Annmarie Graham's perfect day
Annmarie Graham is a Campaigns Executive at Visit Wales. Originally from Cardiff, she now lives in Cwmbran, Wales. Here she shares her perfect day in Newport, Pembrokeshire.
"My perfect day starts in the little coastal town of Newport in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. I love to stroll around the town soaking up the relaxed atmosphere - from the top of Market Street you get great views over to Newport Castle.
A couple of my favourite shops are Gwalia Gift Shop, which sells unique items by local craftspeople – jewellery, pottery and glassware, and the Carningli Centre, a second-hand bookshop and gallery with original paintings, prints and photography by local artists. And the Newport Collective is a shop run by local crafts people selling original paintings, photographs, ceramics, textiles and jewellery. It's great for a browse, especially if you're looking for that unusual gift.
After a spot of shopping I call in at my favourite delicatessen 'Yr Hen Bopty' on East Street, to stock up on all the essentials for a picnic lunch. I would definitely recommend their local farmhouse cheese and fresh crusty bread.
Just a short walk from the centre of Newport is the secluded cove of Cwm-yr-Eglwys. It's famous for having its very own micro climate always a few degrees hotter and dryer than elsewhere on the coast – so don't forget your suntan lotion! Overlooking this picturesque shingle and pebble beach are the remains of the 12th Century church of St Brynach's, which was almost completely destroyed by the great storm of 1859. Only the belfry, west wall and part of the graveyard remain.
After a relaxing few hours it's time to walk off lunch. There's a well signposted path from the beach around Dinas Head. I think it's one of the best walking stretches along the Pembrokeshire Coast – and that's saying something considering the whole coastal path covers 186 miles. It's about 3.5 miles, and takes about an hour. At 463ft this amazing outcrop of cliffs, provide spectacular views across Fishguard Bay to the south and Newport Bay to the north. Look out for seals and dolphins as they're often seen off this coastline.
If I have time I like to visit Bro Meigan Gardens (www.bromeigan.co.uk/). These little-known gardens are tucked away in the Pembrokeshire countryside about 15 minutes from Newport. They also have a traditional tea room set in a converted 300 year-old barn offering a mouthwatering selection of homemade cakes, cream teas and local dairy ice cream.
My choice for the night would be Llys Meddyd (www.llysmeddyg.com/). Once a Georgian coaching house, it's now a chic hideaway on an untouched stretch of coastline nestled beneath the mystical Carn Ingli (Mountain of Angels). The bedrooms are bright and airy with a comfortable king-sized bed, sofa, large bathroom with luxurious bath products and lots of fluffy white towels – heaven.
In the summer months evening meals are served 'al fresco' in the tented Garden Room. The scrumptious 3 course meals are made entirely from locally sourced organic produce. I can highly recommend Cecilia's gorgeous apple and plum crumble."