We’re delighted to be able to welcome guests from all over the UK back to Atlantic View at long last, and while our stunning coastline, beaches, fresh sea air and the beautiful, bucolic countryside is exactly the same as you last saw it, there are other aspects to your holiday that will be a little different in 2021. Wales, unlike England, is ruled by a devolved government, and, as such, the rules regarding the lifting of lockdown restrictions are a little different. This means that some things that you’re getting used to doing again in your home country might not be the same here, and, as a result, not all your favourite attractions will be open.
But fear not! The joy of coming to the wilds of West Wales on your holidays isn’t all about being entertained…here, Mother Nature does that for you in many different ways! So we’ve put together some free days out ideas that mean that lockdown or no, you and your family can still have an amazing time with us at Broad Haven without spending a fortune on entry fees, relying on odd opening times or doing much, if any, social distancing.
Here are three free days out that we think you’ll love – let us know on social media what you tried and what you thought!
Go North for free days out steeped in history
Many of the things that draw people to Pembrokeshire are free – the sea, the mountains, the sense of peace. A short drive north from your luxury accommodation at Atlantic View takes you to one of the most famous landmarks on its namesake peninsula – the city of St Davids. This beautiful, tiny city with its cobbled streets and historic architecture, has been officially dubbed Britain’s smallest city due to its incredible cathedral, built on the spot of a monastic community founded by St David, patron saint of Wales. Spend the morning walking around its ancient, twelfth-century walls of local red-grey stone before walking the mile or so towards the coast and the tiny chapel of St Non, erected in memory of the cliffside spot where it is said that, during a terrible storm, Non gave birth to David.
Making your way back down the coast towards Broad Haven, you reach the picture postcard perfect village of Solva. Known for its colourful harbour full of bobbing boats, mariners cottages and whispers of sailors and great adventures, this is the perfect spot for a takeaway crab sandwich – try to catch your own along the quayside, too!
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, then Pointz Castle Ice Cream is a short drive over the hill towards Newgale beach and serves their very own delicious array of ice creams and sorbets made right on site – you can even see the cows who produce the milk while you’re there!
Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or take the boogie boards for a surf on the popular pebbly expanse at Newgale, known for being the perfect wave-catching beach in Pembrokeshire, with beautiful views back North along the cragged coast towards St Davids or south, around Lion’s Rock back to your home from home at Atlantic View.
Free days out with spectacular views south of Atlantic View
While the northern peninsula visible from your cottage is compact, the coastline running south is a lot more exposed and dramatic, with cliffs falling away to the sea. A fantastic, safe spot to take the family to appreciate the dramatic beauty of St Bride’s Bay is Marloes. Park in the National Trust car park and take a short walk down the sandy track towards the rocky beach below – a fantastic place to take a net and explore the rock pools, although the tides here can turn quickly so swimming with little ones might not be advisable here. Nothing to stop you from making a sandcastle or two, though! Then visit a deer park without deer…yes, that’s right. Along the cliff tops above Marloes are the ramparts of an iron age fort, a spot that, despite the earlier successful and dominant settlement, failed as an established deer park in the early 19th century. The undisturbed bay below has become a sanctuary for seals, and so the Deer Park at Marloes is now the best grey Atlantic seal-spotting spot in the south of the county.
All that sea air is bound to make you hungry, and you’re mere minutes away from one of the best lunch spots in West Wales, Runwayskiln. This delectable coastal cafe is set in a cluster of National Trust farmhouse buildings overlooking the very bay where you’ve had your morning adventure. You might want to check whether they’re open for takeaways or seated service due to the differing times of lockdown restrictions easing, but whichever way you’re able to taste their fantastic lunches, you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s cured seatrout, pork and fennel sausages or homemade falafel and hummus, everything here is freshly cooked and locally sourced and makes it one of the most desirable lunch destinations along this coastline.
Make your way southward towards rocky Lindsway bay to walk off your delicious lunch, or take the narrow road to the beautiful seaside hamlet of Dale. Known for its red stone 13th-century castle, now renovated into a private dwelling, Dale is a beautiful sailing harbour that forms the northern part of the Milford Haven Waterway. Sitting on the old harbour wall outside the beautiful pub “The Griffin”, you can almost imagine Henry Tudor and his men arriving in their ships prior to the Battle of Bosworth as they did in 1485.
Take the Haverfordwest route home, stopping at the popular St Ishmaels garden centre for a stroll among the beautiful flowers and a cup of tea and a slab of cake to tide you over until you circle back to your cottage at Atlantic View.
Free days out right on your cottage doorstep!
Well, you’ve not booked a gorgeous, award-winning holiday cottage overlooking an award-winning beach on the edge of one of Britain’s most famous coastlines for nothing, have you? The beach is a mere 300 yards from your front door – the perfect excuse for an early morning dip followed by a few hours of drying off, getting your vitamin D fix or finishing that book you’ve been meaning to read. The blue-flag beach is the perfect contained space to let the kids run around with a football and build sandcastles, and it’s a quick dash up the hill if you’ve forgotten the suntan lotion!
Your cottage comes with its own BBQ area and pizza oven, so why not whip up a delicious lunch in your private garden area while the kids run the sand off outside? Take advantage of every amenity provided, including the kitchen area for preparation and the garden furniture for al fresco meals. Why not visit Lobster and Mor in Little Haven and pick up some fresh fish for lunch?
