WELCOME AND INFORMATION
Welcome to Upper Calffield Studio! We really want you to enjoy
your stay and make the most of every moment so please read this
information.
If you do break anything, please let me know as when the next guests call
to tell me something is broken or missing it affects their enjoyment of their
stay.
If you have any problems with the accommodation please call Sean,
the caretaker, immediately on 07871 634098 so that he can remedy the
situation – otherwise contact me on 07968 028031.
SAFETY ASPECTS and CHILDREN
ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY – WITHYBUSH HOSPITAL
Turn right out of the drive here, right again and follow the road to the end.
You will emerge on the main Fishguard road. Turn right, drive past the
garage and Vincent Davies. Carry onto the roundabout and go straight across – the hospital is on the right after the industrial estate.
AIDS FOR THE ELDERLY
We have a few items which might help – a toilet frame, shower stool and
step so let us know if you need them.
DOCTOR: Winch Lane Surgery 01437 762333
ELECTRIC CARS
We don’t have a charging point for electric cars and I am sorry that we can’t
allow guests to use the domestic electricity supply to charge cars. We have
been informed that this is a safety issue and could invalidate our insurance.
However, we do have charging points in the area and you can find a map of
these at www.zap-map.com/live/
ELECTRICITY
The studio has its own smart meter and readings are taken prior to and
following your stay. Usage exceeding £5 per night may be charged at cost.
For stays longer than 2 weeks with the long stay discount we charge all your
electricity at cost (the studio has its own meter).
FIRE
Please remember this is a no smoking property and candles are not
allowed. If you use additional freestanding heaters, please do not leave
them on at night or when you go out.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FIRST AID KIT
Both can be found in the cupboard under the sink. The Fire extinguisher is
multi purpose so can be used for electrical fires too.
HIGH CHAIR/TRAVEL COT/BABY BATH: please tell us of your needs in
advance. Please note we do not supply cot linen.
SHETLAND PONIES
Our three Shetland ponies are called Tiny (the largest one, female), Ernie and
Dylan, her foals. They are all very good natured and, like all horses, love to
get treats such as a carrot or a piece of apple BUT please don’t give them
more than a carrot a day as if they come to expect it they can get a bit
demanding and nippy. Please ensure that if you feed any horse you
teach children to place the food in the palm of their flat hand! We
also have visiting ponies so please use your common sense and stay
away from them.
If you do go into the field the country code says PLEASE LEAVE THE
GATE SHUT. Also it makes sense to give horses a wide berth –
particularly around the back of them as horses can kick.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDIO
BEDLINEN AND TOWELS
We supply bedlinen, bath and hand towels. We do not supply bedlinen for
the sofabed (unless by special request) or beach towels but if you do forget
beach towels ask Sean if we have any old ones you can use. If you are
staying two weeks, we will change your towels after a week and bedlinen by
arrangement.
Please make sure you wash off any suntan lotion before using sheets and
towels as sometimes we are unable to remove the stains.
Please note we do not provide linen for cots or beach towels but if you do
have a problem ask Sean whether he has any old towels you can use.
BLINDS
Please don’t raise the blinds as they can be temperamental – you can open
and shut them by twisting the rod on the left hand side
BREAKFAST BAR
The folding breakfast bar is sturdy but we know from experience that it
doesn’t cope with heavy weight so please just use it for meals and don’t put a
suitcase or anything on it!
CAMP BED
We can supply a camp bed if you prefer that to using the sofa bed – if so,
please ask well in advance to avoid disappointment. See comments on
bedlinen under sofabed.
CAR PARKING
Please park in the car port provided – if you have a larger vehicle please park
in the lower yard. In winter sometimes there is hay etc in which case once
you have unpacked please park in the lower yard. Don’t park in the courtyard
as it belongs to the main house. Thank you!
DESK
If you are working from the studio and require a desk please let us know and
we will try to accommodate you.
