coastal cottages

Our Top 5.......

2012-01-21T12:22:00.004Z

January in Coastal Cottages HQ is always a busy month, with everyone trying to get rid of those January blues by booking there summer holidays! All the girls in the office however are counting down the days to St Dwynwen's Day on Wednesday 25th January, also known as the Welsh valentines day.
In the hope that our welsh men take the hint, we've put together a list of the top 5 romantic cottages that we would love to be whisked away to for a relaxing, romantic short break.

1. Y Felin in Moylegrove- A truly romantic, high quality retreat.
2. The Smithy in Abercastle- set on the cliffside in the picturesque harbour village of Abercastle with the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path on your doorstep.
3. Hen Bwthyn in Mathry-A romantic traditional stone cottage quietly situated in the heart of Mathry
4. Y Bwthyn in Cwm Yr Eglwys- A delightful romantic semi-detached cottage converted from an old cattle shed with panoramic sea views which stretch from Dinas Island to Newport Sands.
5. The old Farmhouse in New Moat- Set in the village of New Moat within easy reach of Llys y Fran and the Preseli Hills.

So from all of us here in Coastal Cottages Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus

Christmas Countdown......

2011-12-06T09:40:00.004Z

The countdown is on for Christmas with only 19 days to go, the office tree is up and the secret santa presents are appearing. Ruby is having a great time shaking everyone's presents and trying to work out who has who!! Along with the festivities in the office there are plenty of things going on around Pembrokeshire to keep every little Christmas elf happy. Sue and Rona have been down to the Christmas market in Saundersfoot, set along the seafront it was a seasonal showcase of food, drinks and Christmas gifts and of course the man himself Father Christmas!!!

If you are still needing that bit of encouragement to get into the Christmas spirit Scolton Manor country park are holding a carol service on the 14th and 15th December at 7.30pm. Located around the impressive tree in the manor house, there will be mince pies and mulled wine for all, along with a good sing song its sure to be very popular so booking is recommended.

If you have some excited little ones at home how about venturing to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven for there annual Christmas Panto- The Christmas Cuckoo's Cooking is running from the 22nd December through to the 31st December. We have lots of last minute deals running for a Christmas break so give us a ring to see what we can offer to make your Christmas a special one.

It's party time at Coastal Cottages!

2011-11-15T10:23:00.005Z

We are all very excited here in Coastal Cottages HQ, this Friday it's Children in Need and we are holding a Pj Party to help raise money for such a wonderful Charity. We will all be arriving for work dressed head to toe in our Pjs ready for a day of fun activities including a quiz, a "pudsey bake sale" and a Children's Tea Party with loads of yummy treats! For every booking made on Friday 18th November Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire will be donating £1 to Children in Need, so you can help us raise as much money as possible! Watch this space for the photos........

I can't believe it's only 6 weeks now till Christmas, if your like me and all the Christmas shopping is done you can sit back relax and enjoy many of the festivities around Pembrokeshire at this time of year. Piction Castle are hosting there annual Christmas Market on the 26th and 27th November where the castle and it's grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland with many stalls to buy hand crafted Christmas presents or decorations. St Davids are holding there Christmas market on the 10th December where children can meet Father Christmas and Mum and Dad's can stay warm with Mulled wine whilst listening to Carols.

If you are struggling for a Christmas present idea then Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire have gift vouchers on sale starting from £25 and these can go towards any holiday in 2012- a perfect gift for someone who has everything.

Autumn Colours

2011-10-23T09:34:00.003+01:00

Autumn has definitely arrived here in Pembrokeshire, and it's a wonderful time to come and explore the county with loads going on. If your like Annie and like nothing better than wrapping up warm and going out to explore the amazing autumnal colours on the trees, Canaston woods is the place to be with walks through mixed woodland, it is definitely worth a visit.

If your more interested in sampling the produce that Pembrokeshire has to offer, Fishguard and Goodwick are holding a Autumn food festival and this will run from the 27th October to the 29th October, where there are cookery workshops, food trails and live bands to enjoy. There are also activities and competitions to keep your little ones busy during the few days.

Autumn also brings with it Halloween, it's a great excuse to dress up as our favourite spooky character's, and the best way to celebrate this would be a night tour of Carew Castle. On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October be prepared to be very scared as Carew Castle opens its doors for a Halloween night tour, where a ghost tour of the castle will be taking place! There is plenty to do and see at this wonderful time of year, so come and join us here in Pembrokeshire.