Less than a mile in the other direction from Broad Haven (and visible beyond the old fort behind your cottage) is the delightful small fishing village of Little Haven. As the name suggests, it’s a smaller cove than the sandy stretch outside Atlantic View but has a wonderful walk past the historic Swan Inn that leads to a beautiful vantage point across the whole north of St Brides Bay. If you’re looking for a circular route to help stretch those beach bronzed legs, then follow the coast path signs from this spot until you reach the top of a wooded hill – from here you can walk back down the road at Strawberry Hill and right back into the village, stopping at the St Brides Inn for a refreshing beverage on your way back to your accommodation.
And if all that local beauty has left you pleasantly exhausted, then why not skip the cooking and order a takeaway from one of our fantastic local eateries? Sunshine Italian is right on the waterfront at Broad Haven and offers delicious, home-cooked Italian dishes, or give Haven Brasserie a call in nearby Nolton Haven to order one of their fantastic high-quality dishes?
You see, you don’t need to spend all your money on activities when you have Mother Nature’s playground right on your doorstep, and in this stunning part of Pembrokeshire, there’s plenty to see or do without spending a penny!
If you like our suggestions, please share your photos on Facebook and tag @atlanticviewbroadhaven so that we can see how much fun you had on your free days out!
Top 4 Winter Experiences for your stay at Atlantic View
Wintertime in Pembrokeshire is phenomenal and we think that everyone should see it. From the incredible scenery to the spectacular weather. Sometimes there’s nothing better than cuddling up with your loved ones and watching a storm pass. The time of year means that Pembrokeshire is pretty empty, with all the summer tourists gone home you are free to explore wherever you want whenever you want. There are so many incredible winter experiences you need to have at Atlantic View this winter.
Beach to yourself
One of our favourite winter experiences is walking along the beach and realising you have the whole beach to yourself. There is something amazing about having a whole beach to yourself. Wrap up warm and take a wander down to Broad Haven Beach. The beach is only a five-minute walk away so it’s the perfect place to go for a quick winter stroll. Alternatively, you could drive over to Newgale Beach which takes less than twenty minutes. Bring a flask of hot chocolate with you to warm up after you stroll across the empty beach!
No one on the coast path
Another fabulous winter experience is being able to wander the coast path for hours without seeing a single soul. As the Pembrokeshire coast path sits right on the doorstep it would be a shame not to use it. Head North on the coast path for a wander over to Newgale, take in the incredible moody skies and weather-beaten coast as you go. Head South over to Martins Haven for an 11-mile hike and if you are too tired to walk back you can catch the Puffin Shuttle bus.
Hot chocolate
We all love a delicious cup of hot chocolate and it tastes even better in a cosy pub or cafe when the weather is wild outside. It is the perfect warming winter experience! An amazing cosy spot for a cup of hot chocolate is The Bishops in St Davids. It is a thirty-minute drive away from Atlantic View and has a few parking spaces around the back of the pub. The hot chocolates here are divine and the pubs ceiling is covered in fairy lights which make the room feel magical. If you’re lucky you might even get a table next to the wood-burning fire.
Sunday lunch
There’s nothing better than taking a brisk stroll along the chilly beach before going to have a delicious Sunday roast. It is one of our favourite winter experiences for sure! Head over to The Galleon Inn for an amazing roast with the most spectacular views. It takes less than five minutes to walk from Atlantic View to The Galleon Inn! You are able to see the whole of the beautiful Broad Haven beach from inside the pub. Another wonderful place to go to for Sunday lunch is The Haven Brasserie, which is less than a 15-minute drive from Atlantic View. There are so many different options available including vegan and vegetarian options. The restaurant overlooks the incredible Nolton Haven so you can enjoy your food with a spectacular view.
With all of these incredible winter experiences in Pembrokeshire make sure you book your winter stay with us, it would be a shame to miss out. Take a look at our News page on our website and Facebook page for more ideas on what to do for your autumn holiday at Atlantic View.
Autumn Wildlife Watch From Atlantic View
Pembrokeshire is home to some incredible wildlife that you have to see, and in Autumn, everything becomes just a little bit more magical. Autumn makes all of the leaves on the trees change from bright greens to warm browns, reds and oranges. This change in colour makes all the views seem completely different. There are so many things for you to spot on your Autumn wildlife watch from Atlantic View.
What Wildlife Can Be Spotted in Autumn?
Your Autumn holiday at Atlantic View is the perfect time to go on an autumn wildlife watch adventure. There are so many incredible animals and flora and fauna to be found. Try your luck in spotting travelling sea birds, Atlantic Grey seals, dolphins, porpoise and so much more.
Where Can You Spot Seals?
During the autumn Atlantic Grey seals will come ashore to give birth to their brilliant white pups. They can be spotted in many different secluded coves and beaches across the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Take a walk along the coast path and keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might find.
Take your binoculars and cameras with you to help you get a good look and capture the moment on your autumn wildlife watch. When watching the seals make sure you don’t get too close. If a mother seal sees you getting close to her pup she will abandon it.
Where Can You Spot Porpoise?
Porpoises can be spotted just off the coast of Pembrokeshire all year round. One of the best ways to spot porpoises is from the sea. So why not book a boat trip with Falcon Boats to kick off your autumn wildlife watch, it is just a thirty-minute drive from Atlantic View. The boat trip will also help you spot puffins, shearwaters, dolphins, whales, seals, jellyfish, and much more!
Where Can You Spot Dolphins?
