the harbour. It was made popular in Victorian times as a spa town visited by city workers escaping the polluted cities to breathe the fresh Pembrokeshire air and has remained a stalwart of British tourism ever since. Step further in to the town to explore the maze of super cute cobbled alleys, and spend some time wandering around the quirky little shops and fabulous bars and restaurants. Not forgetting of course the picturesque harbour, and sandy beach to dig your toes into. At about an hour's drive from us at Trenewydd Farm, but with Folly Farm and Oakwood both on the way there, Tenby is well within day-trip territory.  What Not to Miss
1. Fun parks If you're making a day of it, there are plenty of places to stop along the way when you drive from Trenewydd Farm. There's Heatherton World of Activities; Manor House Wildlife Park; Folly Farm; and The Dinosaur Park. 2. North Beach The iconic view of Tenby that you see everywhere (including here!) is taken by heading for The Norton, which is the road that takes you up to the cliff tops on the left hand side of the town. You can also see the converted lifeboat station that featured in Grand Designs a few years ago. 3. The Town Centre There are of course too many places to list here, but do make time to see the Tudor Merchant's House, which is a National Trust property and well worth a visit. 4. The Castle There's only a small tower left now right on the beach, the remains of Tenby Castle, but you can see the old town walls surrounding much of the town, especially if you park just outside and walk in. 5. Festivals and markets There's the weekly Tenby Country Market, from 9am to 12pm every Friday at St Johns Church Hall, Warren Street, and annually there's the fabulous Tenby Arts Festival held in September and the Tenby Blues Festival in November. There's plenty of competition here in Pembrokeshire when it comes to fabulous places to eat, so to be labelled the 'food capital' of this fabulous county is definitely something of a compliment. There's even an annual Food Festival, normally taking place towards the end of September, which involves two days of food stalls, music, and family-friendly entertainment.  Narberth is no slouch in the shopping department either, with a wealth of quirky and unique shops and galleries. With the half hour drive to this colourful and charming town taking you over the majestic Preseli Hills, which is a treat in itself, do make time to head to Narberth during your stay with us.
The high street leading through the town is a treat for the eyes in itself. Colourful Georgian and Edwardian buildings adorn either side, and there's the somewhat iconic clock tower right in the centre of it all. Eclectic shops, fabulous galleries and gorgeous cafes and restaurants line the streets, all enticing you inside. The Golden Sheaf Gallery is an absolute favourite, with all kinds of gorgeous goodies for sale; don't forget to head upstairs to the art gallery to browse works by local artists. And don't miss The Malthouse, full to the brim of wonderful antiques and with gardens and a café to boot. For those who enjoy history, lying on the edge of town is Narberth Castle, a ruined Norman fortress dated from the 13th century and mentioned in the ancient Mabinogion (a book of ancient Welsh folk tales dating back to the 14th Century). Not forgetting too the museum and independent bookshop, which hosts a number of events throughout the year. There are too many wonderful places to eat to mention them all, but rest assured you'll find plenty to keep you refreshed while you wander around, no matter your taste or budget. If you really want to push the boat out and go somewhere special, two miles outside town is Fernery at The Grove which boasts a Michelin star. The smallest city in Britain, St Davids, packs a big punch and is definitely worth a visit during your stay with us. This city, and the gorgeous peninsula within which it sits, has been revered as a cultural and religious destination for thousands of years. The swathes of coastal flowers bring it to life in the summer months, and there's a majesty in the craggy and stunning coastline which is wonderful at any time of the year. So, what is there to see and do in St Davids itself, named for Wales' patron saint? Well for starters there's a charming, eclectic high street with lovely pubs, cafés, art galleries, and shops around Cross Square, which sits in the heart of this wonderful city.  And after that...
