Martletwy, Lawrenny and Landshipping
The eastern bank of the upper reaches of The Daugleddau has a very quiet rural atmosphere with several sleepy villages surrounded by oak woods and fields. Although inland, most of this area is part of The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Picture: The upper reaches of The Daugleddau Estuary looking towards Martletwy from Black Tar
Accommodation is fairly limited although there are several B&B’s or farm guesthouses, one at Lawrenny and one at Little Canaston. There are camping sites and touring caravan sites in the vicinity plus a few self catering cottages. Luxurious lodges will be available at the Bluestone Holiday Village from mid 2008 onwards.
Martletwy is central to this area and is most notable for its vineyard: Cwm Deri vineyard. They produce a range of wines and liqueurs and have a conservatory restaurant as well serving meals at lunchtime and in the evenings.
Lawrenny is a quaint little village to the south west of Martletwy but the most interesting place to head for is Lawrenny Quay, an idyllic spot alongside the estuary. A good circular walk along the river bank from here and back through the village takes you through some delightful oak forest with views of Benton Castle on the far bank (Benton Castle is privately owned). A smart café has recently opened at Lawrenny Quay. It’s open from Easter to the end of September. Lawrenny Arms, also at Lawernny Quay is open all year and serves food. The pontoon at Lawrenny is conveniently attached to the front of the pub.
A few miles east is Cresswell Quay. This is another idyllic spot with a good pub, The Cresselly Arms, a popular, ivy clad, quayside hostelry. A further riverside pub can be found at The Stanley Arms at Landshipping.
Picture: Cresswell Quay
A long distance footpath, The Landsker Borderlands Trail, winds its way round the area.
In complete contrast to these rural backwaters is Oakwood Coaster Country, Wales’s only Theme Park. It’s located alongside the A4075, a few miles north east of Martletwy. Numerous exciting rides are available in this top class attraction, built in a pretty woodland setting.
Picture: Speed. One of The rides at Oakwood Coaster Country
Picture: Hydro. One of the rides at Oakwood Coaster Country
Next door to Oakwood are The Bluestone Holiday Village and The Blue Lagoon Water Park. Both are due to open in the summer of 2008.