Just like porpoises, dolphins can be spotted all year round but are easiest to spot during the months of June to October. They can be spotted when walking around the Pembrokeshire Coast Path but again are easier to spot out at sea. Take a Dolphin and Whale Voyage with Voyages Of Discovery for your best chance to spot any dolphins. Dolphins are something you just have to see on your autumn wildlife watch.
Can You Spot sea birds?
Another fun thing to look out for on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is sea birds. When you go out onto the Pembrokeshire Coast Path make sure you take your binoculars with you to help you get a closer look at the seabirds. There are many seabirds you can spot on the coast such as gannets, peregrine falcons, choughs, shearwaters, ravens, guillemots, razorbills and much more.
What else can you spot?
Still looking to see more incredible animals? You’re in the right place! Every year Pembrokeshire is lucky enough to attract incredible creatures. This includes orcas, blue whales, blue sharks, basking sharks, turtles, various colourful jellyfish and Risso’s dolphins.
With all of this incredible wildlife to spot this autumn, it would be a shame to miss out. Make sure you book your Autumn stay with us to go on an autumn wildlife watch of your own. Take a look at our News page on our website and Facebook page for more ideas on what to do for your autumn holiday at Atlantic View.
Top 7 reasons to stay in stunning Pembrokeshire in September
Everyone knows that Pembrokeshire in the summer is absolutely glorious but this does mean that it becomes incredibly overcrowded with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds and make the most of your stay we recommend coming to Pembrokeshire in September.
One of our favourite things about Pembrokeshire in September is the weather. There are still a lot of gloriously sunny days – and some rainy ones too, just the same as the summer. However, the sunny days aren’t quite as hot. This is wonderful because it means you can go out for the day and not have to hunt for shade or a cool place to relax.
With the summer holidays over, families start to pack up and travel home. Leaving Pembrokeshire feeling somewhat deserted. No more crowded beaches, insanely busy restaurants or long traffic queues.
Pembrokeshire in September is full of seals and their pups. More than 1000 Atlantic Grey seals are born in secluded coves and beaches off the coast path. Take a walk along the Pembrokeshire coast path and make sure to look down at the coves below to spot Atlantic Grey Seals and their brilliant white pups.
Atlantic Grey Seals aren’t the only wildlife you can spot in Pembrokeshire in September. You can also see rare birds such as choughs, skylarks and the stonechat. These birds carefully select stretches of the coastal heathland to make their home. Many other species, such as bats may also choose to hunt and forage along the coastline.
The coastline in September is truly magical, there is an abundance of wildlife to spot. There are wildflowers that adorn the coast path in many different vivid and rich colour palates. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to spot a dolphin or porpoise pod.
Pembrokeshire in September means fewer crowds, so you’ll have plenty of space to explore small towns and villages. We love to explore and we think you will too! There are so many different places that have so much to offer.
Explore Broad Haven and Little Haven. There is just a two-minute drive from Broad Haven to Atlantic View and a two-minute walk over to Little Haven. Broad Haven has been known as a seaside resort since 1800, but little is known about the origins of the village. Broad Haven has a wonderful sandy beach that is perfect for a day out in September. Head over to Dale for a day out, it’s just a 16-minute drive from Atlantic View. It is the perfect place to explore, with a few local shops and a cafe or two and a pub as well, what more do you need?
The temperature of the sea in Pembrokeshire in September is perfect for some wild swimming. Before the sea temperature plummets for the winter give wild swimming a go. There are many health benefits of wild swimming too! Wild swimming can help to boost your immune system and brain power, improve circulation, reduce body pain and inflammation and much more. The rush of adrenaline and the euphoria you feel after a cold water swim is incredible and will keep you coming back for more.
Pembrokeshire in September is one of the best months of the year to take part in watersports. Whether you want to try coasteering, surfing or kayaking, it is a perfect time. This is a combination of a few different things, the weather is still lovely and warm, the sea temperature is perfect and, the crowds have all gone home.
Want to explore the coastline up close? Coasteering is an amazing activity that will allow you to take a look at the Pembrokeshire coastline. Celtic Quest Coasteering, are a coasteering company that operates from Abereiddy which is a 35-minute drive from Atlantic View. The views around Abereiddy and the Blue Lagoon are spectacular and Celtic Quest Coasteering will help you explore them. Celtic Quest will ensure that each coasteering adventure is tailored to the groups abilities. The activities on the coasteering adventure are cliff jumping, rock hopping, scramble climbing and much more!
For more activities for your stay in Pembrokeshire in September follow our Facebook page, where we post regular updates, ideas and activities. You can also find some new ideas by taking a look at our blog page.
Why Atlantic View keep being award-winning holiday cottages
No matter what people tell you, running a business is difficult. It is even scarier when it is a new business venture that you’ve never tried your hand at before. There are so many things that you have to learn and practice doing. And that is just what Dilwyn and Vel Williams have done – working incredibly hard since they purchased the old bed and breakfast that was Atlantic View to create their award-winning, must-stay cottages.
They found the property when taking aerial pictures on a helicopter ride and immediately fell in love with the plot and its surrounding area. In 2014, work started on the dilapidated buildings to turn them into the high-quality, award-winning holiday cottages that they are today.
How did Atlantic View become award-winning holiday cottages?