1. The Cathedral The iconic St Davids Cathedral, which gives this small place its city status is a must-do. The earliest monastery on this site dates back fourteen centuries; the history and feeling of pilgrimage as you wander around this ancient shrine here is palpable. Its strategic position, lying on routes between England, Wales, and Ireland has always made it a place of interest and perhaps the reason why William the Conqueror visited in 1081. 2. The Bishop's Palace Right opposite the Cathedral lies the impressive Bishop's Palace, almost as admirable as the Cathedral. At a time when a pope decreed that you could equal a trip to Rome by visiting St Davids twice, pilgrims were flocking to see this grand, new Cathedral. Henry de Gower decided that the bishop's home was most unsuitable in comparison and set about building a palace. You can feel the grandeur just by walking round the ruins. 3. Pebbles Yard Gallery and Espresso Bar Pebbles Yard Gallery is almost as well known as the Cathedral and Palace, showcasing wonderful artwork by a range of artists in various mediums. Jacki Sime Photography is at home here. Not forgetting the Espresso Bar, of course, offering soups, sandwiches, and cakes as well as some truly superb coffee. 4. Boat trips Visit one of the Pembrokeshire islands by booking a boat trip with Voyages of Discovery, Thousand Islands Expeditions, or Falcon Boats. Myths and legends swirl round these islands, which have been inhabited since way back in the mists of time. There is a combination of old christian and viking influences, which you can see in the names you'll find. These days, they are best known for their wildlife, with Skomer being particularly famous for Manx Shearwaters and Atlantic Puffins, and the Marine Nature Reserve that surrounds it. Check out these website for other ideas of what to do in St Davids Peninsula: St Davids Peninsula Tourist Attraction Visit Pembrokeshire National Trust Cardigan is a small town that punches way above its weight, no question - for a small community, it covers everything and it's top of our list of suggestions of things to do for our guests. Just ten minutes away, we recommend a visit to Cardigan (Aberteifi in Welsh), not just because it happens to be on our doorstep but because it has so much to offer: several quirky, independent cafés; two theatres; bakeries; butchers; a gorgeous old-fashioned sweet shop; bars; pubs; myriad unique shops; great restaurants; a number of art galleries; hair and beauty salons; an historic Guildhall market; antique shops; bookshops... and, of course, a castle. Location wise, too, Cardigan is perfect. It's riverside, so you have all the wonders of the Teifi estuary, leading out towards the glorious expanse of Poppit Sands, and just 15 minutes in the other direction you have the majestic, ancient Preseli Hills - home to the bluestones at Stonehenge. We're not the only ones who think Cardigan is the place to be. Jeans have been made in Cardigan for over 40 years, and the Huit Denim Company set up their high-end jeans business here 10 years ago with great success - particularly when Megan Markle wore a pair of their jeans. Pizzatipi - 'a breathtaking space in lovely Cardigan on the banks of the Teifi in the shadow of the 13th-century castle' has been recommended by Giles Coren, and a fabulous new boutique hotel, The Albion, is opening shortly in an old quay side warehouse.  Visit Wales: "Cardigan has everything: ancient history, modern comforts, beautiful landscapes, and the sea just in reach. Its spirit is part old-fashioned Welsh market town, part hippy, arty enclave, and both sides sing to each other in perfect chapel-pew harmony. Come and fizz in my newcomer’s enthusiasm. Let me tell you what you’ve also been missing…"
Lonely Planet: "Cardigan has the feel of a town waking from its slumber. An important entrepôt and herring fishery in Elizabethan times, it declined with the coming of the railway and the silting up of the River Teifi in the 19th century. Now its surrounding natural beauty, hip craft shops, home-grown fashion labels, gourmet food stores and homely B&Bs are bringing it back to life. Its alternative arts scene is growing and the jumble of historical architecture that lines its streets and lanes has been given a new lease of life. Most importantly, Cardigan Castle has been restored and now serves as a hub of Welsh language, culture and performance." The surroundings of Cardigan are also worth a mention, not least the proximity of Cilgerran Castle, the Welsh Wildlife Centre, and St Dogmaels - all within walking distance should you be so inclined. Dai Crabs Boat ('retired shellfish and salmon fisherman, born and bred at sea') will take you on a little cruise down the river to Poppit Sands and back, and Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park is also a great place to visit. There are simply too many amazing places to mention in and around Cardigan, a literal treasure trove, but do follow some of the links below for more information.
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