*** Change over days Mon & Fridays *** Min stay 3 nights weekend - 4 nights midweek ***
*** Full weeks during festive Easter & summer school holidays **
Superbly positioned only a short walk from the gloriously rugged South Pembrokeshire Coast, Drifter's Lodge is ideally placed for a wonderfully serene seaside escape. This beautifully furnished 3-bed abode sits in a private corner of a small lodge estate with tranquil views over flourishing countryside and less than a mile from the popular fishing hamlet of Porthgain. Relax on the private veranda with the occasional cry of sea birds permeating the air and the adorable sight of cows ambling lazily around the fields, their black and white frames brilliantly silhouetted against the vibrant green grass.
Only a short walk along a country path takes you to the waterfront village of Porthgain renowned for its lovely fish restaurant, pub, art galleries, small harbour and fascinating industrial history. Porthgain's Sloop Inn is charmingly decorated with a variety of interesting artefacts, offering a great spot for lunch as well as a cold tipple, however, no trip to Porthgain is complete without a visit to The Shed for some of the best fish and chips in Wales. If the weather permits, head up on to the cliffs for a magnificent West Walian sunset, and watch as the sun disappears in a majestic cascade of colour.
Drifter's Lodge is perfectly placed to explore the much-celebrated Pembrokeshire Coast - Voted 2nd best in the world by National Geographic - with its imposing craggy cliffs and breath-taking golden beaches. These pristine waters are popular with swimmers and beachgoers in the summer months while the abundant native wildlife from seals to seabirds are frequent year-round. The sandy beaches of Traethllyfn, and Aberieddy - made famous by the Red Bull Cliff Diving - are in walkable distance, making this charming beachside cabin the ideal choice for a lazy beachside holiday or adrenaline filled coastal adventure.
Check-in - 4pm / Check -out - 10am
Location and Destination
Porthgain Village and harbour
- The nearest village to the cottage is Porthgain - once a prosperous nineteenth century industrial harbour which exported slate from local quarries at Porthgain and Abereiddy. Now the village is popular for water sport enthusiasts - boaters, rowers, fishermen and canoeists - their activities overlooked by relics of the industrial past.
- The village can be busy in summer. It is on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, served by the Strumble Shuttle (the local bus service) and offers the visitor galleries and a gift shop.
- Eat out at the popular Sloop Inn and award-winning Shed Fish Restaurant.
Beaches at Abereiddy, Traethllyfyn, Abermawr & Aberbach
- North of the cottage are Abermawr and Aberbach beaches - enjoy the walk down through the valley to Abermawr and make sure to catch the amazing carpet of bluebells in the spring.
- To the south of Porthgain on the coast path you will reach the metal steps down onto Traethllyfyn beach - a wide sandy expanse (avoid high tide) great for swimming, walking the dog, picnics and games of frisbee!
- A little further on is Abereiddi - a good family beach famous for its black sand and start of the short walk round to the Blue Lagoon - a deep flooded quarry in the rocks famous for cliff jumping and as the venue for the Red Bull diving competition!
Whitesands Beach
- A short drive will take you to the Blue Flag beach at Whitesands - popular with families and surfers alike. The café serves breakfast and evening meals in the summer season or why not enjoy a takeaway and sit on the beach to see the spectacular sunsets.
St Davids
- Spend a few hours exploring the thriving ancient village city. Its charming huddle muddle of shops, galleries, bars and restaurant are protectively arranged around magnificent St Davids Cathedral and the atmospheric Bishop's Palace ruins. Book a thrilling boat trip out to the internationally important bird islands. RSPB Ramsey Island just 1 km offshore has impressive sea cliffs teeming with seabirds and the coastal waters around are frequented by seals, dolphins and passing whales.
Fishguard Town and The Last Invasion Tapestry
- Fishguard Farmers Market is held in the Fishguard Town Hall every Saturday and a weekly market every Thursday. There are delicious local produce and crafts on offer and the market is well worth a visit.