ELECTRICITY
The studio has its own smart meter. Readings are taken prior to and
following your stay and electricity consumption of over £5 a night may be
charged at cost. Guests staying longer term and enjoying the corresponding
discount pay electricity at cost.
ELECTRIC SHOWER
The switch outside the bathroom door must be on for the shower to work – it
is high up on the left
FAN
Please let Sean know if you require one.
GARDEN FURNITURE
The studio does not have its own garden or terrace but there is a picnic table
and BBQ overlooking the fields and paddock for your use – 1 minute walk
away! Just ask Sean. And if you do use the BBQ please clean it afterwards.
HEATER
It is an “intelligent” heater and is meant to keep the studio at the set
temperature – ask Sean if you want it adjusted. If you would like it,
there is an additional electric stove which when lit up is cosy in
winter – the fan heater is operated separately.
HOT WATER
Hot water for the kitchen and bathroom sink is supplied by a tank –
the switch is by the sink. It heats up instantaneously so please don’t
leave it on when you are not in as it’s very expensive.
IRON/IRONING BOARD
If you would like to borrow them please ask Sean.
INTERNET – the network is Studio and the password is Studio123
LAUNDRY
For stays of over two weeks we supply fresh towels weekly and fresh bedlinen
by arrangement. For guests staying longer term with the long term discount
we charge extra for changing bedlinen and towels.
RUBBISH and RECYCLING
The rubbish is collected early on Thursdays every 3 weeks which is a real
headache. Please put the non recyclable rubbish into the rubbish bags
provided and put the recycling (plastic bottles and cardboard) into the plastic
crate. Please put the black bags into the locker at the entrance to the
property. The dustmen are also a bit mean about taking glass bottles so if
you can take them to the recycling bins in the supermarket that would be
really helpful!
SOFABED
The sofa converts into a bed, suitable for one adult or two children. We don’t
normally supply bedlinen but if you need it let us know. We charge laundry for
the sofabed at cost i.e what the cleaners charge us.
TELEVISION and DVD player provided – we have quite an extensive DVD
library so please ask if you would like to borrow some.
BEACHES AND COASTAL PATHS
The coastal path is magnificent and it is well worth walking part of it e.g.
from Newgale to Solva. There is the Puffin Bus for walkers – check the
timetable.
We have so many wonderful beaches in Pembrokeshire – here are just a few:
BARAFUNDLE BAY
Has been voted one of the top 25 beaches in the world – stunning but a
steep walk to get to it so only for walkers.
BLUE LAGOON (Abereiddi Beach)
Literally, that. Famous for rock diving competitions– but strictly for risk
takers and the tiny little road to get there is horrendously busy in season.
BROADHAVEN
A really beautiful and huge sandy beach – follow the signs to Dale then to
Broadhaven.
DRUIDSTONE BEACH
Only accessible by foot or horseback (see riding leaflet in pack) but beautiful
and the only place where children can spend hours finding Fools Gold (iron
pyrite). It also has a waterfall down the side of the cliff when there has been
rain. Lovely.
FRESHWATER EAST AND WEST
Vast sandy beach with dunes, used to film the Bill Nighy film “Their Finest”
and the scene in Harry Potter where Dobby died – and the Shell House – and
the Robin Hood film with Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchette. There is a
plaque in memory of Dobby which says “Here lies Dobby, a free elf…”
LITTLEHAVEN
A charming village, good pubs and restaurants and a gorgeous sandy beach
when the tide is out. The roads weren’t built for cars so can be a bit of an
obstacle course in season.
MANORBIER
Manorbier Beach is gorgeous and you can combine with visiting Manorbier
Castle.
MARLOES
A truly spectacular sandy beach with views of Skomer Island. You park in the
National Trust carpark then it’s a 15 to 20 minute walk down to the beach.
It’s well worth the walk but it’s not for the infirm. And take a picnic – though
there is also a little café near the car park.
