Last updated 4th April 2024

Environment and Activities

ERW WEN is situated in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, by the Parrog (harbour) in Newport, Pembrokeshire. It is close to the coastal path and there are wonderful sea views. The large sandy beach is one of the best in West Wales.

Newport is an ancient borough in the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park, set between the Preseli Hills and the sea. There are excellent shops as well as pubs, restaurants and galleries. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the town centre and shops can be reached in 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes walk.

Erw Wen is about 130 metres from the beach, down a "no through road". As a result there is little danger from traffic for young children, though you must watch the water and the tides especially during the fast ebb and flow periods.

Walks and activities The holiday house is located on the Pembrokeshire coastal footpath and there are walks in all directions - to Dinas Head one way, round the estuary the other (good for bird watching) or up onto the Preseli hills - said to be the source of the Blue Stone for Stonehenge. By car the whole of the Pembrokeshire peninsula is within easy reach, and Erw Wen is a good base for walking the National Park Coastal Path. Boats to the islands off the coast are great fun - try Puffin watching on Skomer. Visit Pentre Ifan, the largest group of standing stones in Wales, to be found on the hills overlooking Newport. In the house you will find an information binder and also brochures and leaflets.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: Predominantly coastal, the park has some of the most beautiful coastline in Europe. Offshore islands, the largest of which are Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, Grasholm and Caldey, are internationally known for their sea bird and seal populations. The waters around Skomer make up one of only two Marine Nature Reserves in the British Isles. The coast varies from high cliffs to long open beaches. There are sheltered coves, harbours, mud flats and dunes.

In contrast are the wooded slopes of the Gwaun Valley and the windswept expanse of the Preseli Hills. There is a National Park Information Office in Long Street, Newport, opposite the car park. See National Park web site at http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org/

Dark Skies: Erw Wen is located in one of the best areas in UK for viewing the night skies. The milky way is marvellous on a clear night. There are local areas designated as dark sky areas, for example Synchpant in the Gwaun Valley. There's more information at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/dark-skies/

Sports and Boating

Tennis There are 2 tennis courts just a few minutes walk from the house so bring your rackets and balls. You book at the TIC (Tourist Information Centre) in Long Street.
Golf  Newport Golf Club has an 18 hole golf course with glorious views overlooking the sea on the far side of the estuary.
Water Sports Newport excels for water sports. It is great for sailing, canoeing and windsurfing (in the estuary or out in the bay). There is space to store boats at the house. Newport Boat Club is a short walk along the sea front. It accepts holiday members and is a wonderful place to have a drink and watch the sunset. Most boating takes place at high tide. Finally, in the garage there is a table tennis table - especially useful on wet days.

Shopping The centre of Newport can be reached in 15 minutes walk or by car. There's a good range of small shops, including a Spar Supermarket which is open every day from 8 am until 10 pm, a deservedly popular butcher and an excellent Wholefood shop. There is a large TESCO in Cardigan 20 minutes drive away as well as a variety of shops in Fishguard - a little closer in the other direction. In Haverfordwest there is a huge range of supermarkets and stores, and national chains such as Marks and Spencer. See our shops and services list.

Craft centres At the Carningli centre you will find arts, crafts and pictures. In the surrounding area there are many small workshops producing craft products (for example, the Candle Workshop at Cilgwyn and Jim Harries, wood turner at Mathry).

Eating Out  There are plenty of cafés, friendly pubs and excellent restaurants in and around Newport, many within walking distance. See the list on the Newport Town web site.  We also keep lists and information in the holiday cottage.

Here are a few more of the good pubs and restaurants in and around Newport
Morawelon Restaurant on the front a couple of minutes walk from the house (check opening hours). Located just by the Parrog Car Park, it is an excellent place for lunch, especially on Sundays!
Llys Meddyg - Modern and expensive, but a good place for that special occasion. 
Royal Oak Pub - one of our favourite pub restaurants; good food, friendly atmosphere
The Golden Lion - Friendly pub with sizeable restaurant to rear, serving good pub food.
The Sloop Inn (Porthgain) A traditional pub in the harbour village of Porthgain, about 30 minutes by car.

There are more places to visit listed on our Plan Your Holiday page.

Doctor / Dentist / Shops etc: Click for information on local shops and services.

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