News

Pembrokeshire: The affordable Summer destination for families

Published

2 years ago

July 3, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE is making waves as the ultimate value-for-money summer destination for families seeking a memorable holiday experience without breaking the bank – that is according to Visit Pembrokeshire which it pitching the county as a value-for-money destination.

With the cost of living continuously on the rise, finding an affordable vacation spot has become crucial for parents looking to provide their children with the best possible experience. Pembrokeshire not only offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches comparable to those in the Mediterranean to thrilling activities, wildlife encounters, and culinary adventures, but it also stands out as one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the UK.

Visit Pembrokeshire, the region’s official tourism organisation, is determined to showcase how Pembrokeshire surpasses its popular neighbour, Cornwall, in terms of affordability. To demonstrate this, they have prepared a pound-for-pound comparison of holiday favourites, revealing how far your money can go this year in Pembrokeshire compared to Cornwall.

When it comes to dining out with the family, Pembrokeshire presents excellent options at reasonable prices. The Boars Head in Templeton offers a delightful meal in a family-friendly setting, consisting of 2 courses excluding drinks, for just £60.80. On the other hand, The Cobweb Inn in Boscastle, Cornwall, charges £63.70 for a similar experience.

Indulging in a delectable ice cream treat on a sunny day is a must during a summer getaway. The Scoop at Milford Waterfront in Pembrokeshire offers a single scoop in a waffle cone for a mere £3. Similarly, Valenti’s in St. Ives, Cornwall, serves the same for £12. Clearly, Pembrokeshire presents a more cost-effective option for those seeking a cool and refreshing treat.

When it comes to the quintessential British dish of fish and chips, Pembrokeshire takes the lead in affordability. Marina Fish n’ Chips in Saundersfoot offers a satisfying portion of cod and chips for £9.05 or a smaller portion for £5.25, which amounts to just £28.60 for a family of two adults and two children. In contrast, Rick Stein’s Fish n’ Chips in Padstow, Cornwall, charges £14.90 for the same dish, with children’s portions priced at £6.95, resulting in a total of £43.70 for a family of four. Pembrokeshire undoubtedly emerges as the more budget-friendly choice for this classic seaside delicacy.

For those seeking adventure on the open seas, Pembrokeshire offers exhilarating boat trips at reasonable rates. Saundersfoot Sea Safaris takes you on a 1.30-minute Wildlife/Historic Caldey Island tour, with tickets priced at £22 for adults and £18 for children, totalling £80 for a family. Padstow Sealife Safaris, located in Cornwall, offers a Seal Sealife Safari lasting 1 hour, with adult tickets priced at £27.50 and children’s tickets at £20.00, resulting in a higher total of £95 for a family. Pembrokeshire proves to be the more economical choice for those looking to explore the wonders of the sea.

Surfing lessons are a popular activity for families seeking thrills and spills on the waves. Outer Reef Surf School in Pembrokeshire offers a 2-hour lesson for £40, making it an ideal choice for families with two children at a total cost of £80. On the other hand, Harlyn Surf School in Cornwall charges £45 for a 1.5-hour lesson, resulting in a higher cost of £90 for a family. Pembrokeshire once again provides better value for money in this adrenaline-fueled activity.

Apart from these fantastic cost-saving activities, Pembrokeshire shines with its range of family and inter-generational accommodation options. The region boasts excellent campsites and self-catering holiday choices, making it the ideal destination for families of all ages.

Celtic Camping & Bunkhouse Accommodation, located just four miles from St Davids, offers group accommodation in a stunning coastal setting with panoramic views of the Irish Sea. With direct access to the renowned Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, spanning 186 miles along breathtaking coastline, Celtic Camping provides the perfect base for an unforgettable holiday. Prices start from £84 per night for a tent accommodating four adults and three children.

