Things to do in West Wales

hort films and displays of actual material from the period help bring to life the time when everyone had to carry a gas mask and identity card. You’ll experience the sights and sounds of an air raid, sitting in a bomb shelter. See some of the everyday foods and groceries that were available during the war - could you survive on a typical week’s rations? Open almost every day, with a gift shop and cafe, this is a fun and interesting visit for the whole family in all weather. Check our website for upcoming events.

olly Tale', and create their own guide to making and using woollen cloth, trying their hand at carding, spinning and sewing along the way. A tour of the museum will guide you through the process from shearing to spinning and weaving, and the manufacturing of woollen products at the site's commercial woollen mill, Melin Teifi.

tweeds for local farmers who would bring their fleeces to the mill. It is the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire and now the only remaining mill in Wales producing flat weave flooring. The mill has a long-established reputation for the production of high quality carpets and floor rugs. Today these traditional flat weave floorings and also honeycomb throws are woven using skills from the past to create stylish interior designs for today. They combine simplicity with durability, using natural fibres to weave classic designs with a contemporary twist. Solva Woollen Mill celebrated its centenary anniversary in 2007 and to commemorate it, the original 10ft overshot water wheel was refurbished. Silent since 1949 when it was last used to power the looms before being replaced in preference for a more modern source of power, it was given a new lease of life by Tom Grime,the present owner. A seating area was also created to relax beside the waterwheel and enjoy a leisurely break with views along the valley and refreshments from the waterwheel tearoom. The mill shop stocks our own beautifully designed floor rugs, carpets and throws and also has stylish woollen bags and accessories, clothing and jewellery. There is a bespoke service available to those who would like to create their own individual designs. We have on display several paintings and prints from the local artist, illustrator and children's book author Jackie Morris. We sell signed copies of her haunting tale The Seal Children. As the story is set in Pembrokeshire, you can actually visit the old ruined village featured. For further details please visit her website at www.jackiemorris.co.uk. The tearoom offers locally baked sponge cakes, bara brith and welsh cakes. Solva Woollen Mill is in the Pembrokeshire National Park and is an easy 1 mile walk along the beautiful valley from Solva, 5 miles from the cathedral city of St Davids and a short distance from fantastic beaches, coastal footpaths and is also on the national cycle route. Visiting us is an opportunity to get away from it all - so why don’t you try it? You can find Solva Woollen Mill either off the A487 Haverfordwest – St Davids road or the A487 St. David’s - Fishguard road – just follow the tourist information signs. Entrance and parking is free; we are open all year round. Our mill shop and tea room are open 5 days a week, Monday - Friday 9.30 – 5.30pm, all year and also Saturday 9.30 – 5.30pm and Sunday 2pm – 5.30pm from the end of July until September. Solva Woollen Mill nestling beside the River Solfach is a place of peace and contentment, an opportunity to experience the traditions of the past- we think it’s a special place to visit and hope you’ll call to see us soon.

atch out for giants, bears and spooks! There is even a beach, but beware of the sharks! Have a chat with the animals around the park. Watch the children laughing and playing in the numerous large play areas which include giant tube tunnel slides. Children of all ages will have lots of fun on the pedal go-karts and the covered tractor track. There is even an undercover play area for those wet days. Try your hand at Frizbee Golf, great fun for all ages. Enjoy a picnic on the decking area or around the park. How about a tasty jacket potato and a mug of tea at the Old Loft café? Relax and watch the abundance of natural wildlife by the ponds with the ducks and fish. A fun healthy environment, come to Clerkenhill for a memorable visit! Plenty of indoor fun for those wet days! Adventure Farm & Frizbee Golf now all in one price: Adults £6.95 Children and Seniors £5.95 Children 2 years old or under - Free Group discounts available and parties welcome. Frizbees supplied on returnable deposit or bring your own. Opening Times: Open daily from Easter until 31 September, 10am to 5pm. Also open every weekend in October including half-term.

ay, the Talyllyn Railway celebrated 60 years of preservation in 2011. Built on a gauge of 2 feet 3 inches, the Talyllyn Railway is one of a number of narrow-gauge lines in north and mid Wales built in the 19th century to carry slate. Opened in 1865, the line runs the seven and a quarter miles from Tywyn (on the Cardigan Bay coast) to Nant Gwernol, from where a series of horse-drawn tramways continued into the mountains. The slate traffic ceased in 1946 following a serious rock fall in the quarry. The line still retains its Victorian charm and friendly atmosphere and passengers still enjoy a leisurely journey through superb scenery in well polished trains reflecting the pride that railways used to display. We hope you will come and visit our historic, steam-operated railway and enjoy meeting the friendly volunteer staff. The line runs for seven and a quarter miles (11.8 km) through the beautiful and unchanging Fathew valley. Throughout the year we run special events so please take a look at our events page. Our Santa Specials are a treat for all the family and a taste of Christmas past.

