Where to go in South Wales

Along with the rest of the world, I had plans this year. Plans which were turned on their head. The big one being the lifelong dream to go to Australia - right about now I should be in Sydney gazing at the harbour bridge...

But let's not dwell, plans can be repurposed, and while I'd anticipated exploring New South Wales, instead I got to have a good old shufty round Old South Wales - Pembrokeshire to be precise.

And what treats it had in store. Over the space of a few days, I fully appreciated and understood why the US version of National Geographic Traveler magazine crowned Pembrokeshire's coastline one of the top two coastal destinations in the world. Places of interest aren't limited to the shoreline either, there's plenty to see and do inland too. 

Barafundle's beauty

Seasoned ramblers will be delighted to know you can, should the mood take you, walk the entire Pembrokeshire coast, a whole 186 miles of it. If that sounds a little ambitious then pick a section in which to marvel at the weather-battered cliffs, and soothe your senses on one of the dazzling beaches. Barafundle Bay is a good place to begin.

Approaching via a windswept clifftop wander, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd be transported to one of Majorca's famed coves, or even California's Pacific coastline. Soft, sandy, Barafundle beach has a magical feel - even in the presence of others you get the sense you're the first person to discover it. Perhaps this is because it's only accessible on foot - steep steps lead to the sand. Or maybe its the absence of ice-cream vendors or other common beach paraphernalia. Barafundle is National Trust property and utterly unspoiled - nature's the boss here.

Cafe Mor's bacon baps

If you like your bacon baps/cobs/barms (choose regional variation as required) served from a bashed-up converted fishing trawler, with a prime view of another stretch of Pembrokeshire's winning seaside, then make a beeline for Cafe Mor. 

Anchored in a car park in Freshwater West, this industrious vessel makes the most satisfying food you could ask for. The bacon breakfast roll, served with their homemade 'kelpchup', seaweed butter, and view of crashing waves, was sublime. The rest of the menu looked incredible too - always leave a reason to return.

Ten out of Tenby

As the poster-child for the region, Tenby's allure is well-documented. None so much as the charm of an historical harbour, framed with its *cliche incoming* picture-box colourful cottages which also overlook the wide expanse of golden beach. Tenby's every inch the classic seaside town you remember from childhood - with shops selling rock, fudge, souvenirs and all the inflatables you could ever need. Despite this it avoids tack territory and maintains its air of cool - aided by its super selection of indie shops and craft breweries and tap rooms like Harbwr Brewery

Narberth's not to be missed 

Warning - a relatively short stroll down Narberth's sloping main street may leave your bank balance considerably worse off. The charismatic market town is brimming with temptation. Whether that's sampling Welsh ciders, cheese and cakes in one of the many inviting delis, or splurging on something stylish for your house or yourself from multitude of independent clothes, gifts and homeware stores. Galleries and pottery from local artists further contribute to Narberth's overall laid-back vibe - all found in houses doused in Wales' characteristic bright paint.

When you do finally drag yourself away from Pembrokeshire, take a route north and track the coastline along Cardigan Bay. In decent weather you might spy Ireland's Wicklow Mountains across the sea.