Entertainment

Wildlife wonders and family fun this May half-term in the National Park

Published

7 months ago

May 21, 2025

FAMILIES looking to make the most of the May half-term will find plenty to inspire them across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. From wildlife walks and archaeological adventures to pirate trails and seaside crafts, the week promises a rich mix of exploration, creativity, and discovery.

Wildlife takes centre stage this half-term, with a series of guided walks offering the chance to explore the Park’s quieter corners and seasonal highlights. The week begins with a closer look at one of our smallest and busiest residents. What’s That Bee? on 27 May offers a gentle walk through the fields and hedgerows of Skrinkle Haven, with tips on how to spot and identify local pollinators.

As day turns to dusk, two evening walks offer a chance to experience the Park in a different light. On 28 May, Brilliant Bats in St Davids invites visitors on a twilight wander through the city, using detectors to hear the high-pitched calls echoing around the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. The following evening’s Bat Walk at Carew offers a rare opportunity to explore the Castle after dark and encounter the protected species that shelter within its ancient walls.

For those in search of daylight discoveries, the Wildflower Wander at Broadhaven South on 29 May offers a slower pace and a closer look at the flora that thrives along the coast. Led by an expert guide, this gentle morning stroll explores the medicinal and culinary uses of some of the Park’s most familiar wild plants.

The Park’s layered past also plays a part in this half-term’s programme. On 27 May, Porthmawr: A Walk Through Time brings together archaeology, history, wildlife and geology in a guided tour led by a Park Ranger and the Park Authority’s Community Archaeologist. This immersive walk offers a chance to explore the stories hidden in the landscape, and to see how time, tide and people have shaped this distinctive stretch of coastline.

Meanwhile, at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the half-term programme continues with a creative, coastal twist. From Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, families can follow the Pirate’s Treasure Trail around the grounds of Oriel y Parc to discover the surrounding headlands in search of washed-up clues and hidden rewards. Midweek brings a chance to craft seaside keepsakes at the Sea Trinkets Workshop on Wednesday 28 May, while the week ends with the return of the May Craft Market on Saturday 31 May, where every stall offers something different, made with skill, care, and their own creative flair.

For full event details and to plan your visit, go to www.orielyparc.co.uk or www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Those keen to explore further can choose from a wide range of scenic walking routes, available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/web-walks.

Mobility support, including beach wheelchairs, is available at several locations across the Park. For more information, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beach-wheelchairs.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

Entertainment

Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.

The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.

Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.

A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.

Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.

Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.