business. Located inside a converted chapel the play equipment makes full use of the space available to it, and split over 5 levels and 3 different zones it will keep the children entertained whilst you enjoy a drink from the cafe or the licensed family bar which has been awarded a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating. The restaurant serves a varied menu with all meals cooked fresh to order and at reasonable prices. Whether it be the homemade chicken curry, or the ice cream sundae you are sure to find something on the menu to tempt you! So whether you fancy a filling meal or a light snack make sure you give us a try. Open all year round Ocean Commotion provides the perfect escape from the elements, be it the summer sun or the cold in the winter!! We look forward to welcoming you and your family at Ocean Commotion soon!

to the standard gauge railway at Machynlleth, in western Montgomeryshire. In 1878 the line was acquired by a London company, Imperial Tramways Ltd, and three steam locomotives and ten purpose-built passenger carriages were introduced. For the rest of the nineteenth century the Railway was very prosperous, developing substantial tourist traffic. The twentieth century brought with it a decline in the slate industry, followed by increasing competition from road transport. The line continued in use for goods only until 1948, when it became one of the first to be closed by the newly-nationalised British Railways. Passenger services will be steam-hauled whenever possible, but this cannot be guaranteed. Please phone on the day to check which locomotive will be operating. Model Railway and Toy Exhibition: August Bank Holiday - 27th, 28th and 29th. The location of the Exhibition will once again be Corris School, immediately adjacent to the revived section of the Corris Railway and the Society’s Museum and Shop. Much local interest is likely to focus on a 009 scale layout that depicts the overall-roofed Corris Station as it was in the 1930’s, a scene that the present revival hopes to partially emulate in the future as the Railway looks to expand the length and scope of its operations. Supporting all the layouts will be Trade Stands plus sellers of railway ephemera and books, plus one of the most popular attractions at the show in recent years, Kate Packham’s hand craft glass jewellery and ornaments. Trains will operate on the adjacent Corris Railway with the first departure at 11.00 am and the last at 4.00 pm. Corris Train passengers will be able to obtain discounted admission to the Exhibition and similarly Exhibition visitors will travel at reduced rates on the trains. Opening times are from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm and entrance fees are £2.50 for adults, £2.00 for senior citizens, £1.00 for children and £6.00 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. September 3rd-4th Musicians taking part in the Open Mic sessions at the Corris Music Festival will be able to enjoy a free journey on the re-opened section of the narrow gauge Corris Railway from the village station. The only condition is that they perform a couple of songs or tunes at Corris station before the train sets off. The Festival as a whole takes place over the 4 days September 1st to 4th and is held in a number of venues around the Corris area including the Braich Goch Inn and Bunkhouse, the Corris Institute, and the Tafarn Dwynant. The musical policy embraces all styles, both vocal and instrumental and all are welcome.

for the October half term only (from 22nd October). Please phone for details. The Creative Café Narberth is situated in the beautiful and popular market town, which is well-known for being a centre for artists and food producers throughout West Wales. Alternatively, come and paint in The Creative Café Haverfordwest in the beautifully restored Georgian Grade II listed building, situated in the centre of our historic county town in the shadow of the castle. Enjoy spending time with your family or friends in a fun and relaxing atmosphere at one of our studios where we encourage the artist in everyone. There are plenty of ideas - books, stencils, stamps and sponges are all available to help you on your way. Our staff is always happy to help and some are artists in their own right, so expert help is always near at hand. We've got hundreds of items for you to choose from... everything from mugs and plates to monsters and fairies... we’ve got it all! The Café serves delicious home baked cakes, fresh baguettes, sandwiches, teas and coffees - plenty of choice to keep you going while you're hard at work. Opening times: Narberth - 7 days a week 10.00am - 5.00pm; Haverfordwest - Mon - Sat 10.00am - 5.00pm (Sundays - parties by arrangement); St Davids - Open for Oct half-term (from Oct 22nd).

d school room has been created, featuring 150-year-old desks from the original school at nearby Cenarth, together with many other evocative items. There are displays of metal and tinplate toys, railways and locomotives and the ‘Siop Deganau’ featuring Welsh-made toys. Take a stroll down memory lane, see toys from your past, relax in the tea-room or browse in the souvenir shop.

