Hafod South Pembrokeshire

Manorbier holiday cottage - enjoy a memorable Pembrokeshire holiday

• Just across the gated gravelled courtyard from [Delfryn (Ref 1267)] and [Ty Mor (Ref 1266)], 'Hafod' was the original Coach House and was also once part of the same thriving farmstead in the heart of Manorbier.
• Manorbier Beach is just a short stroll from this South Pembrokeshire courtyard holiday cottage. The delightful sandy beach is great for rock-pooling, and is also popular with surfers and swimmers.
  
• Newly renovated and restored, the Coach House has a ground floor kitchen (beautiful slate floor) and an oak winding staircase rising to the open plan lounge and bedrooms  on the 1st floor.  
• The master bedroom boasts two etched glass windows overlooking the courtyard and the 1st floor seating area has windows with stunning views over the walled garden and across the valley to Manorbier Church.  The windows of the twin bedroom look across the valley to the church with sea views from its mezzanine floor.
• An assortment of small early 17th century outbuildings and fortified garden walls complete the character of this unique and very special place.
• The properties are totally separate from each other, each with its own dedicated parking area and walled garden. However, if a family gathering, wedding or re-union is planned then 2 of the cottages can be combined into one property via double interconnecting doors (locked on both sides when cottages are let separately) from the Utility Room in Ty Môr into to the Sitting Room of Delfryn. Ty Mor sleeps 8+1, Delfryn sleeps 4+1 and Hafod, across the courtyard, sleeps 4+1.
• A perfect setting for a memorable family holiday anytime of the year. Your dog is welcome too. Short breaks are available, please enquire.

• The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail which crosses the beach, gives footpath access to the neighbouring secluded sandy beach at Swanlake Bay and Presipe Bay - a riot of colour throughout the season, lined with Sea Pinks, Spring Squills, Foxgloves, Campion and Scabious at their finest between April and September.
• Enjoy superb coastal views and spot abundant birdlife, seals and harbour porpoise offshore (bring your binoculars!)

• Do visit romantic Manorbier Castle - made famous by Gerald de Barri (Giraldus Cambrensis) - which is just 100m from the courtyard holiday cottage. He was born there in the 12th century and went on to become a great Welsh scholar and clergyman, saying of his birthplace: "In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far."!

• Opposite to the courtyard holiday cottages is the Beach Break Cafe and gift shop where Zoe and her team serve delicious breakfasts, homemade lunches and teas throughout the day with a Wifi hotspot for their customers.
  
• Within a short walk is The Castle Inn, a traditional 18th century village pub, providing real ales, a range of home-cooked meals and bar games in the evenings, while the Castlemead Hotel, a former gentleman's residence, provides fine dining options from 6 pm.
• A stroll up the main street brings you to the well-stocked general store and Post Office (open 7.30 - 21.00 all year). The store provides an ATM, fresh produce, groceries, fresh croissants (get there early!), a good wine selection, DVD's to rent, newspapers, wet suits, buckets and spades.

• Leave your car behind and let the train take the strain!  A delightful leisurely journey through lovely countryside along an Arriva Wales branch line with lots of small station stops!
  
• When in Manorbier you can explore further afield (details in the cottages) on the Puffin Coastal Cruiser - take a bus trip through Pembrokeshire's leafy lanes to Tenby - no parking problems! 
• The Coastal Cruiser also connects Manorbier with Pembroke and all the main beaches to the west, including the National Trust Stackpole Estate, the Lily Ponds and renowned Ye Olde Worlde Tearooms in Bosherston - don't miss the 6th century hermit's chapel on St Govan's Head to the West.

• Midway between Manorbier and Tenby this beautiful sandy beach is backed by woodland and is popular for swimming, boating and water skiing, whilst scuba diving and parascending take place a little way off the sandy beach.
  

• This ever popular Georgian resort has 5 glorious sandy beaches to choose from, a picturesque harbour, shops, restaurants and pubs. For a superb meal out, try The Plantagenet restaurant just off The Square or pick up some fish and chips and eat them down at the harbour, overlooking the fishing boats and fine sandy beaches.
  
