The Lovely Pembrokeshire Coast and Gardens

We depart from our usual pick-up points and begin our journey west. Making use of the motorways we arrive in the attractive town of Malmesbury where we break for lunch. We then continue west and, having made a further comfort stop, we arrive at The Cliff Hotel late afternoon.

This morning we enjoy a visit to enchanting Picton Castle. Set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Picton Castle is a 13th century castle, surrounded by 60 acres of RHS partner gardens. As you explore the house be sure to visit the grand entrance hall, library, great hall, dining room and drawing rooms, before heading downstairs to the castle’s medieval undercroft. No visit to Picton is complete without a wander around the beautiful historic gardens, which includes a recently restored walled garden, fernery, jungle garden and maze.  There is a restaurant at Picton Castle.  Early afternoon we make our way to Dyffryn Fernant Garden a hidden gem set amongst the Welsh Hills and uplands near the sea. It has been lovingly created by Christina Shand who started the project from a wilderness in 1996. Beginning with ebullient and colourful planting around the house, the garden works it's way out, gradually merging into the wildness beyond. The garden works as a whole despite having many distinct areas in its six acres; particularly impressive are the Front Garden, a tight burst of colour from spring to late Autumn and the Courtyard's mix of exotic forms and succulents and the unusual Bog Garden.

This morning we visit the ancient market town of Cardigan, one of the oldest towns in Wales set on the banks of the River Teifi. Our first port of call is Cardigan Castle where we have arranged a 1 hour guided tour before time to explore the castle remains and the stunning Grade II listed gardens. The Castle hosts a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Free time for lunch before heading back to the hotel to spend a leisurely afternoon in the lovely setting of our hotel. Maybe book a spa session or bring your golf clubs (please let us know) and enjoy 9 holes at the hotel own course.

Cae Hir Gardens, a Welsh garden with a Dutch history is our destination this morning. Cae Hir is a true family garden of unassuming beauty, made tenable by its innovative mix of ordinary garden plants and wildflowers growing in swathes of perceived abandonment. At Cae Hir the natural meets the formal and riotous planting meets structure and form. A garden not just for plant lovers, but also for design enthusiasts.  Later we make the short journey to Llanchaeron NT. Here we discover the elegant, Georgian villa at Llanerchaeron. Originally designed by the famous architect John Nash in the 1790s, the house has remained largely unaltered for over 200 years. Explore the servant’s courtyard (including a dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house), as well as our refreshed rooms and displays including the Pamela Ward collection.  This traditional Welsh, country estate offers peaceful walks around the redbrick walled garden, ornamental lake and wild parkland.

This morning we make our way to St David’s. Surrounded by some of the finest coastlines in Europe, St David’s is the smallest cathedral city in Britain and is a popular location for pilgrims and artists alike. Adjacent to its 12th century cathedral stands the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Palace. Thursday is also market day in St Davids. Entry to The Cathedral is included and there will be time for lunch before making our way back to our hotel.

After breakfast we commence our journey back to Sussex. Having made suitable comfort stops en-route we aim to be back in the Maresfield area by approximately 19.00.