Hollywood Hits Pembrokeshire

2011-09-28T13:13:00.006+01:00

We are all excited here in the office that Pembrokeshire once again plays host to Hollywood, Marloes Sands is the new backdrop for Snow White and the Huntsman staring Kristen Stewart and what a wonderful setting- with it's long isolated sands and rocky outcrops. It is a popular beach with many locals choosing to visit here for it's amazing scenery.

It's not the first time our coastline has been in the spotlight when Ridley Scott's Robin Hood came to Freshwater West back in 2009, Russel Crowe was spotted out in some local pubs, so here in the office Amy is organising a trip celeb spotting!!

If your like Jan and celebrities aren't your thing, from the 30th September Secret Light Gardens in Picton Castle is a weekend of unusual night time scenery- where an illuminated walk through the castle gardens brings many surprises. There is plenty to do and see in Pembrokeshire at this time of year, and deals to be had so it's well worth a visit.

The Royal Welsh Show 2011

2011-07-19T08:52:00.005+01:00

The annual Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells is upon us again running from Monday 18th July to Thursday the 21st July. Melony, Kelly and Becky are there representing Coastal Cottages so pop along to stand C209 say hi and meet the team, also check out some of our deals for the summer holidays it's not too late to book and enjoy Pembrokeshire at it's best.

Get hooked by Pembrokeshire Fish Week!

2011-06-19T14:51:00.004+01:00

Fish Week is back - bigger and better than ever! Making a splash from next Saturday, 25th June to 3rd July, the week is packed with more events than ever before.

Great for all gourmets out there - there are cookery demonstrations and mouth watering menus in local pubs and restaurants, fish suppers and barbecues. But the week is not just for seafood lovers. There are also many events and activities - from the carnival atmosphere at the opening day on Milford Haven marina to boat trips, seaside barbecues and sandcastle competitions. The whole county is taking part and there are events going on all over. If a sea monster workshop isn't quite your thing then what about coasteering or kayaking followed by cooking what you catch on the beach? Local galleries and heritage centres are running events plus there are live music nights, craft activities, wine tastings and guided walks. The week is a perfect opportunity to see another side of Pembrokeshire and find out more about our long fishing heritage as well as raising awareness of our wonderful coastline. Here in the office we've been discussing the highlights we're most looking forward to - Annie is hoping to try fish tapas and catching then cooking her own fish. Val and Sue are looking forward to the opening day and Jan is keen on a cruise around Cardigan Island followed by fish and chips. Ruby is itching to get out in a kayak whereas Amy is more keen on sampling some sushi. I rather fancy having a go in a coracle.

It's a fintastic week to be here in Pembrokeshire - so come along and make a splash!

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May...

2011-05-25T11:22:00.006+01:00

It's been a just little bit gusty here lately which has been great news for Annie, who loves her windsurfing and has been out making the most of it as often as possible. She comes in to the office looking very exhilarated!

The forecast for the coming week is lovely - perfect for the bank holiday and half term. There are all sorts of events on around the county and there is something for everyone. The renowned St. Davids Cathedral Festival is on until 5th June. Now in its 33rd year, it is one of Wales' greatest classical music festivals and has a diverse range of concerts. The Welsh Wildlife Centre near Cardigan also has a variety of events on over the coming week - from their Spring open day and pond dipping to meeting owls and learning about moths. There are coastal path walks hosted by the National Park Authority and on 30th May Castell Henllys near Newport is celebrating the Celtic feast of Beltaine (the feast of fire.) There is a twilight family nature watch on at Colby Woodland Gardens near Amroth on 31st May - a beautiful setting to observe woodland wildlife.

Next weekend we've got the Long Course Weekend to look forward to - it will be a great spectator event even if you're not taking part. Pembrokeshire Fish Week is also coming up at the end of the month. From classical music to windsurfing, barn owls to marathons, it's a busy and exciting time here so come and join in!

Treasure Islands...

2011-05-16T12:33:00.007+01:00

For anyone who missed Countryfile on BBC1 last night, it's well worth trying to catch it - as the programme featured Skomer Island, one of Pembrokeshire's treasures.

May is a perfect time to visit Skomer. The island is carpeted in bluebells and pink campions, and many migratory birds have returned to breed. Puffins are busy breeding - see them bringing beak fulls of sand eels back to their chicks safely ensconced in clifftop burrows. Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and many other birds are breeding now too - the noise from their colonies is quite incredible! The nature reserve is home to a diverse range of species - from thousands of birds to marine wildlife. Skomer and her sister island Skokholm also have the largest known concentration of the fascinating and elusive Manx Shearwaters in the world. As well as the bird life, the island has spectacular scenery and fascinating heritage - from Iron Age settlements to farming until the 1950's.

