Intro
Laugharne is a tiny cobbled township overlooked by the ruins of a Norman castle, with a little jumble of pubs, cafes and restaurants. Just a short drive from the Pembrokeshire coastline, the nearest large town is Carmarthen, a 15-minute drive away.
Best picnic spot
Grab a picnic blanket from the pantry and head to the grassy area overlooking the estuary at the foot of Laugharne Castle. This peaceful spot is a five-minute walk from Longshore House.
Best beaches
Head along the coast away from Laugharne to Pendine Sands: a toe-scrunchingly sandy stretch and one of the longest beaches in the UK. From there you can drop down onto the pebbles of Amroth beach, and beyond to the golden sands of Saundersfoot Harbour. (Smith tip: for the best harbour views during dinner, book a table at the restaurant in St Brides Hotel (+44 (0)1834 812304) afterwards).
Best walks
Tick ‘Dylan’s Walk’ off your to-do list and visit the famous Boat House where he penned Under Milk Wood. Walk up Victoria Street, past the New Three Mariners pub, and take the right fork along the cliff path. Head down the steps to the Boat House and meander along the shore, under the shadow of Laugharne Castle, then back up through the village.
Shopping
Carmarthen is a 15-minute drive away and has a Tesco Extra on Morpha Lane (Tuesday to Friday: open 24 hours; Saturday: open until 10pm; Sunday: 10am–4pm; Monday: 8am–12am). Enyon’s butchers and delicatessen in St Clears, (a five minute drive away) serves excellent Welsh beef, local cheeses and preserves (Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm; Saturday: 9am–2pm) whilst St Clear’s local farm shop also sells a wide range of local produce. For last-minute provisions, there is a Spar shop on Grist Square in Laugharne. Walk out of the back gate, turn right and it’s in front of you (Monday to Friday: 7am–10pm; Saturday to Sunday: 7am–9pm).
The smell of Spanish chorizo and Welsh cheese hits you in Ultracomida delicatessen and wine merchant in Narberth (a 20-minute drive away). Smith tip: try the smoked salmon and poached egg salad in the wine bar hidden at the back. Meanwhile in Laugharne, Victoria Bakery on Victoria Street (+44 (0)1994 427291) sells bread that was just born to be toasted.
Activities
A concierge service is available Monday to Friday 09h–13h; golf, fishing and horse riding can be organised. For hen weekends, in-house massages and pamper sessions can be arranged. There are also excellent golf courses nearby; Tenby Golf Course is a 30-minute drive away, Derllys Court Golf Course is in nearby Bancyfelin, and Ashburnham course is just outside Llanelli. Coastal boat trips are popular from Tenby and from Milford Haven (an hour’s drive away), and there are plenty of castles to explore: Carew Castle (www.carewcastle.com) near Tenby, and Pembroke Castle (www.pembroke-castle.co.uk) are particularly impressive. Laugharne Castle is open daily 10h–17h.
Smith Tip
Head to the old market town of Narberth, a 20-minute drive away, for a meander around the shoe shops and galleries. While you’re there, try new restaurant The Carreg ('The Stone'), 32 High Street (+44 (0)1834 862 990 – it's causing a bit of a stir. You can have your sirloin steak, shark or scallop of wild mushroom brought to your table and cooked in front of you – on sizzling hot volcanic rocks.
