A delight for all dogs!

The Old Mill in Llanstadwell is an admirable four storey converted flour mill just 50 yards from the secret Cleddau waterway. This impressive stone, dog friendly property is beautifully renovated and proudly sits in the village of Llanstadwell and makes an ideal retreat during your holiday with your dog to our wondrous county of Pembrokeshire.

Any dog that loves nothing more than splashing about in the water will be spoilt here with only being a walk from the Cleddau, and even the most budding boating enthusiasts can embrace the launching facilities and seasonal pontoon from Hazelbeach.

The Ferry House Inn, which is situated in an idyllic waterside setting not far from The Old Mill welcomes dogs into their bar area, where there is seating and a fantastic array of food is served. You can overlook the Cleddau waterway and passing boats from their outside patio area.

The national cycle network have a cracking track from Neyland Marina which an abundance of dogs and their owners walk every day. The route begins from Neyland Marina and you walk following the path for as many miles as you wish, you could even end up continuing through to Haverfordwest if you fancy making an afternoon of it! I have walked this track many times and always spot something different in the fields, hedgerows and I have never failed in seeing rabbits playing in the grass. A very pretty and rewarding walk.

At Neyland there is a lovely cafe where you can enjoy a light bite and great cup of coffee watching the yachts come and go from the marina. A great spot to sit and enjoy the sun.

The Old Mill is offering a 10% discount on week bookings until the end of June 2011, with a 15% discount on week bookings during Easter also waiting to be snapped up...

...a dog friendly holiday to this stylish property is one not to be missed, especially when such a great discount is being offered.

For further details and booking please call a member of reservations on 01437 765765.

Happy 'dog friendly' holidays!

An amazing Crufts 2011!

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 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 beach, blue sea, 186 miles of stunning Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, enchanted woodlands and trappings of historic sites. Once having witnessed the array of spectacular postcard pictures in 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!

This weekend several members of the team are at Crufts - so pop along with your four legged friend to Hall 4, stand 144 to say hello (or bow wow.) On from 10th to 13th March at the NEC in Birmingham, the world's largest dog show is not to be missed. The team will give you a warm welcome plus loads of information on dog friendly holidays in Pembrokeshire and the invaluable Woof Guide - it's wagtastic!

The Old Bakehouse

The Old Bakehouse is a dog friendly stone cottage which has an array of attractions nearby making for a cosy holiday to Pembrokeshire for all the family.

The Old Bakehouse is one of six outbuildings of which have been renovated into holiday homes all set around a landscaped courtyard of the large Georgian guest house Lamphey Park. Sleeping 5 people along with 2 dogs this dog friendly property really is ideal for a family looking to experience all that is amazing about our Pembrokeshire National Park.

The Old Bakehouse is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside and only a mile outside of the quaint village of Lamphey.

The dog friendly places to visit are endless from your base at The Old Bakehouse from a touch of history to long sandy beaches and castle walks.

For budding historians be sure to visit Lamphey Bishop's Palace, which is welcoming to dogs and offers you the chance to witness the extensive remains of a lavish country retreat used by the Bishop of St David's dating from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries.

A pleasant circular walk awaits around the Millpond which surrounds the prominent Pembroke Castle. From the opposite side of the bank to where the castle stands you can really appreciate an alternative view of the castle in all it's splendour, nestled perfectly on the river banks.

If your dogs love the beach then I can name and recommend at least three bays which are all dog friendly all year round and only a short drive from The Old Bakehouse in Lamphey.

To begin, Freshwater East is a wide, sandy beach backed by low dunes with ragged headland surrounding. This is a very popular beach and has a car park directly opposite the little sandy path which leads you down onto the beach. There are a few rocks over the far end of the beach to have an adventure and with the sunken dunes everyone will be kept entertained here.

Barafundle Bay is simply breathtaking, a world class walk. Barafundle is truly one of Pembrokeshire's most beautiful beaches, often described by many as 'the jewel in the crown' and consistently voted the most beautiful beach in Britain. This bay can only be accessed by the stretch of coastal path which begins from the car park at Stackpole Quay, followed by a walk down through the grassy dunes leading to the bay. South of the beach is a fabulous stretch of coastal path leading to Stackpole Head.

Last but by no means is Broad Haven South and the very pretty walk around Bosherston Lily Ponds. Broad Haven South is a brilliant beach, a place my dog and I have many happy memories as we constantly came here when he was a little younger. Broad Haven South is an extremely popular beach for families and their dogs, made even more appealing by the unspoilt walk around the Bosherston Lily Ponds of which leads you to the far end of the beach. This beach is renowned for it's influx of tremendous waves, a fantastic spectacle to watch during the winter. Broad Haven South is one big sandy beach with grassy dunes, rock pools and a cute stream ideal for paddling and throwing the ball in sheltered waters. You'll have fun here.

