Impressive Welsh coast perfect for a screen-free family holiday – with adventure parks, famous 90p cakes & alpaca walks

We are standing on the edge of a ridge and guide Ollie asks if we want to jump now or go down.

“I’ll do it,” my 13-year-old Freya says without hesitation.

Coasteering is the way to enjoy the rugged Pembrokeshire coast - it feels euphoric

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Coasteering is the way to enjoy the rugged Pembrokeshire coast – it feels euphoricPhoto credit: press

So I think I am too. “Look straight ahead,” he tells us.

“Cross your arms and step out.” I focus on the horizon as I splash into the ocean, euphoric that I’ve done something outside of my comfort zone.

Coasteering lets us marvel at the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline. We spend the afternoon climbing and jumping, scrambling through a tunnel to spot a sea anemone and even sampling sea lettuce from the rock pools.

Half-day adventures cost from £45 per person (Preseliventure.co.uk).

PROBLEM SOLVED

As we strip off our wetsuits, we’re thankful for the hot tub at Blueberry Cottage.

This traditional stone cottage is nestled in the hills above the pretty harbor of Solva village, with views across the estuary from the bedrooms.

You could stay at Blueberry Cottage, a traditional holiday home

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You could stay at Blueberry Cottage, a traditional holiday homeCredit: Included
The house is nestled in the hills above the pretty harbor of the village of Solva

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The house is nestled in the hills above the pretty harbor of the village of SolvaCredit: Alamy

Exposed beams and quilted bedspreads give it a fairy tale feel, while the master bedroom has French doors onto the garden and we only need to walk a few steps down the lane to get to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and enjoy the breathtaking views.

The next day Solva’s harbor wall is great for crabbing at high tide, but when the sea is out we cross a bridge, past lime kilns that were once used to heat limestone, and seven-year-old Nate and two-year-old Dylan climb up to the Explore.

From here it is a short uphill walk to the stunning Gribin headland.

Solva’s little main street is full of colour.

Cozy cafe MamGu Welshcakes has twinkling fairy lights and you can buy six local pastries for £5 (Mamguwelshcakes.com), while at the Raul Speek Gallery (Raulspeek.co.uk) and three floors of gifts and interiors at Window On Wales (Windowonwales.com).

Back in port, 35 Main Street offers locally sourced seafood – I try the beer-battered fish and chips for £15.95, with mini versions for the kids at £8.95, while husband Marko has the moules marinière, fries and sipping warm ciabatta. £17.95 (35mainstreet.co.uk).

ALPACA YOUR BAGS

Lake Llys-y-Frân, half an hour’s drive away, offers adventure in a stunning natural setting.

Freya and Nate hop in Crazi Bugz – six-wheeled, off-road electric buggies – before canoeing, ax throwing and archery.

At Sweet Home Alpaca you can walk with alpacas and learn more about the animals

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At Sweet Home Alpaca you can walk with alpacas and learn more about the animalsPhoto credit: Shutterstock

Canoeing is £15 per hour for two people, ax throwing, archery and buggy riding is £16 per person (Llys-y-fran.co.uk).

Lunch at the Lakeview Cafe gives you the energy you need for the day, with picnic boxes for £5.95 and Dirty Yorkies – fried dinner in giant Yorkshire puddings for £9.95.

Another crowd favorite is Sweet Home Alpaca, 15 minutes from Solva, where we walk with alpacas while owner Angela tells us about the animals.

Feeding them along with some playful pygmy goats will have the whole family laughing.

Walks cost £40 for two with an alpaca (Sweethomealpaca.com).

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At Newgale Beach there’s just enough time to let the kids go loose – the boys cheer across the sand on the huge expanse before Freya hands me her phone and runs after them.

Vacation mission: accomplished.

By the way

A week’s stay at Blueberry Cottage costs from £625 for up to six people.

Pre-order a £25 breakfast basket for four through Coastal Cottages Concierge Service (Coastalcottages.co.uk).

Plan your trip at Visitpembrokeshire.com.

Emma James

Emma James is a USTimesPost U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. Emma James joined USTimesPost in 2023 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with me by emailing emmajames@ustimespost.com.

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