Dorian’s Secret Places
Secret places to visit
There are many wonderful places to visit in Carmarthenshire and very few areas that aren't so if you put pin in a map the chances are there will be a beautiful and interesting landscape. The best bit's are coastal with both Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire coastline easily accessible although do check out the open mountain ranges of Presell and Brecon Beacons if you like big walks. We believe that local expert's knowledge can sometimes lead to some of the best experiences on holiday.so here are some of our personal favourites:
A hidden gem! Park at the National Trust carpark and the beach can be found after a short but beautiful 10–15 min walk. Far stretching views of the sea as you walk. The beach can be accessed by some fairly steps down but well worth the effort. Beautiful clean beach, sand and sea. Stunning, secluded cove
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Barafundle Bay Beach
Pembrokeshire Coast PathA hidden gem! Park at the National Trust carpark and the beach can be found after a short but beautiful 10–15 min walk. Far stretching views of the sea as you walk. The beach can be accessed by some fairly steps down but well worth the effort. Beautiful clean beach, sand and sea. Stunning, secluded cove
Welsh city folk love taking a break in Narberth, where independent boutiques, restaurants and attractions make for a quirky town unlike anywhere else. High fashion, food with flair, vineyards and more await you here.
From more than 100 places in the Chamber of Trade – a must-visit even for non-shopping fans – there are plenty we could mention. Funky fashion from White Boutique, cute designs from sixthehighstreet and cool outdoor garms from Idos are a few of the quirky shops worth seeing here.
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Narbeth
Welsh city folk love taking a break in Narberth, where independent boutiques, restaurants and attractions make for a quirky town unlike anywhere else. High fashion, food with flair, vineyards and more await you here.
From more than 100 places in the Chamber of Trade – a must-visit even for non-shopping fans – there are plenty we could mention. Funky fashion from White Boutique, cute designs from sixthehighstreet and cool outdoor garms from Idos are a few of the quirky shops worth seeing here.
Shopping in Llandeilo is an absolute pleasure, this colourful, picturesque town is scattered with an array of numerous small independent shops, boasting one of the best destinations for shopping in Wales. Here you will find many unique one off items, fashionable clothing including many designer labels, high quality home wares, bespoke furniture, award winning local food suppliers, local crafts, Florists, our very own Auction house and Antiques including and an extensive Antique & Garden Centre.
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Llandeilo
Shopping in Llandeilo is an absolute pleasure, this colourful, picturesque town is scattered with an array of numerous small independent shops, boasting one of the best destinations for shopping in Wales. Here you will find many unique one off items, fashionable clothing including many designer labels, high quality home wares, bespoke furniture, award winning local food suppliers, local crafts, Florists, our very own Auction house and Antiques including and an extensive Antique & Garden Centre.
Discover Tenby's glorious beaches, a warm atmosphere and fine Victorian houses. Enjoy a spot of fishing, relax on Caldey Island, visit the 15th century church, or take a walk along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.Tenby is lovingly protected from the outside world by an embrace of 13th-century stone walls, which, ironically, attract—not repel—visitors from all over the world. The town is simply adorable, teeming with the archetypes of pubs and shops one would expect to find in a U.K. city. Adding further appeal are the miles of gorgeous beaches and the gently lapping waves of a blue-grey sea.
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Tenby
Discover Tenby's glorious beaches, a warm atmosphere and fine Victorian houses. Enjoy a spot of fishing, relax on Caldey Island, visit the 15th century church, or take a walk along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.Tenby is lovingly protected from the outside world by an embrace of 13th-century stone walls, which, ironically, attract—not repel—visitors from all over the world. The town is simply adorable, teeming with the archetypes of pubs and shops one would expect to find in a U.K. city. Adding further appeal are the miles of gorgeous beaches and the gently lapping waves of a blue-grey sea.
Discover the story of the Welsh woollen industry and follow the process from fleece to fabric. Visit the restored listed mill buildings and historic machinery of the historic former Cambrian Mills. Families can have a go at carding, spinning and sewing along the way.
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National Wool Museum
Discover the story of the Welsh woollen industry and follow the process from fleece to fabric. Visit the restored listed mill buildings and historic machinery of the historic former Cambrian Mills. Families can have a go at carding, spinning and sewing along the way.
Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, the Garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic.
Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, the British Bird of Prey Centre, a tropical Butterfly House, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year.
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Nationaal Botanisch Tuin van Wales
Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, the Garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic.
Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, the British Bird of Prey Centre, a tropical Butterfly House, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year.
The sleepy, timeless town of Laugharne was not always the tranquil place it is today. This placid place, immortalised by its most celebrated inhabitant, the writer Dylan Thomas.
Laugharne overlooked by the world famous boathouse where so many of the great man’s creations were inspired and penned. Dylan lived in the Boathouse with his family for four years before his untimely death in 1953 in what was his golden period of literary creations. And this wooden structure is renowned around the world for it's literary and romantic association with the great poet.
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Laugharne
The sleepy, timeless town of Laugharne was not always the tranquil place it is today. This placid place, immortalised by its most celebrated inhabitant, the writer Dylan Thomas.
Laugharne overlooked by the world famous boathouse where so many of the great man’s creations were inspired and penned. Dylan lived in the Boathouse with his family for four years before his untimely death in 1953 in what was his golden period of literary creations. And this wooden structure is renowned around the world for it's literary and romantic association with the great poet.
An elegant Georgian villa, set in the wooded Aeron valley. Remarkably unaltered for over 200 years, this self-sufficient estate includes a farm, walled gardens and lake
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National Trust - Llanerchaeron
A482An elegant Georgian villa, set in the wooded Aeron valley. Remarkably unaltered for over 200 years, this self-sufficient estate includes a farm, walled gardens and lake
National Nature Reserve, historic house and 18th-century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park
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Dinefwr Castle
National Nature Reserve, historic house and 18th-century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park
If you enjoy making the most of the great outdoors, you’ll love the Brecon Beacons.
National Park is a great place to get active. This is not a fenced-off preserve – it’s a living, working landscape which will bring out your adventurous side.
There are masses of paths and trails for walkers, runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders and wildlife-watchers. There’s a brilliant range of organised activities on offer, too, from gentle recreational pursuits like photography to full-on adrenaline sports such as paragliding, rafting and abseiling.
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Brecon Beacons
Beacons ParkIf you enjoy making the most of the great outdoors, you’ll love the Brecon Beacons.
National Park is a great place to get active. This is not a fenced-off preserve – it’s a living, working landscape which will bring out your adventurous side.
There are masses of paths and trails for walkers, runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders and wildlife-watchers. There’s a brilliant range of organised activities on offer, too, from gentle recreational pursuits like photography to full-on adrenaline sports such as paragliding, rafting and abseiling.
Carreg Cennen at Trap, not far from Llandeilo and about 30 miles from the cottage. It has the most spectacular position of all the local castles and there is a cave to explore too There’s a nice little tea rooms at the foot of the hill amongst the farmyard.
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Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen at Trap, not far from Llandeilo and about 30 miles from the cottage. It has the most spectacular position of all the local castles and there is a cave to explore too There’s a nice little tea rooms at the foot of the hill amongst the farmyard.
Llansteffan Castle stands guard on a promontory overlooking Carmarthen Bay at the mouth of the River Tywi (Towy). Park in the beach car park and walk up from the shore. The views are great and you can combine the visit with a walk along the coastline to the west. There’s a tidy little cafe by the car park and good fish and chips from Florries’ cabin. Llansteffan is about 30 minutes by car.
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Llansteffan Castle
Llansteffan Castle stands guard on a promontory overlooking Carmarthen Bay at the mouth of the River Tywi (Towy). Park in the beach car park and walk up from the shore. The views are great and you can combine the visit with a walk along the coastline to the west. There’s a tidy little cafe by the car park and good fish and chips from Florries’ cabin. Llansteffan is about 30 minutes by car.
Aberglasney was featured in the telly series “Aberglasney a garden lost in time” which chronicled its restoration. The medieval house and gardens are amongst the finest in Wales with 10 acres of magnificent grounds and an Elizabethan cloistered garden at its heart
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Aberglasney-tuinen
Aberglasney was featured in the telly series “Aberglasney a garden lost in time” which chronicled its restoration. The medieval house and gardens are amongst the finest in Wales with 10 acres of magnificent grounds and an Elizabethan cloistered garden at its heart
Llansteffan is a local favourite as mentioned above and the closest beach of any note. Next nearest is the vast expanse of Cefn Sidan which lies within Pembrey Country Park (you have to pay to get in, there are some other things to see and do but it’s looking a bit tatty at the moment). From Cefn Sidan you can look over to the Gower which by virtue of the Burry Inlet being in the way will take you about 45 minutes to reach, but it’s worth it of course.