wn crafts; drop in to paint pottery, dip candles and to mix herbals or book a workshop to craft a piece of rustic furniture or to make designer cards and gift bags.

staurant serving delicious food - there is serious eating to be enjoyed here! by the fire in the café, in the spacious conservatory or outside in the courtyard overlooking the harbour. The menu at The Hive focuses on the rich and varied supply of freshly caught fish and shellfish including oysters, mackerel, sardines, lobster and crab. Apart from seafood, there is a range of other mouth-watering dishes to choose from. The Hive menu has an innovative, fresh Mediterranean characteristic, where the finest produce, sourced locally where possible, is paramount. Set in such a beautiful location there is little more enjoyable than sitting watching the sun setting over the harbour sipping a cool drink…… Alternatively, sitting cosily around the fire with a warming coffee! The Hive has been the home of Hive Honey Ice Cream for 40 years, now widely known for its unique flavour and quality. It is sold in a huge selection of flavours which change daily; melon and ginger, mango, raspberry, gooseberry and elderflower and many others, available to take away as well. Soya ice cream is also available and comes in chocolate and fruit flavours for diabetics and those avoiding dairy products. Honey Yoghurt Ices such as coconut, banana, passion fruit or pistachio are always on offer and are a very low fat alternative to Honey Ice Cream and particularly refreshing. Opening times: Brunch 9am - 12pm Afternoon Teas Lunch 12pm - 3pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm The Fishmonger at The Hive is open all year round and displays a fantastic display of quality, fresh fish and shell fish, supplying Cardigan Bay crab, lobster, mackerel, bream and bass when available. Open from 10am - 4.30pm, Wednesday – Saturday, Tel. 01545 570599.

928 Austin 7, early radio and bicycle shops. Lamp collections, photographs, posters and enamel signs are displayed to enhance the period in which the bicycles are set. The exhibition hall contains displays on past racing stars such as Tom Simpson, Bill Bradley, winner of the Milk Race in 1959/60; Billie Dovey, the keep fit lady of the 1930s who rode just under 30,000 miles in one year; Barry Clarke, National Mountain Bike Champion of 1996; and George Nightingale, who rode the 25-mile in under an hour in 1938, to name but a few. The are approximately 250 machines on display within the 6,000 square feet of floor space at any one time, with a similar number held in the reserve collection. Special themed exhibitions are always on display. The collection houses an impressive selection of tandems and trikes. The display dates back as far as the 1840s with a wooden tricycle using a push-pull action. Tandems held by the collection begin with an 1890s Star, manufactured by Star of Wolverhampton. The collection contains a number of tandem trikes: of special interest are a Quadrant tandem trike dated to the early 1880s, a Phillips Duplex trike - one of only two in the UK - and an Olympic tandem tricycle circa 1890s. Our collection has to be regarded as a "must" for the tricycle specialist. You will discover this to be one of the most comprehensive cycle collections in Great Britain. Old photographs and prints add further interest to the displays.

into a unique collection of traditional welsh spoons. A warm welcome is extended to all who wish to experience this Welsh tradition still alive and practised today in Pembrokeshire. Open All Year Round: Monday to Fri 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Admission is Free Free Parking

since 1912 it now employs around 25 people. Today traditional Welsh double cloth weaves are transformed with beautiful colour and innovative design. Simple in spirit, satisfying in quality and timeless in design our woollens can be found in hip hotels and design-led stores worldwide, and on television and film. You won’t find us on the High Street but you can buy from our mill shop or order direct from our catalogue and you can view the latest products on our website. We like to make things that are useful and beautiful to look at. We stock simple stylish clothing, accessories and bags, blankets, throws and cushions – all made in our own unique fabrics, together with other carefully chosen Welsh gifts, clothes and accessories. Why not come and see for yourselves. You can find Melin Tregwynt off the A487 Fishguard - St. David’s road. Entrance is free, we are open all year round, and you can see the mill working from 9.00am – 4.30pm Mon-Friday. Our mill shop and coffee shop are open 7 days. The coffee shop offers light lunches, locally baked sponge cakes, bara brith, welsh cakes and good Cappuccino coffee! The shop also stocks local farm produce for a real taste of Wales. Tregwynt is in the Pembrokeshire National Park and there are spectacular beaches, cliffs and coastal footpaths all within five minutes easy walk from the Mill. If you can’t make it to the mill, there is a mail order service: please ring 01348 891 644. For trade enquiries please ring 00-44-1348 891 225 or fax on 00-441-348 694 We think that Tregwynt is something special and we hope that you will too.