Skomer and Skokholm are one of only three marine nature reserves in the UK - just another of Pembrokeshire's many treasures that are well worth exploring Visiting is a wonderful and memorable experience.

Celebrate the Royal wedding!

2011-04-21T11:04:00.005+01:00

The weather is fab here in Pembrokeshire and we're enjoying a mini-heatwave! Long may it continue. We're all of course also looking forward to THE wedding next Friday, 29th April.

There are lots of events on all over Pembrokeshire to celebrate the royal wedding day - the highlight of which is an event held in magnificent Pembroke Castle. Doors open from 9am and the wedding itself will be shown live on an outdoor screen at 11am. It's a perfect regal setting - explore the castle itself, picnic on the lawn with pimms and champagne and there will also be live music, activities and even a prince and princess fancy dress competition. See Coastal Concierge for full details and ring 01437 765777 for tickets.

Let's all celebrate and raise a glass to William and Kate!

Easter in Pembrokeshire!

2011-04-05T10:33:00.008+01:00

Plans are afoot for Easter here in Coastal Cottages HQ and we're all enjoying the fab spring weather. Easter is drawing ever nearer and it's the perfect time to hop on down to Pembrokeshire.

Our favourite things to do here in Pembrokeshire at this time of year include; romantic walks on the beach at Broad Haven (Sarah), woodland walks, daffodils "fluttering and dancing in the breeze," windsurfing at Tenby (Annie), seeing tiny lambs on the Preseli mountains, Easter egg hunts (Ruby can't wait for the ones at Scolton Manor and Picton Castle near Haverfordwest.) Sue enjoys photographing the gorgeous spring scenery and Amy makes the most of the warm, light evenings with a few drinks overlooking the beach at Wisemans Bridge. For Leanne it's the cricket season starting and taking her nephew to Folly Farm and Sadie can't wait to get to the beach with a BBQ!

There are lots of events on all over the county over the Easter holidays. This Saturday there is a family walk and teddy bears picnic at Blackpool Mill and through Canaston Woods. For something quite different, Castell Henllys Iron Age fort near Newport is hosting a fighting and farming children's event on 18th April - learn how to build a roundhouse and train to be a warrior. They are also hosting a "Witches, Wolves and the Wickerman" walk with story on 20th April and an evening of moths and bats evening event on 21st . The award winning farmers market in Haverfordwest has a special Easter market on 22nd April and there is also an Easter trail at Stackpole on 26th April.

There's something here for everyone plus Tenby was recently voted the best beach in Wales, so what better time to visit than now!

An amazing Crufts 2011!

2011-03-19T13:10:00.002Z

I really enjoyed the four day show at DFS Crufts this year; we met an abundance of lovely people and their dogs that had genuine interest in holidaying with their dog to our beautiful, dog friendly Pembrokeshire County.

We are delighted that from the thousand people that entered our competition to win a FREE dog friendly holiday to Pembrokeshire, yesterday we drew our lucky winner and the dog friendly holiday to a popular self catering property sleeping up to 6 people and welcoming two dogs has been given away to a very happy family!

I hope that you all have had a nose at our latest Woof Guide creation, 'Dog Walks of Pembrokeshire' guide, that in their hundreds were also given away at the Crufts show, which is a fabulous guide of wondrous walks and beauty spots that are not to be missed during your dog friendly visit to Pembrokeshire.

For all entrants into the competition you will be receiving a copy of our Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire brochure to peruse at your leisure with your dog(s) laying at your feet. We would very much love to welcome everyone we met at Crufts to Pembrokeshire with The Woof Guide, it truly is a hidden gem in South West Wales simply waiting in all it's unspoilt glory for you to discover.

Just imagine the sandy dunes, long stretches of sand, blue sea, 186 miles of Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, enchanted woodlands and trappings of historic sites. Once having witnessed the array of spectacular postcard pictures of Pembrokeshire it's not hard to understand why I and so many others have a great admiration and adoration for our captivating Pembrokeshire County.

And you don't have to leave your dog at home. Speak soon, Natalie.

Come along to Crufts!

2011-03-10T10:57:00.003Z

Crufts, the world's largest dog show, is on this weekend at the NEC in Birmingham and Sue, Kelly and Natalie are all there representing Coastal Cottages and The Woof Guide.

So if you're in the area between today and 13th March pop along with your four legged friend to Hall 4, stand 144 to say hello (or bow wow.) You will be given a very warm welcome plus loads of information on dog friendly holidays in Pembrokeshire and the invaluable Woof Guide. Tails are sure to be wagging!

Happy St. Davids Day!

2011-03-01T10:01:00.004Z

Happy St. Davids Day!

It's a beautiful spring day here in Pembrokeshire and the first daffodils are peeping out. Spring has sprung with a vengeance after what seemed like an awfully long winter. Here in Coastal Cottages HQ we're stocked up on Welsh cakes and are sporting our daffodils proudly, particularly after the rugby on Saturday (come on boys!)

There are all sorts of events on all over the county which are sure to put a spring in anyone's step. What better time to visit St. Davids itself - there are a variety of events on in the cathedral and exhibitions on in Oriel Y Parc visitor centre. There are St. Davids Day concerts on this evening - including Puncheston and Neyland. It's a great time of year to visit the national Botanic Garden of Wales near Carmarthen (open daily from 10am) - the recent weather conditions mean that the gardens should be set for a wonderful display this spring. There are photography workshops being held at the National Trust nature reserve at Stackpole this week and next - a perfect way to capture spring in Pembrokeshire in a wonderfully diverse setting. For something a little bit different, The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is host to a co-production between the National Theatre of Wales and the Nofit state circus. There are also lots of local pubs and restaurants offering delicious Welsh menus this week - it's not just about leeks you know!

Love is in the air...

2011-02-14T10:34:00.004Z

Plans are afoot here for Valentines day - there's no better place than Pembrokeshire for romantic walks on the beach followed by a picnic in a beautiful setting or some delicious pub grub overlooking the sea.

Ruby is planning on a romantic walk on the beach at Abermawr, Sarah is being whisked off for a romantic dinner for two, Annie is out for dinner in Broad Haven, Rona spent yesterday with a bottle of cava and picnic overlooking the sea at Manorbier, Ann will be at Newgale this evening to watch the sunset and Sadie is waiting to be swept off her feet by a surprise this evening - what a lot of romantics there are here in the Coastal Cottages office!

Feeling inspired? It's the perfect time of year for a spontaneous short break for two in Pembrokeshire - don't miss our special offer short breaks.

See another side of Pembrokeshire

2011-01-22T09:21:00.005Z

When people think of Pembrokeshire the first things that usually spring to mind are the beautiful beaches and coastline. It's easy to forget about the contrasting yet stunning inland scenery and the Preseli Mountains - rich in history and dotted with standing stones, stone circles and cromlechs. If you have missed Derek Brockway's new series of Weather Man Walking it is well worth catching episode two again, as Derek walks the 8 mile circular walk from Maenchlochog to Foel Cwmcerwyn. It's a fascinating area - follow the ancient Golden Way (a neolithic trading route), see the home of the bluestones of Stonehenge and many sites in the area are steeped in the Arthurian legend.

My favourite walks in the Preselies are up Mynachlog Ddu and through the old slate quarries at Rosebush (followed by delicious lunch in The Old Post Office.) When the weather allows, Annie grabs her chance and can be found snow boarding down the mountains followed by warming up in Tafarn Sinc - a popular local pub with a unique atmosphere. Ruby loves walking along one of the top tracks at this time of year to watch starlings in their magnificent displays and Sarah is also a fan of the ever-popular Tafarn Sinc. Sue loves to walk to the top with a picnic - the views from Preseli Top are breathtaking, particularly on a clear day when one can see the whole of Pembrokeshire from the trig point and even over to Ireland. There are several galleries, studios and workshops in the area if walking is not your thing, as well as Pant Mawr Cheeses and great places to eat.

The wild and untamed Preseli Mountains are just another part of diverse Pembrokeshire well worth exploring.

Our top ten for January...

2011-01-12T09:58:00.004Z

January is off to a flying start here in the Coastal Cottages office and our special offer short breaks are going like hot cakes.

On the subject of hot cakes, this morning we have been discussing the best places in Pembrokeshire for cakes and hot chocolates - just the thing to beat the January blues and warm up when the weather is as wet and wild as it is at the moment! But what could be more snug than cwtching up with a huge tankard of hot choccie complete with marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles whilst the wind howls and the rain lashes down against the windows. So please see our top 10 Pembrokeshire hot chocolates for January, in no particular order:

1. The Sands Cafe at Newgale - complete with fabulous views of the beach.

2. The Bench in St. Davids - top notch hot chocolate.

3. The Moon and Sixpence in Haverfordwest - huge mug-fulls and the perfect break after shopping in our county town.

4. No. 14 for Tea in Fishguard. We recommend the full works - hot chocolate with cream, chocolate buttons and a flake, plus the mouth-watering patisserie and chocolate shop.

5. Fron Las in Newport - a perfect pet friendly place where your dog will also be very welcome.

6. The Ocean Restaurant in Tenby - overlooking the harbour.

7. The Pirate Cafe in Amroth - right on the sea front and lovely to sit outside, if the weather allows.

8. The National Trust Tea Rooms at Stackpole Quay - a beautiful setting and loads of fresh local produce.

9. The Georges in Haverfordwest - hot chocolate so thick and rich, one just isn't enough.

10. Cafe Q in Narberth - fab cakes and a great place to meet up with friends.

So enjoy! And let us know if you discover any more memorable and indulgent treats. In the meantime, we'll be busy doing more research.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:00:00.003Z

Plans are afoot here in the office for tonight, and we will all be celebrating in style here in Pembrokeshire.

We wish all of our past, present and future guests a very happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2011!

Rocking around the Christmas Tree!

2010-12-13T11:22:00.004Z

We're all rocking around the Christmas tree here in the office and are bouncing around like over-excited Christmas elves (well some of us are anyway!)

Sue enjoyed a festive visit to Narberth on Saturday, especially the mulled wine offered in various shops and cafes. It's a gorgeous place to visit but particularly at this time of year and makes a lovely change from being pushed and shoved in packed city centre department stores. Amy is enjoying sampling mulled wine in local pubs and Ruby is planning a pre-Christmas surf at Newgale followed by hot chocolate in the Sands Cafe to warm up afterwards (definitely in my top 5 best hot chocolates in Pembrokeshire.) Mel has been making mince pies for us all and Sadie is enjoying soaking up the Christmas magic aound Haverfordwest. Jan is taking her grand-daughters to see Father Christmas in his grotto at Folly Farm near Kilgetty and I have all the local YFC carol singers descending on my house tomorrow night!

Other events on around the county include carol concerts in St. Davids Cathedral and Scolton Manor on 14th December. Scolton Manor, near Haverfordwest, is also holding a magical Christmas tree display with gifts and toys and a Christmas exhibition. The wonderful candlelit festival of Nine Lesson and carols is on in St. Davids Cathedral on 22nd December or if you prefer a festive panto, Jack and the Beanstalk is being performed in the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on 22nd December and Beauty and the Beast is on in Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard on 23rd December. And if things do go a bit flat after Christmas, don't forget the Tenby Boxing day swim!

So for a taste of our infectious Christmas spirit give us a ring on 01437 765765!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

2010-11-29T12:50:00.005Z

Here in the office Sarah won the battle to put the Christmas tree up in November and it looks like a glittering grotto now. Presents are starting to appear beneath it too!

Pembrokeshire has been transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland; cold and crisp with clear blue sky and the Preseli Mountains are dusted with snow. It's the perfect time to wrap up warm and go for a bracing walk then warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in front of a roaring fire in a local pub - sounds good? Then have a look at our late availability for Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas countdown continues - Jan finished her Christmas shopping months ago, Sue was in Carmarthen yesterday and I was rushing around a very festive and bustling Narberth in the snow on Friday weighed down with bags of presents (mainly for myself!) Amy is planning on finishing hers (or at least starting it) in Tenby and Sadie has stocked up after visiting the Christmas market at Picton Castle, near Haverfordwest.

For those of you struggling to think of ideas, a Coastal Cottages or Activity Wales gift voucher would make a refreshing change from Christmas socks/soap/knitwear!

The Christmas countdown

2010-11-10T10:38:00.009Z

A recent article in The Times featured St Davids and reiterated what we all keep saying - it's the perfect place for a weekend break. The article described the tiny city as the jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire, with its magnificent cathedral, fascinating Bishop's Palace, charming little streets and the spectacular coastline nearby. The appeal is year-round but now is a perfect time to visit, especially in the run up to Christmas.

The candle-lit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in St. Davids Cathedral in December is not to be missed, and the city's shops are perfect for finding unique and quirky presents. Mel recommends Christmas shopping in Window on Wales on Cross Square, complete with mulled wine. Other events on around Pembrokeshire in the run up to the festive season include a Christmas market at Picton Castle near Haverfordwest on 27th November - with more than fifty stalls selling unique gifts, crafts and stocking fillers in a beautiful wintry setting. The state rooms will be decked with traditional Victorian decorations and on 4th December there is also a Christmas wreath making workshop. On 3rd December there is a concert of Christmas music in St. Marys Church in Haverfordwest and from 3rd to 5th December Saundersfoot harbour is host to the St. Nicholas Christmas market - with stalls, Santa's grotto and reindeer plus cookery demonstrations. Sadie and I are both planning on heading to Narberth to finish our Christmas shopping - it's the perfect place to find the most gorgeous and memorable of presents (for myself!)

With only six weeks to go, there's a fierce debate raging here in the office over whether it's too soon to put our Christmas tree up!

Think Pink!

2010-10-13T13:11:00.004+01:00

Wednesday 20th October is Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire's Pink Day! We are hoping to raise as much money as we possibly can in aid of Breast Cancer as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and the office will be decked out with pink balloons and banners plus everyone will be dressed head to toe in pink (yes, everyone.) So if you're passing call in for a glass of pink fizz and the not-to-be-missed pink bake sale. Sarah's Victoria sponges are going to sell out in no time. There have been various fundraising games and competitions going on here over the past few weeks, and competition has been fierce! Coastal Cottages will donate £1 for every booking we take that day and will also double the amount we make on the day too.

So on a drab and grey October day, think PINK!

Pembrokeshire in 2011!

2010-10-07T11:04:00.004+01:00

The new Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire 2011 brochure is out now!

Better than ever, it's bursting with fab new properties and old favourites too. The brochure is so easy to use and is full of information, inspiring ideas and beautiful images. So let us know if you haven't received your free copy yet and we will send one out to you today.

For a little piece of heaven, book Pembrokeshire for 2011!

Keep on Running...(and swimming...and cycling!)

2010-09-29T13:29:00.003+01:00

The Long Course Weekend was a great event - congratulations to all of those who took part!

Everyone enjoyed it, even the marshals, and Tenby was buzzing with swimmers, cyclists and runners from all over the country. There was a great atmosphere all weekend and the weather was fantastic. Even the chilly wind of Friday evening didn't put off the indefatigable swimmers, and all three days were also great for spectating.

The weekend also saw the launch of Ironman Wales - all set for 11th September 2011. It is sure to be another amazing event so keep up the training!

Spectacular September!

2010-09-01T09:17:00.006+01:00

It's 1st September already - the nights are beginning to draw in now but the weather is still fab and the sea is wonderfully warm. September is set to be a spectacular month and there are all sorts of things on around the county. It's a great time of year to be here in Pembrokeshire because...

This coming weekend, 4th and 5th September, St. Davids is hosting its Really Wild Food Countryside Festival - a great way to learn more about the countryside, to enyoy it, cook it and eat it. The festival is packed full of delicious local produce, cookery demonstrations, rural traditions, music, story telling and entertainment.

On Sunday 4th September the annual county classic car run is on, with a route that covers most of Pembrokeshire - great to take part in or just park up with a picnic and wave at the participants as they fly, or chug, by.

To add some late summer colour there are a host of new art exhibitions opening all over Pembrokeshire in the coming weeks, including Picton Castle near Haverfordwest, The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, St. Davids and the West Wales Arts Centre in Fishguard.

Tenby Arts Festival is on from 18th to 25th September - a great week to visit the town as it's less crowded then in the height of summer and it's a perfect opportunity to take in the wonderful artistic talent the town is home to.

And for all good sports out there, 24th to 26th September is of course The Longcourse Weekend in Tenby. Whether you take part in the entire triathlon or just attempt the marathon, it's the taking part that counts.

September is also a great month for music lovers - St. Davids Cathedral is the venue for the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Welsh coprano Catrin Aur Davies on 4th September but if that's not quite your thing then there is Youthfest on 11th September at Withybush showground - a music festival organised by and for young people.

September is also pupping season - our local Grey Seal colonies are busy with their pups and my favourite thing about this time of year is creeping around the coastal path spotting Grey Seal pups in the hidden coves below. Everyone here in the office is looking forward to enjoying the good weather and quiet beaches over the coming weeks - and of course the dog bans on may of our beaches have now ended.

So make the most of it - it should be a September to remember!