Entertainment

Staying in? Top entertainment ideas for a chilly Pembrokeshire evening

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2024

When Pembrokeshire’s cool evenings and misty breezes invite you to stay inside, it’s the perfect time to enjoy cosy indoor activities. Whether you’re alone, with family, or entertaining friends, there are many ways to make the most of a cosy evening at home. Here are some ideas to ensure your chilly Pembrokeshire night is filled with comfort, creativity, and enjoyment.

1. Create a Pembrokeshire-inspired feast

Channel the beauty of Pembrokeshire into your kitchen by preparing a locally inspired feast. Seafood dishes are an excellent choice, as Pembrokeshire’s coastal charm offers plenty of fresh options. Try preparing Welsh mussels in garlic butter or a simple but rich Pembrokeshire fish chowder. If you prefer something heartier, try baking traditional Welsh rarebit or cawl (a Welsh soup) to warm you up.

Pair your meal with a local ale, cider, or even a classic Welsh whisky, such as Penderyn, to elevate the experience. Cooking a meal with a local twist not only enhances the Pembrokeshire ambiance but also brings a taste of the region to your table.

2. Play games at home

When the cold sets in, staying in for a game night can turn any evening into one filled with laughter and friendly competition. Classic board games like Scrabble, Codenames, or Pictionary are a go to and perfect for families and friends of all ages to enjoy. For those seeking something more interactive, video games offer endless options, from co-op adventures to multiplayer sports.

3. Try Your hand at the casino

If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling for your evening in and fancy your chances playing with real money, why not take it to the next level with online casinos. Accessing casinos online is easier than ever and you can revel in the excitement of poker, blackjack, or slots all from the comfort of your own home.

UK players can use domestic sites that are regulated by the UKGC and are part of GamStop, or opt for international sites that bypass GamStop, which offer a wider variety of options including more games and bigger betting opportunities. International sites, like the non-GamStop casinos reviewed by republicworld.com, are quickly gaining popularity amongst players in the UK and beyond as they are known to not only offer large libraries of games but also offer unique bonuses and promotions to players.

Whatever your style, staying in for a game night keeps everyone entertained, cosy, and connected.

4. Set up a mini home cinema

Turn your living room into a cosy cinema by arranging blankets, pillows, and dim lighting. Pick a theme or genre, like classic Welsh films or adventure movies, and settle in for a relaxing night of entertainment. Pembrokeshire’s landscapes have inspired several movies, so you might even spot familiar places on screen, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable.

Prepare some popcorn, warm drinks, or Welsh cakes for a local touch. Watching movies or bingeing on a favourite TV series is an ideal way to unwind, and the comforts of home make the cinematic experience all the better.

5. Indulge in a cosy reading session

If you’re a book lover, a chilly Pembrokeshire evening is the perfect opportunity to curl up with a good read. Create a cosy reading nook with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and perhaps a crackling fire or some candlelight. Books about Pembrokeshire’s coastal heritage, history, or fictional stories set in Wales can make your reading experience even more special.

6. Experiment with arts and crafts

Embrace your creative side and try some arts and crafts. With a little imagination, you can create beautiful items inspired by Pembrokeshire’s landscape. Try watercolour painting scenes of the rugged coastline, sketching local wildlife, or crafting holiday decorations using natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and dried flowers.

Crafting can be a relaxing, therapeutic way to pass the time, and it allows you to make something meaningful. Whether you’re painting, knitting, or creating home decor, crafting provides a hands-on way to add some warmth to your home while also engaging with Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty.

7. Plan an indoor picnic

Who says picnics are only for summer? Set up a cosy indoor picnic with a blanket on the floor and a spread of tasty snacks. Include some Pembrokeshire favourites, such as locally made cheeses, bread, chutneys, and seasonal fruits. If you have a fireplace, set it up near it to create an even warmer and cooler atmosphere.

8. Try a virtual tour of local sites and landmarks

Pembrokeshire is known for its incredible historical sites and natural landmarks, but visiting them on a cold evening might not be appealing. Instead, take a virtual tour of nearby places like St. David’s Cathedral, Pembroke Castle, or the stunning coastal paths. Many online platforms offer virtual tours that provide detailed views of historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unique areas of interest.

Exploring the region virtually lets you appreciate Pembrokeshire’s beauty without stepping outside. Plus, you’ll have the chance to discover new places to visit when the weather is warmer.

9. Enjoy a hot drink and stargaze from the indoors

Pembrokeshire is known for its stunning night skies, so even when it’s chilly outside, you can enjoy stargazing from the warmth of your home. Get comfortable near a large window, perhaps with a telescope if you have one, and take in the starry sky with a warm drink in hand. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a hot toddy are all excellent choices to keep you warm as you stargaze.

Adding a touch of background music, such as ambient or instrumental tracks, can make the experience even more magical, especially when you’re cosy and enjoying the Pembrokeshire night sky from the comfort of your home.

Entertainment

Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.

The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.

Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.

The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.

James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.

“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.

“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”

Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.

The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.

Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.

Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.

A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.

The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.

Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Entertainment

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN

DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.

The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.

Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.

Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”

Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.