Fisherman's Cottage, Solva

Pembrokeshire Coast. Sleeps up to 5

Solva Harbour and Fishing VillageSolva is a quaint picturesque harbour village with a small beach and lots to enjoy. The harbour, a safe haven for boats (and a fine example of a 'Ria' - a melt-water channel from the ice age), was a major trading centre during the late 19th century. Ships embarked from here to sail all over the world as well as crossing the Atlantic to America - which may explain why at one time there were said to be 30 pubs in the village!The harbour can be reached on foot from the cottage via various footpaths, some with stiles. The modern village has independent small shops and galleries and a selection of pubs, restaurants and places to eat. Window on Wales is a well-stocked gift and clothes shop which draws customers from across the County – well worth a visit!The harbour is full of boats and other water craft. Play on the little beach, fish for crabs from the harbour wall at high tide or at low tide rock-pool and paddle on the beach or walk round to Gwadn (the next bay). At the top of the village there is a well-stocked general store which will provide for your everyday needs as well as fresh local crab for your sandwiches - all offered with a cheery reception!And at the end of the day enjoy tea and home-made cakes – or perhaps their famous fish and chips - in No 35, the café by the river. Solva Woollen Mill Solva Woollen Mill in the valley is a working water mill, one of only 2 left in Pembrokeshire, and produces fine woollen goods which are for sale in its gift shop and offers delightful refreshments in its tea room!Pembrokeshire Coastal Path The St Davids Peninsula is bordered by the Pembrokeshire Coast Path –now part of the All Wales Path. From the lane outside the cottage you can walk straight onto the path in either direction from where, just on your doorstep, spring flowers, seabirds, seals and unbounded wildlife present an unexpected treasure for the uninitiated. Local beaches – Newgale, Whitesands and Abereiddy Beaches Whitesands Bay, one of the most stunning locations on the Pembrokeshire coast, is a wide sandy 'Blue Flag' beach with lifeguard cover in the summer and surf hire and surfing lessons available at the beach - popular for swimming, surfing and water sports of all sorts. From the car park you can walk out on the coast path towards the rocky headland which is St Davids Head. Three miles to the east of Solva is the magnificent three mile sandy beach at Newgale. Wonderful for surfing, you can take your dog on (at least parts of) the beach at all times of year and two lifeguard stations are provided for safe bathing. Abereiddi is a popular, family friendly, west facing, sand and pebble beach with low rocks and cliffs. The City of St DavidsAlthough St Davids has the status of a city it is in reality a small village. Useful as a source of groceries - there is a well-stocked supermarket, butchers, greengrocers, as well as a post office, ice cream and chocolate shop and two banks, there are also galleries and shops - clothes, gifts and outdoor gear. Come and browse or buy - it is a delightful place to while away your holiday!Don't miss the outdoor farmers' market on the Cross Square on Thursdays throughout the summer - all sorts of local produce and tasty morsels. St Davids Cathedral and the Bishops' PalaceTucked away in the valley below the town is St Davids' wonderful medieval Cathedral - take time to enjoy the history and atmosphere of this very special place. Dating back to 1181, the Cathedral is both a church and a historic building. Guide books and volunteer stewards are at hand to help you understand some of its differing fortunes across the centuries. Perhaps have coffee or a meal in the remarkable refectory - a modern insert in the 14th century St Mary's Hall. Across the tiny river Alun is the ruined Bishops' Palace with its lovely decorated stonework, wheel window, halls and stairways. Restored sufficiently to fire the imagination of young and old, let your children play while they absorb the atmosphere of this site of medieval power and influence. Boat Trips to the Bird IslandsVisit one of the boat booking offices in St Davids and book your place on a memorable boat trip from St Justinians out to Ramsey Island or the amazing bird island of Grassholm. Try Falcon Boats with a trip to look for porpoise and dolphins or a fast exciting boat trip round Ramsey Island. Perhaps if this is too speedy for you, try a more sedate one - either is sure to be a wonderful experience with fabulous coastal scenery, marine and bird life to enjoy. TYF Adventure DayDo something a little different and get the adrenaline flowing on an adventure day out. Kayaking, surfing, climbing, coasteering. Take a step into the unknown with the experienced guides at TYF (the booking shop is in the heart of St. Davids). But best of all do it in the beautiful and rugged surroundings of the Pembrokeshire Coast. St Davids and Priskilly Golf ClubsJust five miles from the cottage is the 9 hole course at St Davids. Try a round on this lovely course above Whitesands beach – the scenery is breath-taking. Located at Castlemorris, Priskilly is a challenging 9 hole course is set in mature parkland with panoramic rural views. St Bride's Bay Water Taxi for WalkersSolva Sailboats operate a water taxi which will take you to your chosen destination from where you can walk back along the stunning Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to Solva. Possible destinations include Porth Clais, Porthmynawydd, St Justinians, Nolton Haven and Little Haven (weather dependent). Phone 01437 720972. Nolton Haven Beach and Riding StablesThe tiny waterside village of Nolton with a beautiful sandy cove and East Nolton Riding Stables who will take you on an exhilarating gallop across the beach or a gentle trek through the Pembrokeshire countryside. Family FunTravel all over Pembrokeshire to discover a diverse range of quality family attractions including Hangar 5 Trampolines, West Wales Karting, the Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company, Folly Farm, Blue Lagoon Water Park, Manor Wildlife Park, Dr Beynon's Bug Farm and Grub Kitchen just to mention a few.