Entertainment

The economic impact of tourism on rural Welsh communities

Published

5 months ago

October 23, 2025

Tourism has become the engine of many rural parts of Wales, Pembrokeshire included. Each summer, the caravans roll in, tents pop up on fields, and cottages that stood empty in spring suddenly have lights in every window. That shift is more than a seasonal sight; it’s the difference between a quiet village scraping by and one that has money moving through every till on the high street.

Local spend

B&Bs and guest houses are the most obvious winners. Families book them months ahead, filling every spare bed from Tenby to Fishguard. Once those families arrive, they eat out, they stock up at shops, and they visit the pubs at night. Even the small places feel it. A newsagent in Newport sells more ice creams in July than in the rest of the year combined. Farmers open their fields for parking or sell produce at the gate.

It stretches into sport as well. Local rugby clubs, football teams, and rowing groups all benefit when sponsors can afford to put their name on shirts or help with new kit. Without the surge of summer trade, many of those connections wouldn’t exist.

How visitors spend

Tourism isn’t just buckets and spades anymore. Visitors plan their trips differently now. They scroll through reviews, compare cottages online, and book activities long before they reach the coast. A holidaymaker standing on the harbour at Saundersfoot has already paid for the boat trip weeks earlier with a few taps on their phone.

The same behaviour shows up in online leisure. Casino players look for platforms with the highest payout rates, because value matters as much as the game itself. Tourists act the same way in Pembrokeshire. They weigh up what they’ll get for the price. Choosing a cottage that throws in parking, a café that feels worth the bill, or an attraction that gives a full day’s experience. The thinking is simple: money should stretch as far as possible. That approach is reshaping how local businesses present themselves, putting more focus on value and clarity.

Strain on infrastructure

The sudden crowds also show up in pressure points. Roads into Pembrokeshire are jammed on Saturdays. Parking in Tenby or St Davids becomes impossible by mid-morning on sunny days. Broadband that feels fine in March slows to a crawl in July when every cottage, tent, and caravan tries to stream at once.

Locals grumble about the inconvenience, but they also admit that the pressure brings investment. New bus routes, resurfaced roads, and stronger broadband don’t just serve the visitors; they make life easier for those who live here full-time. The trade-off is ongoing, and it shapes how communities prepare for the future.

Culture and identity

Tourism also supports events that keep rural traditions alive. Agricultural shows, summer fairs, and regattas rely on ticket sales and visiting crowds. Without them, some of those gatherings would fade. Instead, they pull in tourists and locals together, creating moments where culture and economy overlap.

Grassroots sport is lifted in the same way. Football tournaments or local fun runs grow in scale when tourists join in, boosting entry fees and keeping facilities open. The money matters, but so does the sense of community pride that comes with a full crowd on the touchline.

Entertainment

Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall

Published

22 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

***Edwards claims those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story***

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

Published

23 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.