The Old Coach House - Skokholm ref: 631011

During your stay, why not adventure to the island itself: One of Wales’ most breathtaking and internationally important nature reserves. Thousand Islands Expeditions based in St Davids, just half an hour’s drive away, offer the opportunity to join an RSPB guide on a boat trip to the amazing Grassholm Island, 11 miles off the coast. While you can’t land on this vital gannet breeding colony (the third largest in the world, supporting a 10% of the entire population) it is possible to go around the island in order to experience one of the most awe-inspiring, wildlife spectacles in the world. The trip lands on Ramsey Island on its return journey offering the opportunity to get right up close to a variety of species and on the boat trip itself you’re likely to catch sight of porpoises and dolphins: Certainly a day filled with magical memories for all! There’s also plenty of adventure to be had on the doorstep. A wander into the wild, open and ancient landscape of the Preseli Hills can’t be missed. Rising to 536m (1,760ft), the hills reward you with breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and on a clear day, even of Ireland. The Tafarn Sinc provides a great venue for lunches or evening meals if out walking locally. Just a mile and a half from home, this unique establishment it prides itself on serving a hearty, traditional menu from the best of local produce. The highest licensed pub in Pembrokeshire, it’s a place of nostalgic originality and draws its custom from far and wide. Having enjoyed the view and walks around the local Rosebush reservoir, why not visit her big sister a few miles south at Llys y Fran Country Park. This 212 acre man-made lake supplies most of Pembrokeshire’s drinking water and is the largest game fishery in South West Wales. It’s open for both fly and bait fishing and is regularly restocked from on-site rearing cages. The beautiful woodland setting of Lys y Fran offers trails for both walkers and cyclists with mountain bike hire available. The children’s adventure play area and licensed restaurant and coffee shop provide the ideal spot to recover from any exertion. An amble through some of the way-marked routes of the Gwaun Valley shouldn’t be missed either. From your doorstep, the eight mile wooded valley that wends its way north westerly to Fishguard, is known by many, as the land that time forgot. Its steep sides and long-established mixed oak woods give an idea of how most of Wales would have once looked. You can’t fail to appreciate the ancient charm and peaceful pace of the Gwaun Valley but many visit for just one reason – a trip to Bessie’s. The Dyffryn Arms at Pontfaen; a simple front room, a dozen chairs, two church pews and fire place, has been owned by Bessie Davies’ family for 170 years. From her hatch in the wall, 80 year old Bessie, dressed in her trademark apron, is always ready to chat and serve a pint which she decants into a jug from the only barrel. For coastal days, the small, medieval coastal town of Newport is just eight miles away. With its vast sands and quiet air of sophistication, it has all that you’d expect to find in such a place; galleries, antiques, restaurants, cafes, water sports and much more but without the trappings of mass tourism. It boasts both a Norman castle and church which stand proudly above the ancient streets and pathways which lead directly to the River Nevern Estuary which teems with wildlife. The Newport Links Golf Course and Resort offers a superb venue not only for golf and fantastic food but also for watching the sunset across a vast vista; from the beach to the Preseli Hills. The sights, experiences and facilities on offer within half an hour’s drive of Skokholm are both vast and diverse: numerous castles, incredible beaches, nature reserves, gardens, zoos, coastal paths, quaint seaside towns and villages offering water sports of every kind, pony trekking, theme parks and even a chocolate factory and a vineyard to visit. But on returning to Skokholm, after the many adventures there are to be had, you can’t fail to appreciate the tranquillity, comfort and convenience it offers.

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