Lleyn Coast

Here are three of the many beaches I visited last weekend while I was staying at Bodnitho in Botnnwog on the Lleyn.There are so many hidden beaches to find off the roads. 

Dine Out Wales

Dine Out Wales



Dine Out Wales is an exciting new way to save £ 1000's each year when dining out in Wales.


With 100+ restaurants to choose from you can experience the best cuisine Wales has to offer. All you do is show your stylish Dine Out Wales card at any of the participating restaurants to get 50% off the food bill or 2 for 1 meals plus many other great offers.


"I have been a member of Dineout Wales since October 2010 and believe that it is the only way to dine in Wales! From the very first time my girlfriend and I used the card we have saved money, starting with a saving of £50 on my girlfriend's birthday! We have gone from just going out for a meal on special occasions to going a few times a month, exploring new places and finding new favourites. Needless to say my girlfriend is very happy." James Rothwell

Put on your dancing shoes

Trefor Owen is the only full time professional maker of Welsh clogs from hide and log to the finished item. He makes other styles of clog too for national and international customers. Visit his workshop in Heol Henbont near Criccieth in North Wales.

A Challenge

Can you help? How many suitable Mothers Day venues in Wales can we come up with before the weekend?

An evening out with The Kre8ers at the Fox & Hounds in Cwmcych

Great songs by, Stereophonics, Beatles, The killers, Elvis, Van Morrison, Ben E King, Free, Rodgers,Kings of Leon and many more !!

....and of course some of our very own songs. It is gonna be a great night at Cwmcych near Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire.
The Fox & Hounds is a great venue, refurbished and extended. Run by a lovely family who have recently taken it over. Bar meals served until 11pm. Friendly and warm with outside covered beer garden.
Notice from The Kre8ers



Fancy a long walk? The Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail is the single most popular visitor attraction in the county.

The 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail follows the fine coastal landscape of the UK's only Coastal National Park and has recently won a Pembrokeshire Tourism Award for Best Day Out.
See for yourself. Walk as much or as little as you like and take one of the dedicated walkers buses back to your start point. Enjoy magnificent coastal scenery, sandy beaches, hidden coves, marine wild life, wild flowers and sleepy villages. Oh and don't worry if you can't manage the whole 186 miles. Come again. We will always keep a welcome.

Celtic Quest Coasteering has swept the board achieving Gold, Silver & Bronze Tourism Awards

Congratulations Celtic Quest Coasteering on winning 3 prestigious Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards 2011.
Bronze for Exciting New Business, Silver for Best Day Out and Gold for Best Marketing.
For the uninitiated Coasteeering is a unique way of exploring the Pembrokeshire coastline including, rock hopping, rock scrambling, jumping, adventure swimming and much more. Activities are tailored to the customers needs and are suitable for all from 8yrs + physically fit and / or physically challenged. Go on give it a try you will not be disappointed.

Bronze Award for the Griffin Inn Dale, Pembrokeshire

Congratulations to Simon & Sian proprietors of the Griffin Inn, Dale since November 2010 on achieving a Bronze Award from the 2011 Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards for Best Eating Out Experience.

The Griffin, a traditional 16th C inn located on the seafront in the delightful coastal village of Dale serves quality pub food made with local ingredients whenever possible.

Check the pub website for on going events such as delicious Sunday roasts, Seafood Extraviganza during Pembrokeshire Fish Week June25th - July 3rd, Seafood Barbeque 26th June & 3rd July, Fun Fishy Quiz, Fishy Dishes & Wine Tasting 30th June (booking essential), something special to mark the Royal Wedding and much more.
Simon & Sian look forward to welcoming you.

Foodies wil love The Walnut Tree - The Best Restaurant in Wales

No formalities, no fuss, no pomp just very good food prepared using selected fresh local ingredients whenever possible and an extensive range of decent wines to choose from, by the bottle or glass.  The Walnut Tree in Llanddewi Skirrid, Monmouthshire gained a Michelin star after 2 years in business and was voted the Best Restaurant in Wales by the National Restaurant Awards last October.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating so give it a try. See what you think. 'Bon Appetit'.

Cottage to let?

Do you own a house or cottage that you would like to let for holidays?

Thinking about buying a property to let for holiday rental income?

