The Stables Cottage, Ambleston ref: 631032

It’s not just coastal adventure that draws people to this wonderful location: Lying tantalizingly close by, 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. This unique establishment 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 views from here and possibly 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. 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, 81 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, enjoy the vast, expansive sands of Newgale or Broadhaven or take a trip to Britain’s smallest city, St Davids: A place of pilgrimage since the 12th century, its medieval cathedral remains at the heart of this enchanting place: Wrapped by 8 ½ miles of some of the most fascinating coastline in the world, St Davids Peninsular is undoubtedly a Mecca to those with a passion for the great outdoors. Active souls can arrange one coastal adventure after another with TYF Outdoor, the group that introduced Coasteering to the world. Based in St Davids, they invite you to learn to climb, surf, kayak and coasteer around this amazing coastal playground, getting right up close to the marine life it’s shared with. Alternatively, Thousand Islands Expeditions and Voyages of Discovery transport wildlife lovers from St Justinians just a mile away, on the trail of dolphins, seals, porpoises and whales. One of the boat trips on offer will land you on the RSPB Ramsey Island, one of Wales’s most breathtaking nature reserves, where you can take the opportunity to join the warden for the day to discover the wildlife, the island’s history and what it’s like to live and work in such a remote place. Or thrill seekers can choose power-boat trips that journey at speed, deep into caves and through startlingly narrow gullies! This area offers a nautical adventure to coax everyone onto the sea: A drive of just 15 miles to Fishguard Harbour even gives you the opportunity to pop to Ireland for the day!

The sights, experiences and facilities on offer within half an hour’s drive of The Stables Cottage 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 The Stables Cottage, after the many adventures there are to be had, you can’t fail to appreciate the tranquillity, comfort and convenience it offers.

Things to do nearby