Leave Cardiff this morning in the company of your knowledgeable driver-guide and private vehicle as you make your way towards Tenby along the South Pembrokeshire coast. Along the western tip of Carmarthenshire, you'll arrive at the ancient town of Laugharne, with its 12th century castle once painted by Turner. The town is synonymous with Wales' best known and celbrated poet - Dylan Thomas. Follow in the great poet’s footsteps and visit The Boat House, where Dylan lived and worked.
From here, continue along the particularly scenic coastal road towards Tenby, 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.
Then take in the dramatic views along this dramatic part of The South Pembrokeshire Coast, which has many special features of interest. Photographers, birdwatchers, walkers, climbers, geologists, historians, artists and anthropologists have all been drawn to this most scenic and interesting of areas. 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 you can 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. (Access to St. Govan's Chapel and The Green Bridge of Wales is dependent on access via M.O.D. tank range)
A drive to Freshwater West, takes in the village of Castlemartin, whose church houses an organ once owned by Mendelssohn. Enjoy a stop at the hamlet of Carew, where most conspicuously stands its magnificent riverside castle, with an 11th Century Celtic Cross.
At days end you'll arrive at your accommodation in Tenby. (includes entrances to sights mentioned).
Restaurant suggestions in Tenby include Plantaganet - The Tudor Merchants House, Bay Tree and Blue Ball. Tenby's oldest building, tucked away in an alley, houses its most atmospheric restaurant- Plantaganet - The Tudor Merchants House, and is dominated by an immense Tudor chimney-hearth (no less than 6m wide). It's a good place for a romantic, candle-lit dinner, the menu ranging from seafood to organic beef. The lunch menu, which includes mussels, battered cod and chips, and bangers and mash, is good value. Bay Tree is a local restaurant which serves locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish and has a set menu and specials board available all week. Situated in historic Tenby, the Blue Ball (Upper Frog Street tel: 01834 843038) sources ingredients from the finest local suppliers, many of whom have won national awards for their produce. As you would expect of a seaside resort, seafood and fish is in abundance and this is used to create many imaginative and fresh dishes, which change often, according to what's in season and in the markets. Try out one of these restaurant sugegstions while you are in Tenby or make your own choices during your stay here.
Accommodation: Panorama (4*) Hotel Panorama (4*) overlooks Tenby’s golden South Beach and has magnificent sea views towards Caldey Island. With free Wi-Fi, the hotel also offers delicious breakfasts and cosy bedrooms. Set in a Victorian terrace, the traditional bedrooms at Panorama are individually decorated. All eight rooms feature tea and coffee facilities, a hairdryer and digital TV. All have a private bathroom with free toiletries.