Entertainment

Free time reimagined as Pembrokeshire moves toward online leisure

Published

7 months ago

October 16, 2025

In an age when digital convenience has begun to creep into every corner of our lives, many traditional viewers, readers, and hobbyists in the county of Pembrokeshire are finding their spare hours changed and challenged by new online options. Now, there are streamed film nights, virtual workshops, interactive gaming platforms, and creative classes for people to explore. The growing integration of broadband infrastructure, mobile apps, and on-demand culture now means that leisure does not depend entirely on where people are anymore. Now, it depends on how they choose to connect.

One of the most striking aspects of this change is how diverse online leisure has become. Beyond streaming and online education, even digital entertainment that was once considered niche, such as Bitcoin gambling sites, has found appeal across global audiences. These decentralised platforms allow users to deposit and withdraw funds instantly, often with lower transaction fees and enhanced privacy. They demonstrate how blockchain technology can make online play faster, borderless, and more secure. The innovation behind these systems shows us the wider trend toward user-centred, tech-driven leisure.

Across Pembrokeshire, that same transformation is evident in the more conventional spaces, too. Reliable connectivity now underpins a great deal of new digital opportunities. It is this connectivity that opens the door to streaming, live classes, and remote participation in community events. And this is not just for residents in towns, but also those in rural hamlets that were once held back by patchy coverage.

Pembrokeshire Leisure, operated by the county council, has become a local case study in how services can adapt. Its Pembs Leisure app lets users check timetables, book fitness sessions, and receive push alerts. Through its “Virtual Classes” programme, residents can stream yoga, strength training, and cardio sessions from home for roughly £5.50 per month. Instead of replacing in-person sessions, these options now complement them and give flexibility to commuters, carers, and others whose schedules limit time at physical leisure centres.

Even major events are moving online. Festivals, talks, history walks, and environmental sessions often include livestreams, interactive Q&As, or digital archives. Because of this, those unable to travel can still take part. For a county as geographically dispersed as Pembrokeshire, this digital layer adds reach without taking away from the local character of community gatherings.

The region’s natural and cultural assets are especially optimised to work with what commentators call “phygital” leisure, which are experiences that merge the physical and the digital. The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, for instance, now features apps and online guides that offer augmented-reality interpretation, wildlife identification, and GPS-based navigation. These tools enhance, rather than replace, outdoor exploration. This is because it helps visitors engage more deeply with the area’s geology, flora, and maritime heritage.

This shift, however, is not without its challenges. Digital exclusion still affects certain demographics, particularly older adults or households without adequate devices. While libraries and community centres do offer digital-skills support, gaps are still evident. Likewise, online activities must compete with the lure of outdoor life that defines Pembrokeshire, from surfing in Newgale to kayaking in the Milford Haven Waterway. Creating the right balance between screen-based and open-air recreation is a vital element to consider for the county’s evolving identity when it comes to its leisure activities.

Yet the potential benefits are indeed clear. Online platforms make participation far more flexible. They reduce travel needs and also allow smaller organisations to reach wider audiences without the need for expensive venues. Hybrid delivery also strengthens resilience when faced with occurrences like weather disruptions or mobility issues. For younger residents, digital platforms can help to connect Pembrokeshire’s rural communities with global creative, educational, and entertainment ecosystems. This can all be achieved without eroding the area’s distinct sense of place.

Pembrokeshire’s embrace of leisure in an online capacity is more about expanding upon choices than it is about replacing traditions. The above are just a few examples of how local people are integrating technology into how they rest, learn and socialise. The county’s forward-looking approach is grounded in strong broadband, inclusive programmes, and an impressively creative use of digital media. It is this approach that ensures that free time in Pembrokeshire can be both modern and meaningful, wherever you happen to find yourself.

Entertainment

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

Published

3 days 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

4 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

5 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.