Environment and activities
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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 more of 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.
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In contrast are the wooded slopes of the Gwaun Valley and the windswept expanse of the Preseli Hills. This is a Welsh speaking area although you will have no problems being understood. 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/
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.
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Shopping, craft centres etc The centre of Newport can be reached in 15 minutes walk, or by car, and has a range of small shops, including a Spar Supermarket which is open every day from 8 am until 10 pm and an excellent Wholefood shop. There are a number of cafes and restaurants as well as several pubs which provide meals. There is a large TESCO in Cardigan 20 minutes drive away as well as a variety of shops in Fishguard which is a little closer in the other direction. 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.)
Eating Out For a special meal try Cnapan Restaurant, East Street, Newport which is Egon Ronay recommended. You can also eat at Morawelon Cafe and Restaurant on the front a couple of minutes walk from the house (check opening hours - they now are open some evenings).
Here are a few more of the good pubs and restaurants in and around Newport
Cnapan - Probably our favourite restaurant in Newport for a special occasion - or a good lunch
Llys Meddyg - Modern and expensive, but a good place for that special occasion.
Mochyn Drwg - Restaurant occupying what used to be the Book Shop - good quality, very well cooked
Royal Oak Pub - our favourite pub restaurant; 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.
See the Pembrokeshire Dining Guide (for Newport)
Travel to Erw Wen Most people drive, taking about 4.5 hours from West London or 4 hours from the West Midlands plus stops. It is also possible to use public transport. More details are on our travel page, and full directions are sent with the joining instructions.
Doctor / Dentist / Shops etc: Click for information on local shops and services.