• Tenby Museum, overlooking the beach, hosts regular art exhibitions and a glimpse into life down on the seashore. A visit to the Tudor Merchants House (National Trust) takes you on a trip back in time to life long ago.
• Do take a boat trip across to Caldey Island with its Cistercian Monastery overlooking the village green. Visit the tiny ancient chapel and perhaps buy some of the famous chocolate made by the monks or the lavender perfume as a memento. Priory Beach, on the island is also one of Pembrokeshire's finest - a unique atmosphere of enchanting, historic timelessness.
• Seal Safari's sail from Tenby's harbour - spot Atlantic Grey Seals lounging on the rocks as well as the wide variety of seabirds which breed on the cliffs during summertime. Mackerel fishing trips also depart from the harbour, weather permitting, and are great fun for all of the family.

• These are secluded shingle beaches with sand exposed at low tide set in bays backed by low cliffs, which are accessible from Manorbier via the Coast Path - popular for swimming, fishing and walking.
  

• Between Manorbier and Stackpole Head this is one of Pembrokeshire's most stunning beaches, accessed via a 1 km path from the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay. A series of broad steps leads down the cliff to this isolated golden sandy beach which is lapped by clear blue seas and offers sheltered bathing and a truly relaxing spot for a day on the beach.
  

• There are caves to explore at low tide and you can walk across the National Nature Reserve of the Stackpole Estate. Go on to the larger golden sandy beach at Broad Haven South, a wide sandy bay with soft sand backed by dunes and a stream which tumbles out of the Lily Ponds.
  
• The Lily Ponds are a stunning sight all year round but particularly in early summer when the lilies are in bloom. From there carry on to Bosherston where you can visit the tearooms before returning around the eastern arm of the Lily Ponds across farmland to the car park at Stackpole. (If you venture up the eastern arm look out for otters which live and breed in the area - often to be seen at the Eight Arch Bridge.)

• Ye Olde Worlde Tea Room in the village of Bosherston serves delightful refreshments on the lawn. The menu has not changed for more than 50 years and the cheese on toast is a delight, while Afternoon Tea is a must! Ice-creams, sweets, postcards and buckets and spades can also be purchased there from the small shop.
  

• Visit the picturesque 6th century hermit's Chapel at St Govan's Head by car, by bus or on foot. This tiny unique building nestles in the rocks below the Coast Path - count the steps down and up again - legend has it that the number is never the same!
  

• While staying in Manorbier courtyard holiday cottage families can enjoy days out at the Blue Lagoon, Oakwood Park, Folly Farm Adventure Park, Manor Wildlife Park, Heatherton Activity Theme Park with its Go Karting experience and the Dinosaur Park with its very life-like models!
  

• Both courses are within a short drive of the cottages. Tenby is a classic links course renowned for its natural rolling terrain, superb greens and spectacular sea views. Trefloyne is a parkland course in a landscape of beautiful mixed woodlands - superb views over Carmarthen Bay and Caldey Island.
  

• The magnificent medieval Castle at Pembroke (birthplace of Henry VII) with its mill pond and moat, hosts regular events such as historic enactments, falconry displays and music festivals. Opposite the Castle, across the moat, is the Cornstore, a furniture and gift store with a small cafe.
  

• Don't miss Carew Castle on the Cleddau Estuary, with its Celtic Cross, restored working tidal mill and interesting links to the court of Elizabeth I, which hosts a range of events for the family throughout the season. The local nature reserve at West Williamston, the Quayside Tearooms at Lawrenny Quay (an award winning venue serving meals and snacks made with locally sourced produce) combine to provide all the options for a grand day out around the Cleddau Estuary.
  
• The estuary is part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area for Conservation, fringed by ancient oak woodland and saltmarsh. It provides sheltered mudflats and tidal creeks which are a haven for wildlife, wading bird and wildfowl such as Curlew, Snipe, Egret and Heron, as well as rarer visitors such as Osprey. A bird watcher's paradise - you will want to bring your binoculars with you!
• The narrow winding channels of the upper estuary are navigable by small craft - sailing dinghies, kayaks and canoes - while space for water skiing and larger motorised water craft is available in the middle and lower reaches of the estuary.

• Further upstream, Picton Castle is also well worth a visit and hosts a series of events throughout the holiday season.
• Visit the town of Narberth, a wonderful place to spend some time browsing through the art galleries, boutiques, Malthouse Antiques Centre and surf shops.