Medieval House, Gwynedd

Just to the east of Pwllheli (around 3 miles) discover Penarth Fawr, a Welsh gentry medieval house dating from the 15th century. Renovated in the 1930s, with adjacent stables, it's a fine example of a medieval house, retaining many of it's original features. Craft centres are also on-site, and you can buy specialist ceramics and pottery. Penarth Fawr Medieval House, Chwilog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6PR.

Barmouth, Snowdonia in March

The weather was great in Barmouth last week with fine views of Cader Idris beyond Barmouth Bridge.The fishermen were busy on the harbour preparing their lobster pots ready for the first fishing day of the season.Above is the "Round House" near the seafront, erected in 1834 as a lock up.It consists of 2 cells,one for men and one for women.It was mainly used to house drunkards who were sent there to sober up.

Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2010

A Seriously Fishy Festival

If you love fish and shell fish and want to experience the very best of the Pembrokeshire coastline then put a date in your diary for Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2010

from June 26th to July 4th

Multi award winning with more than 200 events including gourmet tastings, cookery demos and talks, island rambles, adventure watersports and many more coastal activities.

Dont miss it!

Penderyn Distillery - Brecon Beacons

Penderyn Distillery is located in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. Learn about the history of whisky making in Wales. Take a tour of the distillery. See the still and bottling line in action producing one of the worlds finest whiskies and visit the tasting room to sample some of the delicious Welsh spirit.
Cathy & Angelo

Langorse Lake, Brecon Beacons

Strolling along beside Langorse Lake is a delight.  The scenery is wonderful , walking is gentle and the wildlife enchanting. Remember to carry your camera and some tit bits for the birds.
Cathy & Angelo

The Big Pit at Blaenavon is one of Britain's leading coal mining museums, in fact it is a real coal mine. There are facilities to educate and entertain all ages including the world famous 300' deep underground tour to see how life was for thousands of miners. Your guide might even be a real miner.

The Big Pit really is a fascinating attraction, well worth donning a miners helmet for the occasion and its FREE!

Cathy & Angelo

Swans at Bosherston Lily Ponds, south Pembrokeshire

A fabulous site on the Lily ponds at Bosherston, south Pembrokeshire.

Angelo & Cathy

Parc y Marriage, Newport, Pembrokeshire

This delightful Pembrokeshire cottage Parc y Marriage with stunning views of Newport Bay owes its name to a derivation of 3 languages Welsh, French and English.

Located in the heart of rural countryside just 1 mile from the bustling town of Newport with its sandy beaches, shops, cafes, galleries, restaurants and just 21/2 miles from the golf course makes it an idyllic place for a relaxing holiday.

Parc y Marriage sleeps a maximum of 5 in two bedrooms (including folding bed and a cot on request).
Pet welcome FREE

Black Sheep Restaurant, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

The popular Black Sheep restaurant in Haverfordwest has moved just down the High Street to the newly restored Grade II listed Shire Hall. The stylish contemporary restaurant is located on the first floor . The ground floor court room has been preserved and will be used for community events, speakers and auctions.

        Shire Hall after restoration

Shire Hall before restoration

Black Sheep's award winning Chef Ellis has created a delicious modern European menu using local seasonal ingredients specialising in steak, fish and shell fish. The owner provides meat from his own animals - Aberdeen Angus cattle and free range Welsh pigs.

The kitchen is open from 10 am to 10 pm for you to enjoy a lunch time treat or evening meal.

Rose

February Weekend Break Pembrokeshire

We have just returned from a weekend in Rhydiau, a luxury cottage just ouside Newport, Pembs. From the cottage we were able to walk through the woods opposite and up to Carningli. The panoramic views from the top were incredible. Later in the day we visited Pentre Ifan burial chamber and then continued on to the Iron age Fort. The evening was then spent back at the cottage cooking supper on the Aga and sitting by the large log burner. You couldn`t have wished for more, a perfect weekend in Wales.

Llangoed Hall, Wye Valley, Powis Voted one of Britain's Top Ten Tearooms

 
This 17th century hall deep within the Welsh countryside near the village of Llyswen in the Wye Valley, Mid Wales makes a great setting for afternoon tea. Try the Welsh Tea with traditional Welshcakes, or go all out for the Full Afternoon Tea with homemade scones, sandwiches, biscuits, fruitcake and pastries. Llangoed Hall is a classy and historic setting for tea and they serve champagne if you fancy something a little stronger.

Lost in translation

Cyclists were left confused by a bilingual road sign telling them they had problems with an inflamed bladder.The "cyclists dismount" sign became "llid-y-bledren dymchwelyd" in Welsh - literally "bladder inflammation upset".

Wild Goats near Cwm Bychan, Snowdonia

A healthy population of wild goats can be found  in the Rhinog range of mountains a few miles east of Harlech...Snowdonia, look at these little beauties spotted last week in the glorious sunshine in a field besides the lane up to Cwm Bychan. A thrilling sight.

Know Your Cabbages! Pembrokeshire

Nearly 80% of the land surface in Wales is devoted to agriculture. High quality food is produced in a wide variety with an excellent reputation - a tribute to farmers and small food producers across the country. Do visit local Farmers Markets whenever you can. Talk to the producers direct, buy the freshest, healthiest, most nutritious and delicious local produce. You won't be disappointed.

Food Fair Erddig Wrexham National Trust

 

As part of the Pancake Half Term Madness in Erddig Wrexham, this two day food fair takes place in the marquee in the Timber Yard. Run in conjunction with Rural Food Wrexham there are a host of local suppliers and food producers showing. Plus cookery demonstrations with dai Chef. Children can enjoy pancake activities and art workshop.

Moel Famau - Ruthin

On Saturday, after being inspired by the BBC programme "Walking Weatherman" I decided to follow in the footsteps of Derek Brockway and explore Moel Famau, in the Clwydian Range, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It was a bright, sunny day and the route (which started from Bwlch Penbarras car park-a few miles from Ruthin) led me on an upland walk passing through heather moorland & ancient burial cairns to North Wales` most iconic peak.
 At the summit I came across the remains of the Egyptian style monument, The Jubilee tower, built to celebrate the golden jubilee of George 111. It was destroyed by a storm in 1862 and just the base still stands. From here on a clear day it is possible to see the Isle of Man and much of the N.W. of England. There were plenty of people walking up and down the route which took me 2hrs from start to finish. The approximate distance is 4 miles. It was a fantastic place to visit and I cant wait to go back again. Next time I hope to take a picnic and a friend with me.

Pancake Madness, Erddig Wrexham National Trust

 Visit Wrexham and enjoy a week of fun activities for all the family this half term. Pancake Puzzlers cooked up to baffle you, Pancake Art making, Pancake Olympics with culinary sporting challenges, finding the Secret Ingredients on the Pancake Trail; plus lots of pancakes to eat!!

Saturday 13th - Pancake Games, Trail & Art Workshop
Sunday 14th - Make your own Pancakes, games & art workshop
Monday 15th - Pancake Games, Trail & Art Workshop
Tuesday 16th - Make your own pancakes, games & art workshop

Erddig

Nantclwyd House Ruthin

Tree-ring dating and documentary research have revealed the long and fascinating history of this impressive timber-framed mansion, in Ruthin, begun in c.1435, the oldest timbered town house so far identified in Wales. Following Jacobean enlargement and the major late Stuart additions—including the distinctive pillared porch—which gave it its present form, ‘Nantclwyd y dre’ was again updated for the Georgian Wynne family. Next it became in turn a Victorian girls’ school and an Edwardian rectory, also serving as the lodging for visiting judges. Finally it gained 20th century Arts and Crafts embellishments from the Dyer Gough family, then suffering dereliction before extensive restoration by Denbighshire County council.Each of the ‘Seven Ages’ of Nantclwyd’s history is evoked by recreated and fully-furnished rooms within. Visitors can walk backwards in time from the 1942 hall, through the 1916 rector’s study and the 1891 schoolroom, to the splendid panelled and Chinese-wallpapered Georgian bedroom suite. Next comes Stuart owner Eubule Thelwall’s 1690 ‘cabinet’ with its ‘Kidderminster stuff’ hangings and handsome plaster ceiling, followed by the vividly decorated Jacobean bedchamber with its hung bed and painted cloths, and a ‘stool of ease’ in its closet. Finally the 15th century ‘business room’, its 1435 structure virtually unchanged, recalls a mediaeval resident whose pilgrimage to Rome was recorded in a document found concealed within the house itself.

Ruthin Gaol

Explore the chilly nooks and crannies of historic Ruthin gaol and discover what life was like behind bars in the victorian prison system. Ruthin gaol ceased to be a prison in 1916 but since its two million pounds restoration project, visitors to the museum can now learn about how the prisoners lived their daily lives, what they ate, how they worked and the punishment they suffered. Explore the cells of which there are many, including the punishment, dark & condemned cells. A fascinating insight into houses of correction, prison reforms, crime and punishment in Wales.

Lucky Dog lives and walks in Pembrokeshire

Lucky Dog regularly walks in Pembrokeshire and has agreed to share some of her favourite walks with you. She certainly is eager as you can see. Look out for Lucky Dog. You will soon be seeing more of her.

St David's Day Lunch at Bodnant Garden (National Trust), Snowdonia

Celebrate St Davids Day in style on 1st March. Enjoy a delicious traditional Welsh lunch with harpist accompanyment in the Pavilion Tearoom of Bodnant Garden,
North Snowdonia 12.30pm - 2pm Booking Essential
01492 650758
Adult two course lunch £11.95
Child two course lunch  £ 5.40