Picton and Carew - Wales

On May 8th - we woke up to a dullish day, so the 6 of us decided to set off for Picton Castle and its 40 acres of gardens set in the Pembrokshire Coast National Park.  

It's one of Pembrokeshire's medieval castles

originally built in 13th Century

Pete and Frank surveying the scene above.

The original owners - the Phillips family - still own Picton today - with one member living in the Lodge. 

It has a delightful walled garden. 

just starting to "flower up" now.

Frank befriends one of the gardener's dogs.

These blue poppies caught our eye.

Rhodos were everywhere - every colour you could think of

Some stunning white magnolia trees

accompanied the pink

The tiniest azalea flowers I have ever seen

and stunning colourful trunk systems

on some of the ancient trees

This castle is a favourite for Weddings

and one can see why when they wander around

After this long wander, it was time to decide to check out the Castle's Cafe for lunch

The Cafe was called "Maria's" - fancy a spanish Tapas cafe in a welsh castle?

Maria's Tapas  (numerous) were  incredible - simple and just so tasty - Margaret and I bought her little recipe book. 

After those delicious Tapas we did a woodland walk, then back to the car for our next Castle.

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CAREW

It is situated in the small village near the small port of Tenby

It is one of the few castles to display development from Norman fortification to Elizabethan country house.

She has a medieval bridge and an 11th Century Celtic Cross

It overlooks a 23 acre millpond where the restored tidal Carew Mill stands

Over the centuries many individuals have made their mark on the castle

In 1507 the last great tournament of its kind in Britain was staged at Carew

Pete and Frank take up their position - above

While we were there we met a most enthusiastic Archeologist who showed us some evidence of recent finds - possibly dating back some 2000 years.

Back to the Saundersfoot apartment, and farewell to Margaret and Pete who will close up their Pendine place and drive back to Oxfordshire tomorrow morning.  It is still quite nippy!!!

Saundersfoot in Wales

On May 5th we headed from Wiltshire to Wales - to the Pembrokeshire area in southern Wales, to a dear little seaside resort called Saundersfoot.  We had booked an apartment there for a week, and were meeting up with Frank's sister, Margaret and her husband, Kevin.  Frank's brother, Pete and his wife Margaret were staying at their holiday mobile home in Pendine around 15 miles from Saundersfoot.  

The apartment - called Waters Edge, backed right on to the beach, actually it was a perfect location to wake up to every day.

and became happier with it as each day passed.

the tide in above, and the tide out below

and below is the walled harbour at low tide

When we arrived their were 2 bunches of roses and a lovely bowl of fruit waiting for us in the apartment from Pete and Margaret - they joined us late afternoon along with their daughter Helen, her husband Simon and their 3  - left to right - Thomas, Sophie and Kerys.

Sophie is now into gymnastics - showing us a few of her moves

Now it's Kerys's turn - not sure how impressed Thomas is!

Coats on - time for a walk

Sophie watching Uncle Kevin in action - she was taking a few shots herself that day. The Tunnel is part of the old railway route along the shore of Saundersfoot - now a great walking path. Finished the night off with fish and chips.

Lovely Sunday morning

Kevin taking in the morning sun and the news

Kevin and Margaret have re booked this place for same time next year, planning to take Kevin's parents down for a week.

The town's ice cream cart

On Sunday, the 6 of us had a traditional roast dinner at this restaurant above - The Mermaid, I have never seen a Yorkshire Pudding so big - and delicious.

Saundersfoot inner harbour at high tide - at low tide there is no water and all the boats are just squatting on sand flats.

After our huge lunch, we went for a wander along the beach - Kevin standing in front of the apartment block above, and the rest hanging around on the beach.

Back to the apartment for a coffee - must've all been too much for Pete, just flaking out in the sun.

We then took off to Pete and Margaret's place at Pendine to catch up with their daughter Helen, husband, Simon and 3 kids, who had been at a Fun Fair there for the day.

Above is Sophie, their eldest, with her cat make up and ears for the occasion, 

Then there is Thomas with his Dad, Simon, and below young Kerys with her mum, Helen

Kerys in action with "Sid and Lizzie"

She get's a big hug from "Lizzie the Lizard"

Time for another walk - toward the beach cafe and a large hot chocolate

Some discussion between boys going on here

Our view from the Cafe

Pendine beach is quite stunning - seven miles long and a mile wide when the tide is out!!!!

Then back to Saundersfoot

Happy hour 

and some beach watching - stays light till late 9pm.

Off to Picton Castle and gardens tomorrow