KELWON COTTAGE

Hidden away amongst the countryside near St Brides and the departure point for Skomer Island, you will find a collection of four luxury holiday homes at Orlandon Farm. Kelwon Cottage is the smallest of the bunch, accommodating 4 plus one dog.

Dating back 200 years, this renovated blacksmith’s cottage is bursting with original features, antique furnishings and quality woollen throws from the local mill. Picture beamed ceilings and a fabulous large Inglenook fireplace housing a multi-fuel stove in the lounge, a modern fitted kitchen and cosy bedrooms above. A gravelled patio and lawn lie to the rear, with a convenient gateway opening out onto the communal play area beyond, where the kids can frolic on the climbing frame and swing.

Less than one mile from the petite inlet at St Brides Beach, divers should certainly consider this one for their next stay. Snorkelling and diving are some of the preferred pastimes at this bay because the water is brimming with wildlife and extends out into the marine conservation zone at Skomer (check with Natural Resources Wales before diving as certain locations are restricted).

On the topic of Skomer, this nature reserve is just off the coast here and is home to one of the most significant puffin colonies in the country. Take a boat trip from Martin's Haven to land on the island and picture these comical creatures as close as possible - and it’s close! Head to Dale to practice your crabbing skills off the pontoon or book a sea safari boat trip to explore the coastline and further offshore islands of Skokholm and Grassholm where even more seabirds reside. You might even find porpoises and Atlantic grey seals in these waters.

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Travel deeper into Pembrokeshire to explore the wide range of nature inhabiting the hidden waterway with a stay at Salar in Lawrenny. Expect a pretty stone cottage close to the waterside and you’re on the right track.

This lengthy estuary, known formally as the Cleddau, snakes its way through the heart of the county along a route once best known for its involvement in the coaling and fishing industries. Nowadays, it is a haven for wildlife with mallards, shelducks, salmon and trout to be found here. Pack your kayak and paddleboards because that’s the best way to truly uncover the wonders of this waterway, just make sure to bring along your camera and binoculars too.

Grassy embankments and a web of woodlands can be found bordering much of these waters so bring along your walking boots for muddy morning strolls too. The National Trust Cleddau Woodlands are within walking distance where you may sight garden warblers, butterflies, ancient oak trees and wigeons too. Call into the Lawrenny Arms for a hearty pub meal or the Quayside Tearooms for a cuppa and a crab sandwich before heading home. Minwear, Canaston and Slebech Woods are all within a short drive as is Carew where you’ll find a delightful pub and medieval castle.

Salar will capture a piece of your heart with its charm and character. Originally part of the village school here, its interiors are comfortable and stylish with warm tones and a welcoming vibe. The exposed stone wall and woodburning stove are two of the best features in the house, though the enclosed garden encased by mature trees comes a close second. There’s also a sheltered patio where you can while the hours away watching birds and butterflies dance across the skies.

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Tuckedaway in the rural village of East Williamston, South Pembrokeshire, is Hawthorne Cottage. This characterful dog friendly holiday home stands steps from the wonderful Jubilee Park and Nature Trail, an incredible community-led project where overworked farmland has been transformed into fifteen acres of varied habitats, encouraging a wealth of wildlife to develop.

Antique and contemporary furnishings make up the decor in this stylish property, whilst the outside space consists of a lawned garden with mature shrubbery and hedges. Hawthorne Cottage offers two sitting rooms to choose from where fires make the focal point in each; one leads to the outdoor seating area via French doors. A spacious kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and a bathroom complete the house.

With such a pretty parkland so close, you will naturally choose this as the location for your daily dog walks and those holidaying with children will no doubt be called to spend some time at the public play area. Follow the footpaths and boardwalk through Jubilee Park to explore the woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows. See how many insects and butterflies you can find in the marshlands, dipping ponds and streams. Handy information boards will assist you in identifying the creatures you’ll see.

In the wider region, there are even more wildlife sights to be seen. Spend the day at Manor House Wildlife Park for lemurs, red pandas, zebras and camels - you can even meet tigers up close! Alternatively, head to Folly Farm and Zoo for giraffes, pigs, penguins and sheep - or perhaps you’ll be brave enough to feed a lion?

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Withinthe wooded valley of Solva, one of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s most picturesque harbour villages, you will find Fairholme. Resting amongst a row of traditional cottages, this stone-fronted property will capture the heart of anyone and everyone who stays here.

Oozing original character throughout, Fairholme possesses retained features such as ceiling beams and wooden floors, sash windows and even an exposed stone fireplace, within which stands a terrific woodburning stove. A nautical theme flows throughout this high-standard home, right the way up the opentread staircase to the bedrooms above that each boast woodland views.

One of the most charming spots here has to be the enclosed garden, just across the lane. A decked terrace complete with furniture and a delightful summerhouse is where you can retreat after your busy days exploring to bask in the countryside sounds of birdsong. At the edge of the sloping lawn is a babbling stream, you even have your own private river access here. Spend your days on foot touring the many footpaths and wooded trails of Lower Solva or head towards the harbour where you can join the famous coastal path. Water babies will appreciate the close proximity to the sea where you can go swimming and kayaking. Go for dinner in any one of the seaside pubs and browse the galleries/shops for unique souvenirs.

Jump in the car or hop on the bus for a five-minute journey to St Davids where you can book wildlife boat trips to Ramsey. This small city is also home to a beautiful cathedral and a bishop’s palace, with watersports on offer too. Dine on bugs at the Grub Kitchen, pick up a burger from the shack overlooking Caerfai Beach or tuck into a toastie from the kiosk as you pass through Porthcais.