For families who love outdoor activities and hiking, Caerhafod Lodge Bunkhouse Accommodation within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is an excellent option. The beautifully converted stone barns provide comfortable hostel accommodation with spectacular views. The hostel features a self-catering kitchen, a spacious sitting room, two sea-view patios with BBQ facilities, and all rooms are en-suite. Rates for dormitories are £25 per person per night for adults and £20 for children under 16. A family of four (two adults and two children under 16) can enjoy a four-bed en-suite room for £90 per night. Alternatively, exclusive hire of the bunkhouse for up to 23 people costs £425 per night, with a minimum two-night stay.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, nestled in 100 acres of stunning Pembrokeshire countryside, offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. From luxury lodges with hot tubs to gold award glamping safari tents and a campsite with electric hook-up, the park caters to small and large groups. Adding to the excitement, the park offers Showman’s Wagons reminiscent of traditional fairground caravans. With a zoo, a farm, and a fairground, Folly Farm guarantees entertainment for the whole family. The Twiga glamping tent, accommodating six people in three bedrooms, starts from £769 per week.

For a unique and luxurious experience, consider renting The Sandcastle, a stunning six-bedroom colonial-style villa that can accommodate up to 12 guests. The villa boasts outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a hot tub, a steam room, and additional amenities such as a home cinema room, snooker table, and tennis table to keep younger family members entertained. Prices start from £54 per person per night, and a one-week stay comes with two additional nights free.

Slebech Park Estate, an 18th-century Georgian Manor located within the Pembrokeshire National Park, offers a tranquil hideaway with a rich historical backdrop. Set amidst 650 acres of meadows, woodlands, and riverside walks, the estate provides a picturesque setting for an extended family retreat. A Classic Room, including breakfast, starts from £140 per night, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings.

For more information and inspiration on free and low-cost activities in Pembrokeshire, Visit Pembrokeshire’s informative website offers a plethora of ideas to make the most of your visit. Discover the breathtaking coastline, explore local attractions, and create lasting memories with your family. For a detailed guide, visit their website at https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/articles/7-memorable-things-to-do-for-free

Crime

Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court

Published

11 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.

Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat

Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.

The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.

The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.

No plea entered

Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.

Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.

A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.

Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.

News

Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses

Published

11 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).

Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)

News

Greyhound Bill faces fresh scrutiny as second committee raises “serious concerns”

Published

11 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE PROHIBITION of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill has been heavily criticised for a second time in 24 hours after the Senedd’s Legislation, Justice and Constitution (LJC) Committee published a highly critical Stage 1 report yesterday.

The cross-party committee said the Welsh Government’s handling of the legislation had “in several respects, fallen short of the standard of good legislative practice that we would normally expect”.

Key concerns highlighted by the LJC Committee include:

Introducing the Bill before all relevant impact assessments (including a full Regulatory Impact Assessment and Children’s Rights Impact Assessment) had been completed – a step it described as “poor legislative practice, particularly … where the Bill may impact on human rights”.
Failure to publish a statement confirming the Bill’s compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The committee has recommended that Rural Affairs Minister Huw Irranca-Davies issue such a statement before the Stage 1 vote on 16 December.
Inadequate public consultation, with the 2023 animal-licensing consultation deemed “not an appropriate substitute” for targeted engagement on the specific proposal to ban the sport.

The report follows Tuesday’s equally critical findings from the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, which questioned the robustness of the evidence base and the accelerated legislative timetable.

Industry reaction Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), described the two reports as leaving the Bill “in tatters”.

“Two consecutive cross-party Senedd committees have now condemned the Welsh Government’s failures in due diligence, consultation and human rights considerations and evidence gathering,” he said. “The case for a ban has been comprehensively undermined. The responsible path forward is stronger regulation of the single remaining track at Ystrad Mynach, not prohibition.”

Response from supporters of the Bill Luke Fletcher MS (Labour, South Wales West), who introduced the Member-proposed Bill, said he welcomed thorough scrutiny and remained confident the legislation could be improved at later stages.

“I have always said this Bill is about ending an outdated practice that causes unnecessary suffering to thousands of greyhounds every year,” Mr Fletcher said. “The committees have raised legitimate procedural points, and I look forward to working with the Welsh Government and colleagues across the Senedd to address those concerns while keeping the core aim of the Bill intact.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Minister has noted the committees’ reports and will respond formally in due course. The government supports the principle of the Bill and believes a ban on greyhound racing is justified on animal welfare grounds. Work is ongoing to finalise the outstanding impact assessments and to ensure full compatibility with the ECHR.”

The Bill is scheduled for a Stage 1 debate and vote in plenary on Tuesday 16 December. Even if it passes that hurdle, it would still require significant amendment at Stages 2 and 3 to satisfy the committees’ recommendations.