Llys Isaf, Goodwick

Pembrokeshire Coast. Sleeps up to 2

Aberbach and AbermawrJust two miles from the cottage is a valley where National Trust woodland paths lead down through a bluebell wood to the sand and shingle beaches at Abermawr and Aberbach. This is a lovely (potentially circular) walk through a tree-filled valley – great for children and dogs (welcome all year) and for grown up walkers too!Play on the beach at Abermawr or the little cove at Aberbach and keep your eyes open for seals there in the autumn. Strumble Head and Pwll Deri Fifteen minutes’ drive away and a meandering route over the rocky headland is Strumble Head and the lighthouse. Well worth a visit, it is really the ends of the earth where you can look out to sea to spot pods of porpoises who pass in the overfalls off the rocks. Two and a half miles to the north of St Nicholas are the steep cliffs atf Pwll Deri. The subject of a famous Welsh poem, it is a wild and dramatic place and great for bird and seal watching. From the cliffs there are amazing views over the ocean and of the Garn Fawr Hillfort behind. Melin Tregwynt Melin Tregwynt is one of the two remaining woollen mills in Pembrokeshire. With skills passed down through generations of weavers, the mill produces lovely, locally designed blankets and throws which travel from this little mill to destinations round the world. Enjoy the mill and the shop and perhaps take tea in the little café. Fishguard Fishguard is the closest town to the St Nicholas with a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. If you are looking for a place to eat - Ffwrn is recommended for its wood fired pizzas for lunch or evening. They also regularly host music nights; Peppers is quickly gaining a reputation as Pembrokeshire’s leading Jazz venue; Bar 5 is popular for cocktails and tapas; The Gourmet Pig is a fantastic Deli with local produce and treats; The Fishguard Farmers Market held every other Saturday in the town hall sells a variety of different delicious local products. St Davids City Village 12 miles to the south of St Nicholas is the iconic village of St Davids. Britain’s smallest city, busy with useful shops as well as gift and clothes shops and galleries to enjoy. The village is remarkable in having a lovely 12th century cathedral and bishops’ palace. The peninsula, surrounded by sea, is a centre for boat trips. There are several different organisations in the town offering wildlife trips round Ramsey and out to the offshore islands. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and Porthgain The famous Pembrokeshire coastal path circles the coast round Strumble Head and south towards St Davids. Keen walkers can join at many points on the way but walks planned with a start or finish point at Porthgain will combine the delights of the coastal scenery with the opportunity to have food and drink in the popular Shed Bistro or Sloop Inn. The village is extraordinary with the remains of its industrial past incorporated into a popular tourist destination and art lovers can peruse the galleries while their children play on the village green! Visitors with dogs are welcome in Pembrokeshire but if you take them on coastal path walks take care of the cliff edge – the grass and flowers frequently overhang the cliff face and dogs like to look over the edge! Mathry Village and the Farmers Arms Pub About three and a half miles from St Nicholas is the hilltop village of Mathry and the popular Farmers Arms pub. This is a traditional pub serving good food and is well-used by locals – a good venue for lunch or supper! Strumble shuttle Your travels up and down the coast will be enhanced by using the local bus – the Strumble Shuttle. The Shuttle visits most villages and inlets and can be hailed as it passes. Get a timetable online or from the local Tourist Information Centre (Fishguard or St Davids) and take the bus. You will see the scenery, meet the locals and reduce your carbon footprint! Gwaun Valley Gardens and The Dyffryn Arms Take a short drive up the lovely Gwaun Valley to the Dyffryn Arms - known locally as Bessie's after the landlady who serves real ale from a jug in what is basically her licensed front room. It’s an experience not to be missed! Visit the nearby Pembrokeshire Gardens open to the public. Penlan Uchaf has acres of landscaped garden including a fast flowing stream set high above the Gwaun Valley. Dyffryn Fernant Gardens, set in 6 acres of grounds and features courtyard roses, orchard, wild flowers, wood, walks and more. Picton Castle and Gardens, Haverfordwest A beautiful 40 acre woodland garden surrounds the enchanting 13th century castle and both are open to the public. Visit the gallery, shop and courtyard restaurant as well. The castle hosts a rolling programme of family friendly events throughout the year. Animal LoversAnimals lovers of all ages should make a beeline for south Pembrokeshire where award winning Folly Farm and Manor Wildlife Park have a diverse collection of small and large animals on show. Expect to see meerkats, lemurs, gibbons, lions, tigers, rhinos, zebras, penguins, ostriches and more. Revel in this delightful haven as your base for exploring the north Pembrokeshire countryside