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

Farming

FUW urges government action as plunging dairy prices threaten family farms

Published

2 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FARMER’s UNION OF WALES has sounded the alarm over a sharp and sustained collapse in dairy prices, warning that the situation is placing intolerable pressure on family farms already grappling with regulatory change, rising costs and wider economic uncertainty.

The Union convened an emergency meeting of its Animal Health and Dairy Committee last week to assess the scale of the crisis. Representatives from across Wales reported widespread anxiety, with many members seeing milk prices fall dramatically through the autumn. Processors are now signalling further cuts in early 2026, while commodity markets offer little sign of stability heading into spring.

Farmers, fearful of jeopardising commercial relationships, have approached the FUW confidentially to express grave concern about projected milk payments for the coming months. Many say the offers being made will fall far below the cost of production.

Average milk prices are forecast at just 30–35 pence per litre, against estimated production costs of 39–44 pence per litre (Kite Consulting). On current trajectories, the FUW warns a typical Welsh dairy farm could lose thousands of pounds per month for as long as the downturn persists.

Following its committee meeting, the Union raised the matter directly with Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS during talks in Cardiff on Wednesday, December 3. Officials stressed the immediate threat facing family-run dairy farms and called for urgent consideration of government support to prevent long-term damage to the sector.

Gerwyn Williams, Chair of the FUW Animal Health and Dairy Committee, said the pace of the price crash was “unprecedented”.

“Farmers are facing an impossible situation where input costs remain high while the value of their product plummets. The viability of many family farms is now at serious risk. We need immediate assurances that this crisis is being treated with the urgency it deserves.

“Some can weather a short storm, but rumours that this could continue into summer 2026 will see businesses shut. These modest family farms have already invested heavily to meet regulatory requirements. Cuts on this scale will severely impact their ability to service repayments.”

FUW Deputy President Dai Miles warned that the consequences extend far beyond farm gates.

“Dairy farming underpins thousands of jobs in Wales and is central to the economic, social and environmental fabric of rural communities. When prices fall this sharply, it isn’t just farmers who suffer — local businesses, services and entire communities feel the impact.

“We have made it clear to the Deputy First Minister that government must work with the industry to provide immediate stability and a long-term resilience plan.”

The FUW says it will continue to work with the Welsh Government, processors and supply-chain partners to seek solutions and secure fair, sustainable prices for producers.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

21 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Education

Pembrokeshire school named second in Sunday Times guide

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Luke Sinclair

A Pembrokeshire secondary school has been recognised among the very best in Wales, securing a leading position in a major national education guide.

Ysgol Bro Preseli in Crymych has been ranked the second-best state secondary school in Wales in the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, a long-established benchmark for academic performance across the UK. Only Cowbridge School placed higher.

The annual guide, regarded as one of the country’s most authoritative assessments of school standards, compiles data from more than 2,000 state and independent schools. It also offers a range of practical advice for families, including guidance on scholarships, the 11-plus, and choosing the right school.

Helen Davies, editor of the Parent Power Guide, acknowledged the pressures facing the education sector but praised the commitment shown by schools nationwide. She said: “The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future.

“But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life.

“As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools, it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning.”

In addition to its strong showing within Wales, Ysgol Bro Preseli secured 263rd place in the UK-wide rankings. Elsewhere in the state secondary table, Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig was placed third in Wales, with Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay following closely behind.

Now in its 33rd year, the Parent Power Guide was published online on Friday, 5 December, with the print edition set to appear on Sunday, 7 December. Final positions are determined by year-on-year performance, supported by editorial judgement.

The full rankings and analysis are available via The Sunday Times digital edition, and the guide remains a trusted resource for families seeking a clear picture of school performance across the UK.