Transforming the run-down building overlooking the magnificent Broad Haven beach was hard work, a challenge that the Williams family saw as a fantastic opportunity. The building had to be knocked down as it was in a state of disrepair, which allowed Dilwyn and Vel to design the award-winning holiday cottages to be exactly how they wanted them. Choosing the layout of each property was crucial to making sure that they made sense and that there was plenty of space for everything that they wanted in the award-winning holiday cottages.
The Sandpiper, The Penthouse, Kittiwake and Oystercatcher cottages have all been designed, built, and decorated to an incredibly high standard. The owners have paid attention to every little detail, allowing them to create popular luxurious cottages. All cottages have Melin Tregwynt blankets, extra beach towels, wonderful Myddfai toiletries, and locally sourced breakfast items. These small details make all the difference when staying in award-winning holiday cottages.
All of the award-winning holiday cottages are always immaculate too, and our guests often say they are amazed at how clean and well kept the properties are. With a great deal of time and effort going into the upkeep of the properties, the most important thing is ensuring that the cleanliness of the properties is always kept at an incredibly high standard.
What you can do on your luxury holiday at Atlantic View?
The properties overlook the undeniably beautiful Broad Haven Beach, which is only a hop, skip, and a jump away. It only takes five minutes to walk down to the beach, so you don’t have to worry about finding a parking space or getting a drink – you’re 300 metres from your accommodation!
Atlantic View also has the Pembrokeshire Coast Path right on its doorstep. Exploring the rugged Welsh coastline couldn’t be easier with this fabulous, famous footpath right outside. Want to find a different beach? Little Haven beach is just an eight-minute walk on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. There is a ramp at Little Haven Beach so it is both wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Are these luxury cottages family-friendly?
The cottages are perfect for families; Kittiwake and Oystercatcher can even be booked together to create Puffin for larger groups. No matter how big or small your family is, you can all come and stay at Atlantic View’s award-winning holiday cottages. With so many beautiful beaches just minutes’ walk away from the cottages, there’s plenty for the kids to do – crabbing, paddling, watching the wildlife and enjoying being free in the fresh air. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is just outside the cottages and offers many new and exciting adventures for the whole family.
Winning another award
Atlantic View has now won another award for Best Luxury Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire and LUXlife Hospitality Excellence Award 2021. But that’s enough of us telling you that you’ll have a fantastic time here…come and see for yourselves!
Your 2021 Pembrokeshire Summer Staycation at Atlantic View
This past year has been difficult for everyone; going in and out of lockdown has left many people in a state of stress. We know everyone deserves a break this year to relax and unwind and Pembrokeshire is the perfect place for your summer staycation. There are so many amazing things to see and explore and plenty of places to rest, too! Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a foodie, or nature lover, we can guarantee there is something for everyone!
Get back into nature.
Atlantic View holiday cottages are in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which is the only Coastal National Park in the UK. There is an abundance of stunning scenery and plenty of magical places to visit. Getting back into nature on your summer staycation has never been so beautiful or so easy. Head to one of Pembrokeshire’s 39 award-winning beaches for a day in the sun, but don’t forget the sunscreen or the picnic! Not your kind of thing? Take a walk on any of the 186-mile long Pembrokeshire Coast Path to explore the rugged coastline and view the deep turquoise oceans like never before. It doesn’t matter whether the sky is blue and the sun is out or whether the sky is grey and gloomy, it’s always picturesque.
Taste all of the wonderful food.
Pembrokeshire offers an abundance of freshly made, delicious food, so you better bring some big appetites with you on your summer staycation. Whether you are a fish lover or prefer something sweeter there’s plenty to choose from. Take a trip over to Pointz Castle for some mouth-watering ice cream made on the farm with views over St Bride’s Bay. Visit Café Môr for a delightfully delicious lobster roll and explore the popular beach at Freshwater West with full bellies!
There are also plenty of amazing restaurants with delightful menus dotted around the county offering something everyone will fancy. The Haven Brasserie has a selection of small bites and snacks and big meals to fill you up after a long day of exploring. It’s only ten minutes from Atlantic View holiday cottages too!
Take to the sea.
With so many things to see and do on your summer staycation, you have to make sure you take to the sea. Why not go on a relaxing boat ride to Ramsey Island to take a better look at this fascinating isle just off the coast of St Davids Head? You can even spot a seal or a puffin, too! Not quite your speed? If you are more interested in thrill-seeking, you can have a go at the current hype in watersports, coasteering. What better way to explore the Pembrokeshire coastline?
There are also plenty of fabulous sandy beaches right on your doorstep (literally – Broad Haven beach is 300 metres away!) at Atlantic View cottages that you can visit for a day out. You can even hire a surfboard or bodyboard from our friends at Haven Sports so you can enjoy the ocean without going too far out!
Watch the Wildlife.
Our holiday cottages are surrounded by wildlife. There are so many different animals you can see in so many different places. Take to the coast path to watch the seabirds in their natural habitat. Maybe you’ll even spot a seal or two.
Want to spot a dolphin? Head over to Mwnt, just north of Pembrokeshire in Cardigan Bay for a day full of adventure, as it’s one of the best places to spot dolphins in Pembrokeshire. The best time to spot dolphins is between May and September. For another wildlife-packed day out, visit the Welsh Wildlife Centre. The centre is home to a wide range of wildlife, including their famous water buffalo, and is all ready to explore on your summer staycation.
Want more information? Read through the rest of our blogs and keep your eyes peeled for new ones, so that you can find more things to do on your Pembrokeshire summer staycation!