We are always happy to advise and help in any way we can so if you would like an informal chat or a visit (without obligation) please call us free on 0800 007 5299
http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk/

There is something for everyone at Nant.

Visitors to the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales can enjoy Nant Gwrtheyrn Heritage Centre which houses displays about the Welsh language and culture, as well as the history of the village which includes a period house set in a Victorian quarry community and information about the unique wildlife which can be discovered in this remote coastal valley and beach.



There is something for everyone at Nant


See how the quarrymen lived in 1910.


Visit the new exhibition in the Heritage Centre


Stop and see Meinir’s Tree


Take a group


Relax in the café


Surrounded by the Eifl mountains and Nefyn Bay, the unique valley of Nant Gwrtheyrn is a remarkable sight for any first time visitor to the area.

Stay in an award winning Quality Cottage

Old Mill House

An award winning renovation of a Grade II Victorian mill, winner of the 'Best period renovation' (Period living Magazine 2010) in the sleepy village of Pont Sian near New Quay on the Cardigan Heritage Coast.

Click on the name for more details.

Messing about on boats in Llangollen

Public Aqueduct Cruises on the 23rd March, and then daily from 26th March

12.15pm and 2.00pm. Book on-line or telephone 01978 860702

Llangollen Wharf is one of the major attractions in the North Wales market town of Llangollen and is now part of a World Heritage Site. From the Wharf you can embark on either a horse drawn boat trip along the feeder for the main canal, or a motorised aqueduct cruise which takes you across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct built by Thomas Telford. Both these trips take in the magical sights and sounds of the beautiful Llangollen Canal. Longer horse drawn trips can be arranged for large groups. At the Wharf you can browse in our gift shop or enjoy a leisurely cup of tea or coffee and home made cake in our tea room, with views over the canal and town. Lunches and cream teas can be pre-ordered for the aqueduct trips.



If you would prefer to do it yourself why not hire our Day Boat. available From 12th March Daily

 

Pontcysyllte Aquaduct

Special days out at Llangollen Railway

Imagine Kathy & Angelo's delight when they visited Llangollen Railway to find Thomas the Tank Engine standing in the station. Llangollen Railway holds a host of thrilling events for families throughout the year. Visit their website (llangollen-railway.co.uk) for details. The next special is Diesel Day on 26th March. Have fun.

Rapunzel's Tower

On a beautiful Spring afternoon we wandered passed pretty St Ishmaels Church beside the drifts of snowdrops and on towards the cove at Monk Haven before joining the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Imagine our surprise to glimpse Rapunzels Tower on a wooded hill above. In the summer it will be hidden by dense foliage but now is a perfect time to find it.

Trwyn Tal - A fabulous barn conversion for holidays in the Black Mountains

                                                                       Trwyn Tal

A stylish barn conversion sitting in the heart of the Black Mountains on a remote hillside. An absolutely stunning location, within the Brecon Beacons National Park close to Hay on Wye and Abergavenny. Click on the name for more details

The Tenby Daffodil

The jury is still out on whether the Tenby Daffodil is naturalised or introduced. The only other true British native daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, also found mainly in south Wales is known as the Lent Lily because it flowers through February, March and sometimes early April therefore over the period of lent.

The little Tenby Daffodil, just 8"(20cm) tall, is so called because it is mostly found growing wild around the Tenby area. It can also be found in other areas of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion but is scarce.

A version of the Tenby Daffodil has been cultivated since medieval times and the Royal Horticultural Society have now given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in recognition of its outstanding excellence.

The origin of daffodils and leeks being used as national emblems of Wales is obscure but in Welsh the names for daffodil and leek are very similar. Daffodil - Cenhinen Pedr, Leek - Cenhinen so maybe it was just confusion.

 Since the 6th C Welsh soldiers have worn a leek in their caps to distinguish themselves from their foes in battle. Welsh soldiers today still have cap badges and buttons with leeks on. It is believed that the English government encouraged the use of the daffodil as a national emblem because it has less nationalistic undertones associated with defeat of the saxons.

The daffodil certainly became more popular during the 19th C and particularly during the 20th C when the Prime minister of the time, Lloyd George, wore a daffodil on St Davids Day for the investiture of the then Prince of Wales.

Whatever its origins there are few flowers that herald the coming of spring in quite such a flamboyant, colourful and cheery way. When you visit Wales be sure to call in at a local garden centre and buy yourself a bag of Spring to take home with you.