If you are looking for a fantastic holiday to Pembrokeshire which is dog friendly in every way, then The Old Bakehouse in Lamphey may be exactly what you are waiting for.

For availability, pricing or if you would like to raise any questions then please do not hesitate in giving a member of Coastal Cottages a call on 01437 765765 or visit http://www.coastalcottages.co.uk/ for full property details.

Rushland, Ludchurch

Deserving of some attention this September is this dog friendly bungalow in Ludchurch, just a short drive from both the beaches at Wiseman's Bridge and Amroth.

Rushland is a beautifully furnished and well decorated property which is obvious to the human eye upon arrival. It's practical style and modern feel create such a warm atmosphere throughout, which I am sure will help to make your dog feel right at home from the moment his paws touch the doorstep.

The dog friendly property itself is host to a large lawn, with a public footpath aside to the garden's bushes called 'Knight's Way' for a morning stroll. This popular lane could be made into a more extensive walk for those keen to explore during the afternoon perhaps.

Internally the property is laid with practical laminate flooring, for those dogs who may need a little more grip the owner has ensured that there are two runners (kept in the garage which guests have access to) that can be put down in the hallway if required. There are rugs placed in variation throughout the property too.

Ludchurch itself is a pretty village and by taking a short car drive for no longer than 10 minutes, would have you reach Wiseman's Bridge bay, which lays on the scenic coastline North of Saundersfoot and leads onto Amroth.

Wisemans Bridge at one time was the stage for rehearsals of the D-Day landings during the Second World War, but I can assure you that these days the setting is much more peaceful! It is a lovely safe haven for all the family and with it's popular beachside pub this area makes the perfect setting for a great sandy day out.

Further along the coastline you reach the long stretch of golden sands at Amroth. Amroth is host to well developed pubs, cafes and shops which are all close by to the beach. Amroth also marks the finish of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path which begins far North in St Dogmaels, Cardigan.

From Saundersfoot you can embrace the say half a mile walk to Wisemans Bridge, going through two tunnels and passing the beach at Coppet Hall. Saundersfoot itself boasts it's fishing harbour, pubs, restaurants and shops as well as it's long stretch of sandy bay. Definitely a place to sit on the beach and enjoy a warming bag of fish and chips!

Rushland really would make for a lovely family getaway this Autumn. The village in which it sleeps is pleasant and welcoming and yet only a little drive away would bring you to walk along the plentiful sandy beaches and rest in a beachside pub.

And the best part is that you don't have to leave your best friend behind.

Seabrook, Nr Wisemans Bridge

When the children go back to school the dogs just have to come out and play.

Speaking as a mother only yet to the furry kind, as an owner of a dog that enjoys nothing more than skipping along the golden sand and plunging into the rock pools, when the height of the summer season ends and most have returned home, I cannot wait to whisk my dog down to the beach and let him roam free without the worry of him disturbing someones sunbathing or flicking sand in a little girl's sandwich.

Don't get me wrong, I adore the feeling of our beaches being admired and enjoyed by the many who visit Pembrokeshire every year, I as much as the next person love going for a swim off shore followed by a bag of chips and an ice-cream covered in strawberry sauce.

I just feel more content when my dog is swimming alongside me in the sea, there is the religious routine of one chip for me and one chip for him, followed by a long wait at my feet for him to lap up the next drip of his favourite ice-cream for dessert. Oh the memories!

Heading to Pembrokeshire late September into October and beyond is just fantastic when you are bringing your dog along for his well deserved holiday. Everything is so much more appropriate for your dog, whether it be that you are the only people making footprints (and paw prints) in the sand, the many Castle's have resumed to displaying their wintry history and the unspoilt cobbled streets are quieter to wander. There is just that sense of calmness where Pembrokeshire comes to rest after the holidays, it chooses to embrace the peace and quiet with open arms.

I for one love Autumn and it's association with melancholy, the prospect of Winter is on the horizon. Cue the rosy red cheeks as we take a brisk walk across the beaches and headlands at every chance.

Seabrook is a dog friendly property set above Wiseman's Bridge and Amroth sleeping a comfortable six people and one dog.

Being only a 20 minute walk from the dog friendly beach (all year round) at Wiseman's Bridge and it's welcoming beach side pub, Seabrook is a conveniently located property for the larger family and a dog looking for a stroll and a dip in the sea straight from the doorstep.