Some of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire for a relaxing drink by the sea
With the weather beginning to settle into steady, sunshine-filled days and with lockdown restrictions beginning to ease here in Wales, we thought it was time we let you into the secret best pubs in Pembrokeshire. Whether you’re after a quick pint in the beer garden on the way home from the beach or looking to have a meal (indoors from the 17th May) then these are our favourite establishments around our five-star accommodation for you to enjoy – cheers!
The St Brides Inn, Little Haven
By far our favourite pub for a well-priced, well-pulled pint and a really great pub meal, the St Brides Inn may be tucked around the corner from the sea in the beautiful village of Little Haven, but it has everything going for it – freshly sourced ingredients, home-cooked food, local ales on tap, and the most friendly service in the West. AND it’s only a mile from your accommodation, although it’s quite a steep stagger home if you’ve overindulged! There’s ample outdoor seating nearby or cwtch up in the traditionally decorated interior – a cosy vibe and warm atmosphere make this a really lovely place to spend the evening.
Phone: 01437 781266
The Sloop, Porthgain
A short drive north takes you to the infamous industrial village of Porthgain, known for the ruins of the slate and brickworks that dominated this tiny inlet for centuries. Now, it’s mostly known for being a stunning fishing port, and for the fresh and delicious food available here. The Sloop is one of the oldest mariner’s inns in Wales, dating back to 1745, and is one of the most characterful places we’ve ever had a pint, which is why it rightly deserves its place on our list of best pubs in Pembrokeshire. It also offers an exceedingly good pub menu, often with fresh fish options, great local beverages, and a really beautiful sea view from the outside seating area.
Phone: 01348 831449
The Galleon, Broad Haven
You only have to meander down the hill from your luxurious accommodation to find one of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire – The Galleon is Atlantic View’s ‘ local’ and sits at the southern end of the blue-flag beach affording a different perspective out to the Irish sea. They’re known for great beer and outstanding seafood, and it’s too conveniently close to your cottage not to pop in – it’d be rude not to!
Phone: 01437 781157
The Stackpole Inn, Bosherston
Bosherston lily ponds are a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Pembrokeshire, and the surprise at the end of the walk is the fantastic Broad Haven South beach. It’s about a half-hour drive from Atlantic View, but well worth the trip. The bucolic scenery incredible, but this is also home to one of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire – The Stackpole Inn. It’s an absolutely delightful 18th-century inn with a solid reputation for incredible food and fantastic customer service. It’s hard to get in here during the summer months due to its striking architecture and popularity with foodies, so give them a call – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this chocolate-box-style inspiring inn!
Phone: 01646 672324
The Swan, Little Haven
You can’t get closer to the sea for a tankard of beer than The Swan. This stunning whitewashed seaside pub has recently undergone renovations meaning it no longer serves the delicious range of food it was once known for. It is, however, going to reopen shortly as a pub only, and we’re hoping it hasn’t lost any of its vernacular charm. With its position, perched on the cliff above the small cove, we’re reckoning it’s still one of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire.
Phone: 01437 781880
The Old Sailors, Pwllgwaelod
What makes our pubs worth that unique half-hour drive? Well, we’re known along this iconic coast for seafaring adventures, and you can almost hear the mariners and pirates’ laughter in the air when you approach The Old Sailors. The narrow cove of Pwllgwaelod gives way to the tallest cliffs in Pembrokeshire along Dinas Head, and this pub is the perfect pit stop on the way home – the freshly cooked food is excellent, the views from the beer garden back towards the ancient port of Fishguard are spectacular and the bar area looks like it hasn’t changed much in several hundred years…it’s wonderful.
Phone: 01348 811491
The Dyffryn Arms, Gwaun Valley
This may seem a bit obscure as it’s tucked deep into the valley of rural Pembrokeshire, but this surely deserves the title of not only one of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire, but THE best pub? Here’s why: Known locally as ‘Bessies’, this pub has been owned by the same family since the 1840s, and is still run by elderly Bessie Davies and her children from a hatch into a barroom in their home in the Gwaun Valley. Bessie serves bass beer out of jugs to her customers, who range from intrigued tourists to loyal local families who have been drinking beside the fire here for generations. This is an absolute treasure of a place, like nothing that will ever exist again, and to experience Bessie’s hospitality – and sharp tongue for a shrewd lady in her 80s – is a totally unique experience that you must try.
Phone: they don’t have one. Follow the sat nav so far and look out for a blue building alongside an old road. Think you’re lost? You’re probably not far, then…
Pontfaen, Cwm Gwaun, Fishguard SA65 9SE
Please note that due to the popularity of Pembrokeshire as a destination and the pandemic still affecting tourism, we advise that if you like what you read, then to avoid disappointment, please phone and book a table at one of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire!
3 free days out ideas for your Pembrokeshire holidays
We’re delighted to be able to welcome guests from all over the UK back to Atlantic View at long last, and while our stunning coastline, beaches, fresh sea air and the beautiful, bucolic countryside is exactly the same as you last saw it, there are other aspects to your holiday that will be a little different in 2021. Wales, unlike England, is ruled by a devolved government, and, as such, the rules regarding the lifting of lockdown restrictions are a little different. This means that some things that you’re getting used to doing again in your home country might not be the same here, and, as a result, not all your favourite attractions will be open.
But fear not! The joy of coming to the wilds of West Wales on your holidays isn’t all about being entertained…here, Mother Nature does that for you in many different ways! So we’ve put together some free days out ideas that mean that lockdown or no, you and your family can still have an amazing time with us at Broad Haven without spending a fortune on entry fees, relying on odd opening times or doing much, if any, social distancing.