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Llansteffan
Llansteffan is a local favourite as mentioned above and the closest beach of any note. Next nearest is the vast expanse of Cefn Sidan which lies within Pembrey Country Park (you have to pay to get in, there are some other things to see and do but it’s looking a bit tatty at the moment). From Cefn Sidan you can look over to the Gower which by virtue of the Burry Inlet being in the way will take you about 45 minutes to reach, but it’s worth it of course.
This relatively large reserve is a mosaic of woodland and grassland with wide, wooded gulleys. Part of the woodland is mature secondary Ash woodland
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The Wildlife Trust
This relatively large reserve is a mosaic of woodland and grassland with wide, wooded gulleys. Part of the woodland is mature secondary Ash woodland
Uncover nearly 800 years of history at the magnificent Cilgerran Castle. This striking 13th-century fortress is perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge.
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Cilgerran Castle - National Trust
Uncover nearly 800 years of history at the magnificent Cilgerran Castle. This striking 13th-century fortress is perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge.
Melin Tregwynt, a small white washed woollen mill, can be found in a remote wooded valley on the Pembrokeshire coast.
There has been a mill on this site since the 17th century, when local farmers would bring their fleeces to be spun into yarn and woven into sturdy Welsh wool blankets.
Owned by the same family since 1912 the Mill now employs over 30 people and makes things that are useful, beautiful to look at and just a little bit special.
They stock blankets, throws and cushions, together with upholstery, simple stylish clothing, accessories and bags – all made in our own unique fabrics,
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Melin Tregwynt Woolen Mill
Melin Tregwynt, a small white washed woollen mill, can be found in a remote wooded valley on the Pembrokeshire coast.
There has been a mill on this site since the 17th century, when local farmers would bring their fleeces to be spun into yarn and woven into sturdy Welsh wool blankets.
Owned by the same family since 1912 the Mill now employs over 30 people and makes things that are useful, beautiful to look at and just a little bit special.
They stock blankets, throws and cushions, together with upholstery, simple stylish clothing, accessories and bags – all made in our own unique fabrics,
Cefn Sidan was the first beach in Wales to achieve the coveted blue flag award and boasts over 8 miles of sandy beach, of compared to Californian Beaches such as the golden coast.
There are numerous beach entrances across the park. Disabled access is best through the main entrance by the beach kiosk, where you will find the boardwalk.
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Cefn Sidan Sands
Cefn Sidan was the first beach in Wales to achieve the coveted blue flag award and boasts over 8 miles of sandy beach, of compared to Californian Beaches such as the golden coast.
There are numerous beach entrances across the park. Disabled access is best through the main entrance by the beach kiosk, where you will find the boardwalk.
St Davids Peninsula with St Davids the jewel in the crown – the smallest city in Britain set in a sea girt peninsula: stunning evocative landscapes holding secrets of some of the oldest history in Britain: a magnet for pilgrims and tourists for centuries: home of our patron saint, Dewi Sant – his shrine is at the heart of the great cathedral that holds his name.
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St Davids
St Davids Peninsula with St Davids the jewel in the crown – the smallest city in Britain set in a sea girt peninsula: stunning evocative landscapes holding secrets of some of the oldest history in Britain: a magnet for pilgrims and tourists for centuries: home of our patron saint, Dewi Sant – his shrine is at the heart of the great cathedral that holds his name.
Places to eat and drink
When it comes to eating out in and around Carmarthen, there’s now a great selection of restaurants catering for all tastes.
But your very favourite place to visit may be a little further afield but well worth booking in advance
The Nag’s Head Inn is owned by husband and wife team, Dewi & Jacqui Davies who will greet you with the warmest of welcomes from the moment you step inside. Traditional home cooked food, well kept local real ale and an excellent choice of wines and spirits.
Having spent your day exploring the stunning surroundings you can refuel with excellent food from our Chef’s seasonal menu with an exciting take on Welsh pub cuisine using high quality, local produce.
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The Nags Head
The Nag’s Head Inn is owned by husband and wife team, Dewi & Jacqui Davies who will greet you with the warmest of welcomes from the moment you step inside. Traditional home cooked food, well kept local real ale and an excellent choice of wines and spirits.
Having spent your day exploring the stunning surroundings you can refuel with excellent food from our Chef’s seasonal menu with an exciting take on Welsh pub cuisine using high quality, local produce.