- Upstairs in the Town Hall the gallery contains the remarkable Last Invasion Tapestry. Made in 1997 to commemorate the bicentenary of the 1797 invasion by the French - the last time the British mainland was invaded! This amazing piece of work was created by local needle workers and tells the story in the style of that told by the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
Newport Village
- A little further up the coast is the popular village of Newport. This pretty village has a number of cafes and restaurants to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Visit the wide Blue Flag sandy beach at Newport or take your boat down to launch at the Parrog Sailing Club.
Arts and Crafts in North Pembrokeshire
- Artists are drawn to Pembrokeshire for the quality of the light made by the combination of landscape and sea. Local galleries range from St Davids' Oriel y Parc - both local Tourist Information Centre and 'state of the art' gallery housing both visiting and resident (Graham Sutherland) exhibitions - to small individual local artists' galleries with a great variety of art on offer. Visit the Workshop Wales gallery just to the west of Fishguard on the A487.
- There are two historic woollen mills locally. On the north coast, at the little hamlet of Tregwynt, is a traditional woollen mill supplying well known national outlets with their own local designs. Further south in the hamlet of Middle Mill - just a mile up the valley from Solva village - is Solva Woollen mill. The oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire which has been producing beautiful traditional fabrics since 1907, the mill supplies bespoke floor rugs to the Price of Wales for his Welsh home; this is certainly a mill to visit!
- The county is a treasure trove of little galleries - you could make seeking them out the theme of your holiday!
St Bride's Bay Water Taxi for Walkers
- If you want to get out and about the county you might like to incorporate this great way to see the coast. Solva Sailboats operate a water taxi which will take you to your chosen destination from where you can walk back along the stunning Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to Solva. Possible destinations include Porth Clais, Porthmynawydd, St Justinians, Nolton Haven and Little Haven (weather dependent). Phone 01437 720972.
Coastal 'Shuttle' Busses
- A more mainstream approach to travel are the coastal shuttle busses which trundle round the lanes during the summer months. This mode of transport is ideal for hassle-free access to the Coastal Path, the beaches and coves. You can join and leave the busses at will - so leave your car behind and enjoy this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire without the worry of your carbon footprint or your fuel bill.
Boat Trips and Offshore Islands - Adventures for both the brave and timid
- When you have seen the coastline from the coastal path complete the experience by going to sea. The Pembrokeshire coast is Britain's only coastal National Park and is a treasure-trove of birds and flowers, fish and marine mammals.
- Take a trip round Ramsey Island. Boats for both the brave and the timid leave from St Justinians and will take you round the Island and out to sea - or to land and spend the day wandering this amazing, rugged Island. Crews complete the experience by giving a wealth of local information - it is the experience of a lifetime!
Zoo Animals South Pembrokeshire
- Animal lovers will appreciate a trip south to see an array of small and large animals in Folly Farm and Manor Wildlife Park near Tenby. Expect to come across tigers, lions, rhino, giraffes, gibbons, lemurs, meerkats, penguins, ostriches, zebras and more.
Interiors and facilities
The cabin is equipped with three beautifully appointed bedrooms. A comfy double and two twins sleep a total of 6 guests.
The main bathroom contains a heated towel rail, WC and bath with shower above, while there is another separate WC.
The kitchen contains an electric oven with hob, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster and dishwasher.
There is also a washer/dryer in the property.
Drifter's Lodge is excellently positioned on the corner of the estate, which creates a beautifully private aspect overlooking the burgeoning Pembrokeshire countryside.
Outside the decked veranda includes a barbecue, table and chairs, which makes a wonderful spot for dining in the crisp countryside air. Enjoy calming views over the flourishing farmland and keep an eye out for the wandering cows and abundant native wildlife that frequent this area.
As night settles, spot bats sweeping through the dwindling light, and see plenty of stars and celestial bodies glowing in the ultra-clear night sky. This magnificently quiet location is only interspersed by the occasional piercing hoot of an owl hunting in the darkness.