Here are three free days out that we think you’ll love – let us know on social media what you tried and what you thought!
Go North for free days out steeped in history
Many of the things that draw people to Pembrokeshire are free – the sea, the mountains, the sense of peace. A short drive north from your luxury accommodation at Atlantic View takes you to one of the most famous landmarks on its namesake peninsula – the city of St Davids. This beautiful, tiny city with its cobbled streets and historic architecture, has been officially dubbed Britain’s smallest city due to its incredible cathedral, built on the spot of a monastic community founded by St David, patron saint of Wales. Spend the morning walking around its ancient, twelfth-century walls of local red-grey stone before walking the mile or so towards the coast and the tiny chapel of St Non, erected in memory of the cliffside spot where it is said that, during a terrible storm, Non gave birth to David.
Making your way back down the coast towards Broad Haven, you reach the picture postcard perfect village of Solva. Known for its colourful harbour full of bobbing boats, mariners cottages and whispers of sailors and great adventures, this is the perfect spot for a takeaway crab sandwich – try to catch your own along the quayside, too!
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, then Pointz Castle Ice Cream is a short drive over the hill towards Newgale beach and serves their very own delicious array of ice creams and sorbets made right on site – you can even see the cows who produce the milk while you’re there!
Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or take the boogie boards for a surf on the popular pebbly expanse at Newgale, known for being the perfect wave-catching beach in Pembrokeshire, with beautiful views back North along the cragged coast towards St Davids or south, around Lion’s Rock back to your home from home at Atlantic View.
Free days out with spectacular views south of Atlantic View
While the northern peninsula visible from your cottage is compact, the coastline running south is a lot more exposed and dramatic, with cliffs falling away to the sea. A fantastic, safe spot to take the family to appreciate the dramatic beauty of St Bride’s Bay is Marloes. Park in the National Trust car park and take a short walk down the sandy track towards the rocky beach below – a fantastic place to take a net and explore the rock pools, although the tides here can turn quickly so swimming with little ones might not be advisable here. Nothing to stop you from making a sandcastle or two, though! Then visit a deer park without deer…yes, that’s right. Along the cliff tops above Marloes are the ramparts of an iron age fort, a spot that, despite the earlier successful and dominant settlement, failed as an established deer park in the early 19th century. The undisturbed bay below has become a sanctuary for seals, and so the Deer Park at Marloes is now the best grey Atlantic seal-spotting spot in the south of the county.
All that sea air is bound to make you hungry, and you’re mere minutes away from one of the best lunch spots in West Wales, Runwayskiln. This delectable coastal cafe is set in a cluster of National Trust farmhouse buildings overlooking the very bay where you’ve had your morning adventure. You might want to check whether they’re open for takeaways or seated service due to the differing times of lockdown restrictions easing, but whichever way you’re able to taste their fantastic lunches, you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s cured seatrout, pork and fennel sausages or homemade falafel and hummus, everything here is freshly cooked and locally sourced and makes it one of the most desirable lunch destinations along this coastline.
Make your way southward towards rocky Lindsway bay to walk off your delicious lunch, or take the narrow road to the beautiful seaside hamlet of Dale. Known for its red stone 13th-century castle, now renovated into a private dwelling, Dale is a beautiful sailing harbour that forms the northern part of the Milford Haven Waterway. Sitting on the old harbour wall outside the beautiful pub “The Griffin”, you can almost imagine Henry Tudor and his men arriving in their ships prior to the Battle of Bosworth as they did in 1485.
Take the Haverfordwest route home, stopping at the popular St Ishmaels garden centre for a stroll among the beautiful flowers and a cup of tea and a slab of cake to tide you over until you circle back to your cottage at Atlantic View.
Free days out right on your cottage doorstep!
Well, you’ve not booked a gorgeous, award-winning holiday cottage overlooking an award-winning beach on the edge of one of Britain’s most famous coastlines for nothing, have you? The beach is a mere 300 yards from your front door – the perfect excuse for an early morning dip followed by a few hours of drying off, getting your vitamin D fix or finishing that book you’ve been meaning to read. The blue-flag beach is the perfect contained space to let the kids run around with a football and build sandcastles, and it’s a quick dash up the hill if you’ve forgotten the suntan lotion!
Your cottage comes with its own BBQ area and pizza oven, so why not whip up a delicious lunch in your private garden area while the kids run the sand off outside? Take advantage of every amenity provided, including the kitchen area for preparation and the garden furniture for al fresco meals. Why not visit Lobster and Mor in Little Haven and pick up some fresh fish for lunch?
Less than a mile in the other direction from Broad Haven (and visible beyond the old fort behind your cottage) is the delightful small fishing village of Little Haven. As the name suggests, it’s a smaller cove than the sandy stretch outside Atlantic View but has a wonderful walk past the historic Swan Inn that leads to a beautiful vantage point across the whole north of St Brides Bay. If you’re looking for a circular route to help stretch those beach bronzed legs, then follow the coast path signs from this spot until you reach the top of a wooded hill – from here you can walk back down the road at Strawberry Hill and right back into the village, stopping at the St Brides Inn for a refreshing beverage on your way back to your accommodation.
