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2-Day West Wales Explorer

Laugharne

Our journey towards the South Pembrokeshire Coast brings us to the western tip of Carmarthenshire and the ancient town of Laugharne, with its 12th century castle once painted by Turner. Laugharne is synonymous with the Welsh poet and broadcaster Dylan Thomas, who found inspiration here for one of his best known works - 'Under Milk Wood'. Dylan lived and worked at The Boat House, which is open to visitors.

Pendine

We travel the coastal road alongside Pendine Sands, a seven-mile beach famous for land speed records, where in 1927 Malcom Campbell set a new World Land Speed Record of 174.88 mph.

Our drive towards Tenby is a particularly scenic route, which hugs the South Pembrokeshire coastline, occasionally offering glimpses of this popular Victorian seaside resort and the island of Caldey, home to a Reformed Order of Cistercian monks who welcome visitors to their tranquil retreat. A monastic presence has existed at Caldey since it was first settled by Celtic monks in the 6th Century.

Manorbier

A short drive from Tenby takes us to this small village built around a striking Norman castle overlooking a beautiful sandy bay. It was here in 1146 that Gerald Cambrensis was born. A well respected Medieval writer, Archdeacon of Brecon, champion for an independent Welsh Church at St. David's, adviser on Irish affairs, he was an excellent orator who accompanied Archbishop Baldwin on a recruiting campaign around Wales for the Third Crusade. From this trip resulted his most famous work, 'Itinerary of Wales', where he describes Manorbier as 'the loveliest spot in all of Wales'.

The Castlemartin Peninsula

We then head towards this dramatic part of The South Pembrokeshire Coast, which has many special features of interest, taking in Freshwater East - a magnificent sheltered beach backed by sand dunes and grassy headlands. Photographers, birdwatchers, walkers, climbers, geologists, historians, artists and anthropologists have all been drawn to this most scenic and interesting of areas. We take a short walk to St. Govan's Chapel, one of the wonders of South Pembrokeshire, a remarkable 6th Century hermit's chapel, named after the hermit and saint who lived there. Nearby we view the dramatic coastline - the chasm of Huntsman's Leap, the sea stacks at Stack Rocks and the rock arch of The Green Bridge of Wales.

A drive to Freshwater West, takes in the village of Castlemartin, whose church houses an organ once owned by Mendelssohn. Freshwater West is a haven for surfers, drawn to the area by the big Atlantic rollers that sweep in.

Tenby

We then head to our base for the night, for you to settle into your accommodation.

Tenby is steeped in ancient history with its high medieval walls which were strengthened by Jasper Tudor, uncle of the future king, Henry VII in the 15th century. Tenby has been on the leisure map for nearly 200 years, since wealthy Victorians provided finance to develop the town. Tenby is considered by many to be one of the UK's most attractive holiday resorts - a medieval centre, narrow cobbled streets packed tight with shops and places to eat, and three award-winning Blue Flag Beaches.

Pembroke Castle

We start our second day by visiting the ancient borough of Pembroke, a small but charming walled town, was built around the great fortress of Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry VII. Idyllically set on the banks of the River Cleddau, it is an intriguing place to explore. Soon after The Battle of Hastings, the Normans looked to Wales and in 1093 The Earl of Montgomery built the first Pembroke Castle, an earth and timber structure. In 1189, William Marshal became Earl of Pembroke and he transformed the castle into the magnificent stone fortification which we are able to view on our tour. The impressive condition of the castle is due to the extensive restoration programme begun when Major General Sir Ivor Philipps, of nearby Cosherston Hall, acquired the ruins in 1928. Today, the General's family and Pembroke Town Council manage the trust set up by the General to maintain it.

Carew

As we make our way towards the St. David's Peninsula, we stop at this hamlet, where most conspicuously stands its magnificent riverside castle, the only castle to be managed by The National Park Authority. It is here we find Carew's treasure - the 11th Century Celtic Cross, commemorating an early Welsh Prince, Maredudd ap Edwin, who in 1033 became joint ruler with his brother of Deheubarth, the kingdom of south-west Wales. Just two years later he was killed in battle.

St. David's

A scenic thirty minute drive taking in Newgale Sands - a broad expanse of sand exposed to the Atlantic gales and Solva, a picturesque village built around a fine natural harbour where there was once a direct passenger service to New York, takes us to St. David's, the smallest city in the United Kingdom, having a population of nearly 1600. It is situated on the far south west coast of Wales and is the birthplace of St. David, the patron saint of Wales, who established the Christian tradition in the 6th century.

Granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II because of the presence of the cathedral, St. David's is in reality a small attractive village, situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery renowned for its natural beauty.

St. David's Cathedral has been the dominant presence since the 12th century and was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the middle ages, and indeed remains so to this day attracting thousands of visitors every year. Adjacent to the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace, built by Bishops Beck and Gower around the beginning of the fourteenth century. The Cathedral and Bishop's Palace are marvels of medieval architecture, all the more striking for the remarkable tranquillity of this remote setting.

St. Non's Bay

We then drive a short distance to St. Non's Bay. St. Non was the mother of David, the man destined to become the Patron Saint of Wales. St. David was born in the 6th century and it was here that St. Non reputedly gave birth to David on the site of the original ruined chapel, which is said to be the oldest Christian monument in Wales. Near the chapel is a holy spring that miraculously appeared at the moment of the birth.

St. Non's has received pilgrims for centuries, resulting in the present St. Non's Chapel being built in 1934. This beautiful, yet simple chapel was constructed from the rocks of ruined houses, which, in turn, had been built from the stone of ancient, abandoned churches.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path

It is here we take a short walk on The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which crawls around almost every part of the coast, winding 186 miles from Amroth in the south, to St. Dogmael's near Cardigan in the north of the county.

Whitesands Bay

Our final stop of the day, Traeth Mawr, is consistently rated one of Wales' very best seaside resorts. Whitesands is well known for its stunning views, glorious sunsets and crystal clear water.