Photos of Tenby Daffodils on Penally Village Green by Sue Brindley
Click here to visit the Daffodil Society.

Wow....these Red Kites will blow you away

Angelo & Kathy went from their holiday cottage Copper Lodge to Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding & Rehabilitation Centre in Rhayader, Powys. They were blown away by these incredible birds.
Red Kites have been visiting Gigrin Farm for many years. In 1993 the RSPB made a request for the farm to become an official feeding station. The visiting Red Kites have grown in numbers ever since from around a dozen to over 400 in the winter of 2005/6. They consume upwards of 1/4 tonne of meat (beef fit for human consumption) per week. Feeding takes place at 2pm in winter and 3pm in summer.
There are 5 hides as well as an elevated viewing area from which to see the birds so close binoculars are not necessary.

Photos by Angelo Caldero

Windsurfing in Pembrokeshire

If you love windsurfing or you would like to learn check out the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park site for places to go, local information and an exhilerating video.
For places to stay click on Quality Cottages in Pembrokeshire.

Cycling in Pembrokeshire

If you love cycling - any kind - gentle family rides, hair raising adrenalin junkie sprints or exploring the countryside with friends check out the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park site for places to ride, local information and an informatrive video.
For places to stay click on Quality Cottages in Pembrokeshire

Climbing in Pembrokeshire

If you enjoy climbing check out the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park site for places to climb, local information and a great video. For places to stay click on Quality Cottages in Pembrokeshire

Latest Offers at Quality Cottages

Check out the latest offers on selected quality holiday cottages throughout Wales.

National Gardens Scheme NGS Open Gardens for Charity

Every year NGS gardens across Wales and England welcome over half a million visitors. Most gardens which open for the NGS are privately owned and open just a few times each year. Some gardens open as part of a group with the whole community involved.

Their tradition of opening gardens of quality, character and interest is supported by their patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.

Did you know that they raise over £2 million every year for nursing, caring and gardening charities. They have raised over £25 million in the last ten years. Their office is small so most of the money goes straight to the charities they support.

To find NGS Gardens in Wales and Quality Cottages close by, click on
'Delightful Gardens in Wales'.

Abernant Garthmyl Powys

The most visited garden in Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales opened in May 2000 in Llanarthne, set in 500 acres of beautiful historic Carmarthenshire parkland.
The idea of having a National Garden of Wales was conceived by Welsh based artist William Wilkins who enjoys painting Welsh landscapes.
The Tropical House designed by the great Welsh architect John Belle is the worlds largest single span structure and houses some of the world's largest most beautiful plants from tropical regions perfectly adapted to thrive in steaming hot climates and jungle darkness.
The historic double walled garden, thought to be a Scottish design, creates different micro climates and therefore a longer growing season.
There are lakes, streams, marsh and semi natural woodland, meadows and restored formal gardens to explore. The gardens nurture 8000 plants including several National Collections and are home to a 1000 species of wild life.
Projects are ongoing with current plans to rebuild the Peach House that once had Roman style under floor heating and produced a variety of soft fruit all year round.
Regular events, guided walks and introductory talks can help you make the most of your visit. All you need to do is choose a Welsh holiday cottage from which to begin.

Pas Newydd Country House, Anglesey One of the National Trust's Top Spring Gardens

Overlooking the Menai Straits, with uninterrupted views to Snowdonia,

 Plas Newydd Country House garden, the 7th Marquis' pride and joy, has spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias in the Humphry Repton landscape. A sight to behold. If you are in Anglesey do make time for a visit.

Make a bee line for blooming Wales.

Do check out the many Delightful Gardens of Wales and the fabulous selection of Quality Cottages close by.
Click on Wales for more details.

Great Days out at Ffos Las Racecourse, Carmarthenshire

Ffos Las Racecourse is situated in the heart of the Gwendraeth Valley of Carmarthenshire. It is a first class racing venue with world class facilities.


Ffos Las Racecourse dates for your diary:
19th March Six Nations Raceday
16th June Ladies Night
9th August Caribbean Festival
26th August Ladies Day
11 September Real Ale Festival
9th October Countryside Raceday

Spirit of the Race by sculptor Chris Crane standing in front of the winners enclosure.