FishguardUnited Kingdom

If you are planning to stay in this picturesqueresort on the Pembrokeshire coast you’ll find the small town to be packed withcharacter, blessed with wonderful hotels, always ready to surprise withunexpectedly good places for a convivial meal out and the springboard tostunning scenery, water-based activities and more than its fair share ofopportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fishguard takes itsname from an Old Norse word meaning ‘fish catching enclosure’ and the fruits ofthe sea still play a significant role in the lives of its 4,000 odd residents.Nowadays though most find tourists offer a bigger fish to catch, and, althoughit is said that the town was the last place in Britain to suffer a foreigninvasion, today the marauding hordes come complete with cameras, suitcases andhiking boots.

Delightfully located in southwest Wales,and part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, thesmall town sits as the centrepiece of an outstanding blend of the naturalmajesty of the sea, the dramatic brooding presence of cliffs, the beauty of thenearby Preseli Hills and the mysterious shadows cast by the Gwaun Valley.

This part of Wales is a real paradise for exploringbeguiling landscapes and spotting enchanting wildlife. Ramsey Island is abirdwatchers paradise and awaits you just off the headland, marooned amidst rockyislets and reefs. Boat trips can take you to spot seals, dolphins and, if youare lucky, whales. There are plenty of opportunities to cast your line andspend the day course or sea fishing, to enjoy the local golf courses or to takethe plunge and explore the underwater wrecks scuba diving. Kayaking, surfing,sailing and jet boat trips can help you enjoy the waters too.

Back on dry land you can take a relaxing strollalong Marine Walk, following the coast around tothe Lower Town and taking in the great views over the old harbour and furtheralong the coast to Dinas Head. On Market Square sits the Town Hall which hostsa snooper’s market on Thursday and a farmer’s market on Saturday. Pop inside toadmire Fishguard’s own ‘Bayeux Tapestry’ which wascommissioned in 1997 to tell the story of the failed Fishguardinvasion.

Nearby you’ll find water mills, woollen mills IronAge forts and an eco-friendly arts and crafts centre, Oriel y Parc, brimmingwith activities for young and old alike.

And, of course, there are regular ferries across toIreland, leaving from Goodwick just a mile down the road and pulling into Rosslareover the water. But you’ll find it impossible to leave here once you’vearrived.

Enjoy your break.