And if all that local beauty has left you pleasantly exhausted, then why not skip the cooking and order a takeaway from one of our fantastic local eateries? Sunshine Italian is right on the waterfront at Broad Haven and offers delicious, home-cooked Italian dishes, or give Haven Brasserie a call in nearby Nolton Haven to order one of their fantastic high-quality dishes?
You see, you don’t need to spend all your money on activities when you have Mother Nature’s playground right on your doorstep, and in this stunning part of Pembrokeshire, there’s plenty to see or do without spending a penny!
If you like our suggestions, please share your photos on Facebook and tag @atlanticviewbroadhaven so that we can see how much fun you had on your free days out!
Preparing for your post-lockdown Pembrokeshire holiday
It’s been a while since we’ve been able to open our doors to guests on a Pembrokeshire holiday here at Atlantic View, and while the pandemic has brought uncertainty and chaos to our lives, one thing is certain: the way in which we live, especially the way in which we spend our free time, will have changed key aspects of our travel experiences for years to come.
That’s not to say that we won’t travel – recent statistics reported in the media show that up to 90% of UK summer holiday options have already sold out for 2021. There’s certainly a big appetite for staycations in the UK, and we know that many of our returning guests are itching to resume their yearly Pembrokeshire holiday….and we’re itching to greet you, too!
In an uncertain time for holidaymakers and the tourism industry, we’d like to help you prepare for whatever’s to come with a few tips on getting ready for a different but welcoming, relaxing Pembrokeshire holiday on our stunning coastline.
We’ll meet again….but we don’t know when
There’s still no clarity from Westminster or the Welsh Government as to when we’ll be able to greet guests back for their Pembrokeshire holiday, but we’re hoping that the Welsh Minister’s announcement on Friday 12th March will bring some good news. We’re very keen to ensure that the lifting of restrictions is well thought out and with the best interest of our guests and our community here in Broad Haven and beyond, so we’ll be monitoring the situation and will be letting you know via our social media page when we’re likely to be taking bookings again.
Think about how far you’ll have to travel
England’s current rules for de-escalation of limitations suggest that initially, we may be back to the regulations of last year: that we’ll only be able to travel a certain distance from our homes. If this is the case, then being on the most Westerly tip of Wales means that we may only be able to offer a Pembrokeshire holiday to Welsh tourists in the first instance. Please note that we’re eagerly awaiting a time where we can welcome everyone, so any restrictions to our bookings will be in line with government guidance. Every country has different rules set out by Westminster and the devolved governments, so check the regulations in Wales before you book!
Consider the way in which you travel to your Pembrokeshire holiday
At the moment, there are still limited domestic flights, although being on the coast, you’re unlikely to find many flights to our nearest tiny airport at Haverfordwest! While staycations are easier than navigating the international restrictions on flights and quarantine measures, it’s important to note that certain modes of travel within the UK will also be more difficult when restrictions ease. For example, train and bus travel has been severely disrupted and it’s likely that there will be limitations on crowds for quite some time to come. The best way to get to us in our rural location and during coronavirus is by road. It will give you freedom and flexibility to move around this agrarian coastal area, but it also means that if you travel by car, you have a certain amount of control over who you come into contact with. Just remember to stock up on petrol, water, snacks and plan some toilet breaks – we’re 5-6 hours from London!
Your Pembrokeshire holiday will look at little different
Dependent on when you visit us, it’s likely that this year, not all businesses, amenities and activities you’ve used to engage with will be open as usual. The pandemic has had a huge effect on rural communities which rely on tourism, and therefore, as well as a slow easing of restrictions on pubs, restaurants and cafes that could still be closed or need to be booked in advance, some businesses may just not re-open. That being said, you can still receive online supermarket deliveries to your cottages at Atlantic View, although we do advise that you book your slot after making your cottage booking, and there are many food delivery services available in the area as we’re fairly close to the market town of Haverfordwest.
Activities may well be limited, but as those of you who have visited here before will know, a Pembrokeshire holiday isn’t about having to fill your time with arranged activities. This is a diverse and enthralling coastline teeming with wildlife, walks and opportunities to immerse yourselves in the fresh sea air and the freedom of nature. With 186 miles of coast path to explore, as well as secret coves, cobbled fishing villages and wide-open stretches of sand ripe for swimming, surfing and having a good old dog walk, we’re pretty sure you’ll find everything you’ve been craving during lockdown is absolutely open and free.
We’ve got your back when it comes to booking
We know that you might be nervous about booking your Pembrokeshire holiday in an uncertain time as regulations change quickly and you may not be able to make the dates you’ve booked. If you’re unable to travel because of a national lockdown or because you’re put into a tier where you’re unable to travel, we offer a COVID Refund Guarantee. This gives you peace of mind that if you’re unable to travel to your Pembrokeshire holiday due to restrictions, we’re not going to hold you to your booking and, when it’s applicable, we’ll try to reschedule your holiday if we have remaining bookable weeks available. Please see our full terms and conditions here for details of our COVID Refund Guarantee and what it covers.
Whatever the future holds for holidaymakers and cottage owners like us, we know one thing for sure – we can’t wait to welcome you all back to our luxury cottages at Atlantic View for your long-awaited coastal Pembrokeshire holiday!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Broad Haven UFO
It may seem to some that Pembrokeshire is a quiet, serene county with most of the drama happening between the jagged, gorse-dripping cliffs and boisterous blasting of the Irish sea. But as the recent ‘Pembrokeshire Murders’ drama demonstrated, documenting real-life events of a serial killer stalking these very shores (and, thankfully, due to the diligent work of our fine Dyfed Powys Police, being caught and our coastline made safe again), it’s not always quiet cottage life around here.
