Day one : the smallest city - St Davids
The base for the next few days is in one of Wales' leading luxury boutique hotels - Twr y Felin, a former windmill set in its own private grounds but just a few hundred metres from the centre of the smallest city in the UK St Davids. The hotel joins sister properties, Roch Castle and Penrhiw Hotel, as a luxury accommodation provider in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This is a perfect location to explore the UK’s only truly coastal National Park with its stunning sea views.
The accommodation was awarded AA Hotel of the Year in Wales for 2017-18. Its contemporary interior offers 21 en-suite bedrooms, including two suites and fine dining in the two AA Rosette restaurant. Blas, meaning ‘taste’ in Welsh has a menu influenced by the season and locality, with dishes designed to reflect Wales and its produce.
Upon arrival at Twr y Felin, sample a traditional Welsh tea at the Oriel Lounge gallery and relax in this tranquil setting for a few hours. Then, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of this delightful 6th century city which is a mere ten minutes from the iconic Pembrokeshire Coast Path with its host of adventurous activities on land and sea.
Walking through the city, you’ll discover the magnificent St Davids Cathedral which stands on one of the most westerly points in Wales. It’s the final resting place of Saint David - the patron Saint of Wales (Dewi Sant) and has been a place of worship for 1,500 years. Complete your afternoon with a visit to St Davids Bishop’s Palace – an impressive example of medieval architecture and a popular place for history enthusiasts.
The evening will be spent exploring the spectacular Abereiddi Blue lagoon. This old slate quarry is known for its bright green-blue waters and it’s an ideal place to watch the sunset and generate a feeling of wellness.
A fine dining Welsh themed banquet experience is an option at this unique heritage building, Roch Castle overlooking the picturesque landscape of Pembrokeshire an opportunity to unwind and enjoy some local Welsh produce.
Day two - out on the water
An early morning start with an 'out on the water' experience, today’s activities include an insight into the rugged coastline of this area in the safe hands of local company TYF. Coasteering is an activity that will certainly get the adrenaline pumping! Half or full days are available.
Alternatively, enjoy the Pembrokeshire coastline in a more leisurely fashion on a boat trip with Voyages of Discovery to the nearby islands of Ramsey, Grassholm and Skomer. There are a multitude of seabirds who inhabit the cliff ledges and sometimes if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some seals.
The afternoon will be spent exploring the iconic Melin Tregwynt, set in rural North Pembrokeshire. This historic woollen mill has been producing blankets and throws since the 17th century, and it’s a great opportunity to purchase some traditional Welsh weaves whilst enjoying a slice of local history in tranquil woodland surroundings.
Finally, there's a chance for delegates to relax and discuss their eventful day of water activities at the St Davids Gin & Kitchen. Unwind at this local restaurant with a glass of the St Davids Seaweed Gin or reminisce about your trip to the islands with the Ramsey Gin!
Day three : back to nature
On the final day,- travel west from St Davids to the pioneering Preseli Venture, who provide activity adventures along the Pembrokeshire coast.
You will be staying nearby at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, a four star and two AA Rosette hotel winner.
Preseli Venture centre is renowned for promoting mindfulness in the workplace, so the emphasis of today’s visit is to boost wellbeing. Delegates will get the chance to experience the wide range of activities on offer in these natural surroundings – the most popular activity is orienteering, which also builds on the team bonding experience . It’s a great location to connect with nature – the perfect end to the trip. Why not finish the day with an evening yoga session or a wellbeing workshop to improve the mind, body and spirit? If you want some more stimulating outdoor activities there are plenty on offer. Choose from sea kayaking, surfing, coasteering, wildness running or wild sea swimming.
Following an evening stroll and perhaps a yoga session, the evening meal is a relaxed affair. Complete the final evening with an unique dining experience and tuck into locally sourced produce supplied by the fishermen and farmers of the region, arranged by the in house chef at the centre. The perfect ending to your first taste of the area.