Heading in the opposite direction from Wiseman's Bridge you will discover the long and sandy beach at Amroth, any dog restrictions here are lifted as from the 30th September (roll on the empty beach) so your dog is free to chase ball time and time again. Amroth also boasts a selection of pubs, restaurants and seafront shops to embrace whilst you are visiting.

You could take a short drive from Wiseman's Bridge to Saundersfoot, or ditch the wheels and embrace the popular half mile walk from Wiseman's Bridge to the port at Saundersfoot. This walk is great for all walks of life as it is pretty flat, taking you through two tunnels and past the beach at Coppet Hall.

Saundersfoot itself is a pretty harbour town hosting both Saundersfoot Bay and The Glen beach. At low tide you can walk between the two beaches and up and around the harbour. Saundersfoot is where I quite enjoy demolishing a bag of chips sitting on the sand admiring the views from the bay.

If you to are a fan of the Autumn and can't wait to wander across the sand with your best friend in toe, check out the availability for Seabrook online or by calling a member of our reservations team on 01437 765 765.

Holidaying with your best friend...

I don't think you can ever beat it - going on holiday with your best friend. Isn't that what holidays are all about?

For me, in the back seat of the car there is always room for another and if they have fur, four legs and a wagging tail all the better!

Same goes for the Newton family and their beloved Lucy. A treasured companion that didn't fancy being left at home this holiday, so joined her humans on a dog friendly holiday to 1 Brynawel in Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire.

Meet Lucy...

It is always a pleasure hearing about our guests visits to Pembrokeshire and when their accompanying four legged friends enjoy the holiday just as much (if not more) than the humans, I am so very proud to hear of their experiences that I have to share their stories and photo diaries with everyone.

1 Brynawel is a semi-detached Victorian house set on the outskirts of the very popular village of Dinas. The dog friendly property boasts superb views with Mynydd Dinas to the rear with the sea and bay to the front, offering comfortable and cosy accommodation for it's guests all year round. 1 Brynawel is within walking distance of Aberbach Bay and the coastal path (which Lucy is modelling here!).

Mike Newton has very kindly described Lucy's holiday in much detail for me, talking of the variation in walks that Lucy enjoyed everyday and the abundance of admiration Lucy received by many throughout her holiday.

In his own words...

'Lucy had a walk everyday. We did the woods at Cwm Gwaun and had a pint at The Dyffryn Arms (aka Bessie's Pub) and met Bessie (she has been there for 60 years).'

Just to add a little insight here on The Dyffryn Arms at Pontfaen, this deservedly celebrated, little basic pub has been kept by Bessie Davies where she still serves beer with a jug from the barrel. It has been voted one of Wales' top attractions - you never know who you will meet here!

'A nice walk from the bridge that crosses the estuary near Newport where the bird watchers are, then along the the bank towards the Parrog and golf club at Newport.'

'Park near Penwaun and and take the path to Felindre for a great meal at The Salutation Inn (host John excellent), it rained a bit and let Lucy come into the bar where she curled up in the corner and slept but woke to the smell of cooked liver!!

The pathway from Penwaun is being upgraded and the big mud patches are going, lovely wooded walk with the river Nevern to your right all the way.'

'Also did Dinas Head, stopped again at The Old Sailor for lunch with lots of admiration for Lucy.'

'Parrog to Aberfforest marine walk is also lovely as well as the cove before it, you can get to the main road through a lovely wooded glade with a rambling stream going all the way to the stream.'

'It was a great holiday especially for Lucy, she just did not want to come out of the sea or come home.'

I was so very appreciative of Mike's words, but as if the above wasn't fantastic enough, he continued and perfectly finished up with the following...

'Also I think 1 Brynawel does not get the visitors it deserves, yes it is on the main road but still has an enclosed garden, the house itself is comfy, clean and has everything you need.

From the doorstep you have access of about a 10 minute walk to Aberbach Bay...

...Dinas shops and obviously the coastal path or go down the lane to the hill behind.

We have been coming to Pembrokeshire for 7 years now, Penwaun was the first house we had from you and have stayed their many times.

Bringing your best friend on holiday - Lucy makes you have a very different type of break.

We must have walked over 30 miles with her that week and we never got tired of the amazing scenery, the lovely people and the stress-free feeling that this area has.'

A very big thank you to Mike Newton for taking the time to describe Lucy's holiday in such a perfect manner to me, and well done Lucy for being the greatest poser for the camera!

For more information in regards to 1 Brynawel in Dinas Cross please do not hesitate to speak with a member of our reservations team on 01437 765 765. 1 Brynawel for this week is very deserving to be my featured cottage on http://www.thewoofguide.com/.