What to see and do
We are happily located in a secluded little spot on a quiet road just 2 miles from the north coast of Pembrokeshire. Ideally located for exploring in any direction. The coastal path is the greatest attraction with miles of uninterrupted walking with barely a soul in sight.
But once you arrive you don’t need to go far.
Often it’s the simplest things that help you slow down, sitting on a window seat and watching the busy little wrens in the old hawthorn tree or leaving the car behind and walking to the beach through ancient woodland, in spring heavy with the scent of bluebells. In autumn filling your pockets with sloes or in winter after a blowy walk spreading out a jigsaw in front of the fire.
You might want to grab a blanket to try and catch sight of the barn owls in the top field often seen hunting at dusk, or get up early to spot the herons visiting the lower pond.
The sheltered slate platform with views over the valley south of the house is the perfect spot for tree bathing, meditation or yoga, borrow a mat and blocks if you need.
We love to share our local knowledge - the cosiest pubs and most enticing shops, galleries or the best crab sandwich. If you wish to have any particular focus to your visit from walking the best trails, discovering hidden gems and secluded beaches to wildlife spotting, surfing and coasteering, sampling the local farm breweries and distilleries - we can point you in the right direction to fulfil your Pembrokeshire dreams.
Walks from Hen Ffermdy
Abermawr and Aberbach beaches
It is possible to walk to Abermawr and Aberbach just down the hill following a public footpath through beautiful wooded glades and then through the National Trust woodland behind Abermawr. Perfect little spot for a dip so don’t forget to ask us for a beach towel.
Llangloffan Fen (SSSI)
There are 2 parts to the fen both with raised boardwalks and a huge variety of flora and fauna along the way. It’s a very different landscape to most of the local area and one of only 4 fen areas in Wales.
Nearby attractions
Abermawr and Aberbach beaches - Two lovely quiet pebble beaches just two miles away, perfect for a swim or surf (when the waves are right). Great place to see a murmuration of starlings and for seal spotting. Walk from here for a circular route through ancient woodland and back past Melin Tregwynt - a traditional woollen mill with beautiful blankets and cushions with access the view the mill and looms with lots of history in the little museum. Lovely café and they do takeaway.
Newgale beach - just over the pebble bank at low tide are 2 miles of gorgeous white sandy beach, very popular with surfers and kite flying. Water sport lessons can be booked through the surf shops. Nearby you’ll find Pointz Castle Farm with the best gelato ice cream around made from the milk from their dairy farm - if there is a big queue its worth the wait.
St Davids - The Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace are the obvious draws to St Davids but there are many lovely shops and galleries to visit on New St, Nun St and Goat St and a good collection of pubs. The Really Wild Emporium is quirky and sustainable, with foraged options they offer delightful food. Often busy. Grain offers craft beer from Bluestone Brewery and amazing hand made pizzas.
Newport - A busy coastal town with a lovely collection of shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. From hear you have the choice of an estuary walk or a hike up Carningli (347m), Newport sands is a quick drive around the headland. The Golden Lion is a fantastic pub, with an extensive menu and lots of seating and local beer. Good Sunday roast. Catrock – amazing views over the bay and a lovely spot for lunch whatever the weather, excellent dirty fries.
Porthgain - A little fishing port with lots of history, great views and a couple of art galleries. There’s a lovely walk from Porthgain to the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy. The Sloop pub has a wide menu and a fantastic amount of local history capture in documents and images on the walls. On a sunny day the terrace is a great spot to enjoy a drink as the sun goes down over the harbour. Or grab some fish and chips from our favourite The Shed (take away or eat in, booking essential at busy times).
Solva - Fishing port best visited at low tide for a walk out to the beach at the end. Nice collection of pubs, shops and a gallery. Visit No 35 for a lovely relaxed cafe and an ice cream, Mrs Wills The Fish for takeaway crab, lobster and seafood platters, or visit Solva Woollen Mill for a traditional woollen mill also with a lovely shop and cafe.
Fishguard - Our biggest and busiest town on the north coast with a good choice of shops, pubs, cafes, galleries and a theatre. The Royal Oak offer a good menu and are bookable online. They have a terrace at the back of the pub and often have live music. Ffwrn is a very popular restaurant, open Thur – Sun, and often have live music. Or try Hooked for really good takeaway fish and chips.
Further afield - Narberth is an affluent market town with a good selection of independent shops, great places to eat and antique shops. Ultra Comida is an amazing Spanish deli and tapas, one of our favourites. Cardigan is a busy market town with a few gems to look out for. Yr Hen Printwork’s is a highly recommended Michelin Guide restaurant using all local ingredients with a good wine selection. Crwst a great lunch spot but you may need to add your name to the waiting list and go for a wander down the high street.