| Gt escapes: Pembrokeshire 4 |
| Activities for all |
| Fancy a change from the beach? Then consider white-water rafting, go-karting, bird spotting or horse riding. There's lots more here, too! |
Sooner or later we all tire of just sitting around on the beach – even though the sun may be shining all day. Some days, however, the sun may decide to stay in bed, or worse still, it might even rain. When that happens, you need a fall-back plan if you want to avoid holiday hassle with a young family.
So, with that in mind, we set out to find a number of alternative activities that to suit the whole family. Unfortunately, space limitations mean there is room here to include only a few of the vast number of activities to be found in Pembrokeshire. So, we recommend that you call in at any of the tourist information centres to pick up the latest literature about other activities in the area.
1. Indoor karting at Withybush
BP Karting, Prendergast Building, Pembrokeshire County Showground, Withybush (nr Haverfordwest).
From the centre of town, follow the A40 north towards Fishguard, and at the third roundabout take the second exit into Withybush Rd for BP Karting.
An indoor karting circuit makes a good option for dull or rainy days. You don't need to book in advance (except during mid-August) to try your hand at go-karting at this track near Haverfordwest. The centre is open from 10am - 10pm, seven days a week, and has karts to suit all ages, from nine upwards. Crash helmets and overalls are provided. Snacks are available.
• Tel 01437 769555. Website www.bpkarting.com
Llangloffan Cheese CentrE Llangloffan Farmhouse Cheese Centre, Llangloffan Farm, Castle Morris, near Fishguard.
Take the A487 St David's-to-Fishguard road and watch for a brown sign to the centre, directing you down a side road to the right.
They've been making cheese at Llangloffan for 25 years, and photographs on the wall in the shop confirm that one of the centre's customers is Prince Charles. But what really surprised us was the variety of cheeses on display. During the summer months, there are daily demonstrations from Monday to Saturday, run between 10am to 12.45pm. There are intervals throughout the morning when you can join in the tour but to get the most from your visit you really should be there from the start. Visitors are welcome to stroll around the farm. There's a kiddies' play area, a tea room, and picnic area.
• Tel 01348 891241/ 891379
Email leondowney@ welshcheese.co.uk
2. American-style horse riding
Sycamores Ranch Western Riding Centre, Llawhaden, Narberth.
Ever fancied yourself as a latter-day John Wayne? Well, you can realise your dream at Sycamores Ranch, only a short distance further along the road from the Cheese Centre after passing the castle at Llawhaden.
The ranch specialises in US-style horse riding and basic riding skills are required. Riders are asked to wear comfortable jeans, footwear with heels, and to bring a waterproof coat. If you have a riding hat, take that, too – if not, the ranch will supply one.
No refreshments are provided so you might like to take a drink and a snack or a packed lunch if you intend taking one of the longer trips. The ranch runs three trails: a two-hour or four-hour trek, and a full day. The first takes you around the village of Llawhaden. The second goes deeper into the surrounding countryside and includes a break for refreshments. The last, the full-day trail, is just that: a full day in the saddle; but Sycamores says you'll find its US versions more comfortable than an English saddle. Prices start at £20 per person. All trails must be pre-booked.
• Tel 01437 541298.
Email sycamoresranch@breathemail.net
3. Marine adventures
Thousand Islands Expeditions, Cross Square, St David's.
If you're the adventurous type who doesn't suffer from sea sickness, how about trying jet-powered, white-water rafting? Thousand Islands offer 'The Bitches' Adventure' during high spring tides – these occur only on a few days each month so you need to check in advance. Likely dates for the near future are 12/13 July, 10 August and 6/7/8 September.
Alternatively, you could take a more gentle boat trip to the RSPB's Ramsey Island bird sanctuary. You can either spend the whole day ashore or spend three hours on the island, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour cruise around it. Refunds are made if trips have to be cancelled due to bad weather.
• Tel 0800 163621.
Website www.tiex.co.uk
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Distance 46 miles between attractions
Time Dependent on visit(s) made.
Start/finish Caerfai Caravan Park, St David's
Suitable for Various age groups
Refreshments
Samplers St David's
Café Azure Haverfordwest
Tourist Information
St David's
Tel 01437 720392.
Email: click here
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