In fact, there’s more to our stunning sunsets than meet the eye, and over the years, there have been some mysterious sightings out to sea and even right here in our beautiful blue flag beachside village of Broad Haven.
44 years ago, in the summer of 1977, a group of school children were playing in the yard of Broad Haven Primary School when they saw something strange hovering above a field near the school; a narrow, cigar-shaped vessel with a globe capsule in the middle, seemingly piloted by a humanoid figure in a silver suit. The vessel hung in the air for several long seconds as the children stared with fascination at this unfamiliar sight before it vanished in a flash. Eager to recount this peculiar tale, the children rushed inside to tell their teachers, who, unsurprisingly, thought that the children had concocted this fantastical tale.
Each child was called in separately to the headmaster’s office to tell their version of events. The headmaster was determined to find flaws in this fairytale, but, one by one, each child’s account, as well as their strikingly similar drawings of the vessel, were exactly the same.
On hearing of this mass sighting, in a year when the Ministry of Defense had received several reports of strange flying objects around West Wales, the media declared it Wales’ most prominent extraterrestrial sighting: the Broad Haven UFO. The same description of a flying vessel had been given by members of the public and schoolchildren around the area on the same day, supporting the children’s story of the Broad Haven UFO and prompting the media to name this area of Wales the Dyfed Triangle.
Broad Haven UFO mania ensued – the owner of the now-defunct Haven Fort Hotel, situated directly behind Atlantic View looking toward Little Haven, claimed that the flying object had come so close to her that her face had begun to burn at the swirling energy it was giving off. A prominent local businessman, believing the whole story to be a farce, began appearing around Broad Haven dressed in a silver suit as a prank. The village began piquing the interest of UFO hunters nationwide, with one fascinated author writing a novel based on the school children’s accounts.
The Government, of course, denied extraterrestrial activity. It was likely, they said, that it was a training maneuver from nearby RAF Brawdy that had been witnessed by the children, although, behind the scenes, they ordered military police to fully investigate the incident.
In recent years, a retired US Navy sailor came forward to explain that the silver suits were standard fireproof uniforms for the US military and that, around the time of the sightings, the US military were flight testing the brand new, UK-made Harrier jets of which the sea harrier versions released that year would be used to fight in the Falklands war 5 years later.
Nothing conclusive was ever reported back to the public about these sightings, and, 44 years on, the Broad Haven UFO is still a mystery. So, if you’re here in Broad Haven on your holidays staring into the sea-horizon sunsets or taking advantage of being in a Designated Dark Sky area, with binoculars at the ready to view some of the stunningly clear constellations from your patio, then you might just be lucky enough to spot one of Pembrokeshire’s most talked about unsolved mysteries – the Broad Haven UFO.
Broad Haven Lifeboat Station: keeping us safe on the sea
Here in Pembrokeshire, the only coastal National Park in the UK, we welcome millions of water-loving tourists to our infamous shores every year. With glorious clifftop cottages, stunning sandy beaches, islands full of rare wildlife on each horizon, and the Irish sea pushing substantial waves towards crowds of eager surfers, you can see why this is such a popular spot for those who love watersports. Whether you’re bringing your dog to explore some of the 186 miles of coastal path that stretches the length of the county or the kids just want to take the bucket, spade, and some sandwiches and explore the rock pools at your favourite sandy cove, the sea is the biggest draw for our guests at Atlantic View.
But if you’ve been following BBC2’s popular program ‘Saving Lives at Sea’, you’ll know that time spent on the coast means being at the mercy of Mother Nature. Thankfully, The Royal National Lifeboat Institute has many thousands of lifeboat stations dotted across the UK’s cliffsides, including at Little Haven.
Covering the twin beaches of Little Haven and Broad Haven, this vital lifeboat station started life in a small, sheltered building near the waterway in 1882, just 52 years after Sir William Hillary founded the RNLI in 1824. Despite a bigger lifeboat station being built in 1903, and a slipway installed on the beach nearby, it was hard to find crew members in such small communities, and the station closed in 1921.
But as watersports grew more popular and tourism began becoming an economic institution in Pembrokeshire, the lifeboat station at Little Haven was reopened in 1967 and named the Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station. It was in this year that the inshore D Class Lifeboat, still a model used by the existing RNLI station, was introduced to Little Haven. Don’t worry, it’s not a 50+-year-old boat – the Jack & Edith May, a new D Class d-766 lifeboat was installed at Little and Broad Haven lifeboat station in 2014.
Here in Pembrokeshire, we feel extremely lucky to have the RNLI close by so that we can keep our guests safe and allow us all to enjoy the majesty of the sea. But our vulnerability to the power of the water and nature itself should not be taken lightly. Our local lifeboat station crew have been presented with four awards for gallantry in recent years, and we should repay those who volunteer to brave dangerous situations to save our lives by showing respect to them and the sea. As the largest maritime charity in the UK, it is still incredulous that this invaluable service still runs solely on charitable donations. As well as rescuing on average 23 people per year, the RNLI also provides flood rescue services as well as training and providing equipment to our shoreline’s lifeguards.
We urge visitors to Atlantic View to participate in the plethora of watersports available right on the doorstep, including our very own invention, coasteering. But we ask that you do so carefully, responsibly, and respectfully.
Here are a few links that can help you to stay safe on the water: