Below, Kim tells us all about her family’s recent cosy cottage break in Pembrokeshire …..
Multi-Generational Family Holidays
Multi-generational family holidays are on the rise according to research from Virgin holidays. It seems that one in seven families have taken one. The logic is we’re all so busy, it makes sense to ‘pool’ quality family time. So we go away with both our children and parents at the same time.
We’ve enjoyed mini breaks like this for years – and a few weeks ago, we ventured to the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside with our younger son, my parents, plus my sister and brother-in-law. Oh and the dog came too! It was a proper family affair.
We stayed with Premier Cottages at the pretty Fron Fawr Holiday Cottages complex. Deep in unspoilt countryside, and just a few miles from the coast and Cardigan Bay, it’s a cosy collection of five self-catering cottages, They’ve all been converted from traditional Welsh slate and stone barns into modern spaces that still retain old-fashioned countryside charm.
A Cosy Cottage Break in Pembrokeshire
With a private garden and even a hot tub to clink glasses in, our cottage – Glyndwr – slept eight people in four bedrooms. Graced with wooden beams and flagstone floors (with luxe underfloor heating in the bathroom and WC), the downstairs is on a split level. A large kitchen/diner perfect for family meals leads up to a lovely open sitting room with comfy sofas. There’s a log-burning stove, plenty of family games to choose from and patio doors that open out onto the terrace and garden. From here there are gorgeous views of fields and the sea beyond.
The garden is also a beautiful spot for some stargazing at night. With no ambient light to get in the way of our views, we were awestruck by unspoilt views of the milky way and some constellations including The Plough.
Onsite there’s also a small children’s playground for little ones to enjoy, some pigs and llamas to visit and a walk via some farm fields up to the woodland above the cottages gives some great views.
A Walk on Poppit Sands
The owners leave a handy list of recommended shops, pubs, takeaways and beaches in the area to visit. We enjoyed a jaunt to the ancient, estuary town of Cardigan – bustling with some pretty gift shops and cafes. We enjoyed brunch at Crwst, a beautifully renovated hardware store, now a thriving deli, coffee bar and bakery. Also worth a visit is Pizza Tipi, right on the quayside.
You’re spoilt for choice if walking’s on the agenda, with miles and miles of coastal path to hike. And a visit to one of the (many) beaches in the area is a must too. We wrapped up for a breezy walk at Poppit Sands – a huge stretch of beach backed by sand dunes – followed up with a coffee at the beachside café. We also loved the smaller but very pretty Aberporth beach, watched over by some colourfully painted houses. In winter, both beaches are dog-friendly.
After all the wintry walking it was lovely to warm up back at our cosy cottage where we played board games late into the evenings – even though there was wifi!
Fact Box: We stayed with Premier Cottages at Fron Fawr’s Glyndwr Cottage, where prices for eight guests for a week start from £700 and a three night break from £420. (www.premiercottages.co.uk, 07974 410385)
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