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It's a region known for its bounteous wildlife - puffins, buzzards, dolphins, seals, porpoises, otters, guillemots, razorbills, gulls and terns can be spotted along the coast and in the West Wales countryside. And in springtime bluebells, sea pinks and orchids brighten the cliffs and primroses, cowslips, columbine and red campion bloom along the country lanes.
West Wales is a region of pretty coastal villages, outstanding wildlife, traditional industries such as wool and arts and crafts and stunning scenery. The stresses of modern life will soon be washed away by the simple beauty of a region which has so much to offer - walking, cycling, horse riding, golf, water sports and so much more. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Britain's only coastal-based national park. It stretches from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north. At the very western most tip is St David's, Britain's smallest city and home to St David's Cathedral where the patron saint of Wales, who died in 589 AD, is buried. Skomer Island, off Milford Haven, is home to about 10,000 Atlantic Puffins. From April to August they make the island their home to raise their young. Further round the coast is Pembroke, a charming walled town with a 900-year history. It has a magnificent medieval castle, the remains of a town wall, shops, galleries, and the 10th century Monkton Priory Church with views to Pembroke Castle. Manorbier was described by the 12th century scholar Gerald of Wales as "the pleasantest spot in Wales." In fact the scholar was born at Manorbier Castle, perched on the cliffs overlooking the beautiful beach. There's also a stunning coastal path, a Norman Church and a prehistoric burial chamber. The pretty village of St Florence has won the Wales in Bloom competition in the past. Many of the houses feature "Flemish chimneys" - round chimneys built into the outside of the older houses. Tenby and Saundersfoot are lively resorts with pretty harbours and excellent beaches. Tenby stands on a rocky promontory and you can wander through its narrow streets, filled with flowers in the summer months, along the old town wall to the working harbour. Boats leave from here to the monastic Caldey Island, where local monks sell home-made chocolate and perfumes!
Just outside Tenby is the pretty village of Penally and at nearby Kilgetty buzzards soar above the woods. At Narberth there are a host of pretty shops, art and craft galleries, pubs and cafes. The 60-mile Landsker Borderland Trail starts from Whitland. 'Landsker' is a Norse word meaning frontier. It refers to an historic line of Norman castles which divided the English speaking South of Pembrokeshire from the north of the country. The walk follows wooded valleys and some spectacular coastline. The boathouse at Laugharne, was the last home of author Dylan Thomas and his family. He wrote "Under Milk Wood" from the shed at the property. The town also has a castle overlooking the Taff estuary. Nearby Pendine has a popular beach of miles of golden sand.
Carmarthen is the reputed birthplace of Merlin the magician, a leading figure in the Arthurian legends. At Merlin's Hill Centre there are nature trails, an Iron Age hillfort and spectacular views. According to legend Merlin is still imprisoned there. The largest single span glass house in the world is part of the National Botanic Garden of Wales just 8 miles from Carmarthen. Set amongst lakes and woodlands it's a must-see for any visitor to West Wales. The Millennium Coast Park between the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Llanelli and the Pembrey Country Park is great for walking and cycling. From Milford Haven up to the Victorian resort of Aberystwyth in the north of the region there is a string of picturesque coves and seaside villages such as Little Haven, Solva, Newport, New Quay and Aberaeron. Some of the best surfing can also be found here. Cardigan Bay is a haven for wildlife - bottlenose dolphins, porpoises and Atlantic grey seals can be spotted from the cliffs and harbour at New Quay. Otters can be found in the nearby rivers - particularly at Cilgerran, near Cardigan. At Cenarth, just outside Cardigan are the Cenarth Falls. Nearby you can learn about the ancient art of coracle fishing.
Newcastle Emlyn is a lively town nestling on the Teifi River. The area was once clustered with about 40 mills and was dependent on wool for its livelihood. Today there are a variety of museums, working mills and ancient mills which tell the story of the Welsh wool industry. A visit to West Wales is only a few hours by car from London and yet you feel a million miles away. Set your spirit free today in beautiful West Wales.
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