News

Pembrokeshire hotel named among The Times’ best places to stay in the UK

Published

3 months ago

March 16, 2026

A PEMBROKESHIRE coastal hotel has been named in The Times’ list of the Best 50 Places to Stay in the UK for 2026, placing the county firmly in the national travel spotlight.

St Brides Spa Hotel, overlooking Saundersfoot harbour, was highlighted by The Times travel experts for its “unbeatable coastal views” and dramatic clifftop spa, which features the hotel’s well-known infinity pool looking out across Saundersfoot Bay.

The annual guide recognises standout hotels across the country, including both new openings and long-established destinations that continue to evolve and offer something distinctive for visitors.

The recognition follows a major refurbishment programme completed last year. All thirty-five bedrooms at the hotel were refreshed with new furnishings, carpets and air-conditioning, while improvements were also made to the spa and restaurant areas.

The spa now includes a Himalayan infra-red salt room, an outdoor sauna and an upgraded spa pool. The Cliff Restaurant has also been redesigned to make greater use of the building’s sea-facing position, with menus that highlight seasonal Welsh produce.

Matt Barnby, Regional Operations Director for the Celtic Collection, said the accolade was recognition of the team’s work to enhance the guest experience.

“It’s great to see St Brides included in The Times’ Best 50 Places to Stay,” he said.

“The team here works incredibly hard to create a special experience for every guest, so this kind of recognition really means a lot. After the refurbishment last year, it’s also nice to see the hotel, and Pembrokeshire as a destination, getting this sort of national attention.”

St Brides Spa Hotel is managed by the Celtic Collection, which took over operations in 2024 in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven, the hotel’s owner.

The listing highlights the growing popularity of UK coastal breaks, with Pembrokeshire’s beaches, scenery and food offering continuing to attract visitors from across the country.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

21 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

41 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).