Perhaps the most well-known restaurant in the whole of Carmarthenshire, Y Polyn has been synonymous with quality food for years.
Situated in a quiet area between Carmarthen and Llanarthne, people have been known to travel from all around Wales to sample the unique taste of Y Polyn.
We have been to Y Polyn on many occasions; it’s a restaurant that never fails to produce delicious well presented food. The staff are extremely helpful, polite and friendly. It’s always on our list of restaurants to return to regularly
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Y Polyn
Perhaps the most well-known restaurant in the whole of Carmarthenshire, Y Polyn has been synonymous with quality food for years.
Situated in a quiet area between Carmarthen and Llanarthne, people have been known to travel from all around Wales to sample the unique taste of Y Polyn.
We have been to Y Polyn on many occasions; it’s a restaurant that never fails to produce delicious well presented food. The staff are extremely helpful, polite and friendly. It’s always on our list of restaurants to return to regularly
The ever-popular restaurant, delicatessen and wine shop has been transformed by renowned foodie Simon Wright, who previously ran Y Polyn. Offering lunch and supper, this gem in the country has really put Llanarthne on the food map.
We love places like Wright’s - it’s all about delicious food, perfect wine and a friendly atmosphere.
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Wright's Food Emporium
The ever-popular restaurant, delicatessen and wine shop has been transformed by renowned foodie Simon Wright, who previously ran Y Polyn. Offering lunch and supper, this gem in the country has really put Llanarthne on the food map.
We love places like Wright’s - it’s all about delicious food, perfect wine and a friendly atmosphere.
This community-based eatery in the heart of Carmarthen has gone from strength to strength since it was opened by local chef Deri Reed in 2016.
He started out with nothing, but thanks to a Crowdfunder campaign which raised more than £20,000, the Warren went from a dream to a delicious reality.
The Warren is famous for its innovative and ever-changing menu.
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The Warren
11 Mansel StThis community-based eatery in the heart of Carmarthen has gone from strength to strength since it was opened by local chef Deri Reed in 2016.
He started out with nothing, but thanks to a Crowdfunder campaign which raised more than £20,000, the Warren went from a dream to a delicious reality.
The Warren is famous for its innovative and ever-changing menu.
Coast we pride ourselves on offering a unique combination of informal and professional service. Located in a new purpose built restaurant right on the shoreline - just metres away from the lovely golden sands of Coppet Hall. You'll have unrivalled views of sea and sky. Using, wherever possible, locally sourced Pembrokeshire ingredients, Thomas Hine and his team prepare dishes with skill, experience, creativity and a good dollop of style.
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Coast Restaurant
Coast we pride ourselves on offering a unique combination of informal and professional service. Located in a new purpose built restaurant right on the shoreline - just metres away from the lovely golden sands of Coppet Hall. You'll have unrivalled views of sea and sky. Using, wherever possible, locally sourced Pembrokeshire ingredients, Thomas Hine and his team prepare dishes with skill, experience, creativity and a good dollop of style.
Stunning setting overlooking the Towy estuary. Gorgeous food with excellent service. Their Sunday lunch is fabulous and great value.
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Mansion House Llansteffan Ltd
Pant Yr AthroStunning setting overlooking the Towy estuary. Gorgeous food with excellent service. Their Sunday lunch is fabulous and great value.
Bara Menyn: an artisan bakehouse and cafe under one roof, in one of Cardigan's historic custom house buildings, right next door to Custom House Shop & Gallery. They bake slow-fermentation sourdough (using organic flour) as well as serving up a range of locally sourced breakfasts and lunches, home-made cakes and speciality coffee (as well as our famous sourdough pittas and croissants, of course). They pride ourselves on our vegetarian and vegan offerings.
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Bara Menyn Bakehouse & Cafe
6B Chancery LnBara Menyn: an artisan bakehouse and cafe under one roof, in one of Cardigan's historic custom house buildings, right next door to Custom House Shop & Gallery. They bake slow-fermentation sourdough (using organic flour) as well as serving up a range of locally sourced breakfasts and lunches, home-made cakes and speciality coffee (as well as our famous sourdough pittas and croissants, of course). They pride ourselves on our vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Stonebake handmade pizzas, breads, delicious apertisers & sweets. Great coffee, welsh craft beers & wine in a riverside courtyard.
Run by 4 brothers and their band of merry friends.