e family (children over 8 years old). Lots of noisy hammering will ensure that everyone has a great time while learning a traditional skill. Please contact us for details as booking is essential. Occasionally, in the summer season, we run 'one day courses' where the focus is on 'traditional' leatherworking, with all the preparation and stitching done by hand. Working at a gentle pace and in a peaceful and relaxing space, we provide a comfortable environment. Small group tuition enables you to make the most of your leatherwork experience. Our studio is based in the Old Chapel in Penffordd, near Narberth.

ss, then we are happy to give you our time. We are totally self-taught, for which we make no apologies, making each piece by hand with no casting involved. As husband and wife we have been designing and hand making jewellery for over 30 years, constantly experimenting and exploring new techniques, so that our jewellery is varied and contemporary. It is our love of nature, and our surroundings in particular, that provide the main inspiration for our work. In West Wales we are lucky to have both wonderful countryside and spectacular coastal scenery on our doorstep, offering endless ideas for design. The fascinating textures of organic forms and fluid rhythms of the sea and rivers constantly fuel our enthusiasm for creating jewellery in silver and gold. Designs taken from tree forms, leaves and wild flowers also feature regularly in our collections, portrayed in a contemporary style as well as more abstract themes. Attention to detail and high quality workmanship are important to us so that the finished pieces we offer our customers have true worth - something we are proud of. We aim to make our work with a contemporary look but with a timeless feel so that it will be treasured by its owner for many years to come. There is so much mass-produced jewellery on the market that we like to offer our customers something different. We hope you will pay us a visit next time you are looking for something special. Please see our website for opening times and directions.

leaf in the polytunnel. My love of crows, ravens and raptors is often recognised in the larger panels. Most of the jewellery comes from my exploration of layering and cutting. A pre-fused panel is created by layering the glass and fusing it slowly in the kiln. Individual, unique pieces are cut from this, each capturing a fragment of the whole, a microcosm from a macrocosm. I like to create a sense of depth in each piece, much as you can look into a pond and see each strata of life unfolding. Lustring and engraving often add to this layering. When customers visit my studio gallery in Carmarthenshire I want them to fall in love with colour and sparkle all over again, like we did in childhood, and to let loose their inner magpie. Gallery open Easter to the end September Tuesday to Wednesday, 10 - 5. My work can also be seen at Origin Dyfed in Carmarthen and Crafts Alive in Llandeilo – see website for full list of galleries.

dren`s toys and books, clocks, photographs and china. Visitors also have full access to 12 acres of landscaped gardens including a lake and waterfall, walled garden, lawns, terraces and woodland walks. Tours are fully guided and must be pre-booked by phoning 01597 851727. Tours cost £16.00pp adults and £5.00pp for children up to age 12. We would offer a discount of £12.00pp for adults with the holiday cottage voucher.

athers, why not come and make your own special souvenir of your holiday in Wales? We have a stock of over 60 different pieces you can select from and are continually adding new items. It takes two or three days to complete the finished piece but I can do that and post it to you at home if necessary. Come along to our friendly and welcoming studio to find out more or give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer your questions. A note from a previous visitor to Blue Island Ceramics: ‘Thank you so very much! As visitors to Wales, on holiday from London we could not have asked for a more enjoyable afternoon. There was plently of choice, friendly artistic advice and tips and creative encouragment extended to all the family. A truly lovely, professional and warm environment and our final products were carefully wrapped and posted to our door! If we visit Wales again, we shall definitely be returning! Thank you.’ Alternative phone number: 07540384309

r busy lives, we may pass by, un-noticed. Although Diane has been painting since early childhood as a hobby, her career as an artist did not begin until after her fifth child had begun school in 1999, when she enrolled at Preseli school in Crymych on the lifelong learning scheme as a means of improving her skills, which after having five children had not been used to their full potential for several years. By the year 2001, Diane’s paintings were proving to be popular and so she decided to devote all her time to her art and so became self employed as an artist. In 2002, Diane joined the Cardigan open Studio’s scheme that invites members of the public to visit local artists to their studios, which then inspired Diane to open her home studio throughout the year. Her present studio/gallery was opened in 2007 and is now open to visitors all year round. Diane Mathias also exhibits in local galleries, including Origin Dyfed and the Lounge Gallery at the Waverley in Carmarthen, Pendre Art, Cardigan, Gwilym C Price Son & Daughters, Lampeter and the Victoria Fearn Gallery in Rhwbina, Cardiff, as well as local shows and solo exhibitions.