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Pizzatipi
1 Cambrian QuayStonebake handmade pizzas, breads, delicious apertisers & sweets. Great coffee, welsh craft beers & wine in a riverside courtyard.
Run by 4 brothers and their band of merry friends.
An independently owned hotel, bar and restaurant in the same hands since 2002 in an iconic Instagram perfect setting. Locally sourced menus, Welsh craft beers, a passionately sourced wine list.
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Harbourmaster Hotel
1 Quay ParadeAn independently owned hotel, bar and restaurant in the same hands since 2002 in an iconic Instagram perfect setting. Locally sourced menus, Welsh craft beers, a passionately sourced wine list.
Caws Cenarth is the oldest established producer of Welsh Farmhouse Caerffili. As well as the plain Caerffili, Caws Cenarth also produces other varieties, Garlic and Herb Caerffili and Smoked Caerffili. More recently, Carwyn has developed new cheeses, including the Brie-like Perl Wen, a creamy blue, Perl Las, and Golden Cenarth, a washed-rind cheese with a powerful flower – and winner of the Supreme Champion accolade at the British Cheese Awards 2010
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Caws Cenarth Cheese
Caws Cenarth is the oldest established producer of Welsh Farmhouse Caerffili. As well as the plain Caerffili, Caws Cenarth also produces other varieties, Garlic and Herb Caerffili and Smoked Caerffili. More recently, Carwyn has developed new cheeses, including the Brie-like Perl Wen, a creamy blue, Perl Las, and Golden Cenarth, a washed-rind cheese with a powerful flower – and winner of the Supreme Champion accolade at the British Cheese Awards 2010
Ginhaus deli is located in the very beautiful little town of Llandeilo. Pop in to smell the loaves being baked, to taste samples of our delicious cheeses, to marvel at our impressive selection of gins, to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere
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Ginhaus Deli
Market StreetGinhaus deli is located in the very beautiful little town of Llandeilo. Pop in to smell the loaves being baked, to taste samples of our delicious cheeses, to marvel at our impressive selection of gins, to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere
Experiences
Things to do on vacation because we believe that local expert's knowledge can sometimes lead to some of the best experiences on holiday.
Amazing experience with a great bunch of people. So much fun playing in the waves, climbing over the rocks and, of course, the jumps! The guides are super friendly and really know their stuff. Couldn't recommend it more!
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Celtic Quest Coasteering
Amazing experience with a great bunch of people. So much fun playing in the waves, climbing over the rocks and, of course, the jumps! The guides are super friendly and really know their stuff. Couldn't recommend it more!
Gwili Railway is one of the UK's most picturesque preserved lines, set in beautiful countryside with abundant wildlife, the line follows the River Gwili on a steady uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides
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Gwili Stoomtrein
Gwili Railway is one of the UK's most picturesque preserved lines, set in beautiful countryside with abundant wildlife, the line follows the River Gwili on a steady uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides
Dolphin, seal and sea bird watching boat trips offer a safe and exhilarating experience suitable for all ages (youngest passengers are just months old and the oldest in their 90's) and abilities (wheelchair accessible boarding is available), using modern purpose built vessels with the latest environmentally friendly engines and safety equipment
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A Bay To Remember - Departure Point
The MooringsDolphin, seal and sea bird watching boat trips offer a safe and exhilarating experience suitable for all ages (youngest passengers are just months old and the oldest in their 90's) and abilities (wheelchair accessible boarding is available), using modern purpose built vessels with the latest environmentally friendly engines and safety equipment
As a Canoe Wales centre of excellence we pride ourselves on the paddle sport coaching we deliver at all levels to a wide audience.
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Llandysul International Canoe Club
As a Canoe Wales centre of excellence we pride ourselves on the paddle sport coaching we deliver at all levels to a wide audience.
Love it here, if you want animals and birds it's a piece of heaven. Would definitely go again. It's awesome. Seals, Dolphins, Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Rabbits and much more
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Skomer Island
Love it here, if you want animals and birds it's a piece of heaven. Would definitely go again. It's awesome. Seals, Dolphins, Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Rabbits and much more
Horse Riding for everyone. Beach riding for experienced riders, lessons and treks for all levels of riding. Ideal for family groups. Open all year round. Indoor school.
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Marros Riding Centre
Horse Riding for everyone. Beach riding for experienced riders, lessons and treks for all levels of riding. Ideal for family groups. Open all year round. Indoor school.