NEWGALE
Newgale is probably the nearest beach, only 15 minutes drive. When the tide
is out it is an immense stretch of sand so impossible to get crowded. Please
note that from the main car park there is a pebble area to walk over before
you get to the sand – so it’s difficult for older people! Easiest way to get
there is on the St Davids Road from Haverfordwest. There is a quicker and
more scenic route if you turn right out of the house then left into
Camrose itself then left again signposted Roch and Keeston (use sat nav)
NEWPORT BEACH
Great beach and the car park is right next to the beach so good for people
who aren’t very mobile.
SAUNDERSFOOT
Lovely beach, used to be a fishing village and now very popular for boating.
Can be very difficult to park in the summer!
TENBY
Very popular since Victorian times, a great holiday spot with a very attractive
front. Three beaches, plenty of shops and restaurants. The smaller beaches
can be a bit over run in season. You can do boat trips to Caldey Island from
there. The centre is pedestrian only in summer.
WHITESANDS BEACH
Follow the signs from St Davids. A gorgeous beach but the approach road (a
small lane) can get busy in season.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
ALPACAS
If you like alpacas there is an alpaca farm and visitors centre near Newgale
Sweet Home Alpaca 07367 219738.
BOAT TRIPS
There are some marvellous boat trips out to the islands in season. Ramsey
and Skomer are a must for seals and puffins. May and June are the best
time. There are also trips to Caldey Island (monastery) from Tenby. There
are many different options but go to www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk to see
a range. Skomer day trips (see the puffins in breeding season – late
May/June) depart from Martin’s Haven near Marloes (telephone
01646 603109/603110). For the Thousand Islands expedition going to
Ramsey Island see www.thousandislands.co.uk 01437 721721/721686 The
RSPB allow a limited number of visitors to visit Ramsey Island each year. If
you would like to do that you will need to book in advance.
CARN MEINI
In the Preselli Mountains where the blue stones came from for Stonehenge.
There is a fantastic view from the rocky outcrop from which they were taken
and when the stones are chipped they are clearly blue. Recent architectural
excavations have revealed that this was the original site of Stonehenge and
that all the stones were moved – the subject of a recent BBC programme.
CASTLES
This part of Wales has a wealth of castles – for me, Pembroke Castle where
Henry VII was born is the most impressive. Picton Castle is worth a visit to
look around the house and the beautiful gardens. Carew Castle has a lovely
circular walk around it – and see comments about the Cresselly Arms.
Manorbier is another wonderful Norman castle.
CATHEDRAL
Even if you are not religious St David’s Cathedral is worth a look, it is so
incongruous to see a magnificent cathedral in such a small village (sorry,
city!). Thanks to the cathedral St David’s is the smallest city in the UK. It
has the body of St David, the patron saint of Wales.
CHURCH
Sunday services are held at the church in Camrose village (please check sign
for times) and also at St David’s Cathedral which is very splendid with
wonderful music.
CINEMA
Palace Cinema, Haverfordwest 01437 767675
Torch Cinema Milford Haven 01646 695267
CYCLING
Llys-y-Fran Cycle Trail
Llys-y-Fran is a 350 acre country park set in Pembrokeshire; the main focus
of the park is a reservoir and 100 ft high dam. There is a family trail (1.5
miles) and a more challenging mountain bike trail (6.5 miles). Cycles can be
hired from the visitor centre and permits are available at £1 per bike.
DOG WALKING
We don’t normally allow dogs in the barn after a bad experience with the
wood flooring but we sometimes make exceptions for repeat visitors with
small dogs.
The beaches in Pembrokeshire are vast and there is lots of space for dog
walking – even though many have restricted areas in season e.g. Newgale
and Whitesands.
Plumstone Mountain is great for dog walking (see next page) and you could
walk your dog in the field by the river – as you walk over the bridge coming
from Upper Calffield you will see that there are steps down to the field on the
left.
DYLAN THOMAS
A visit to Laugharne is well worthwhile for fans of Dylan Thomas. You can
see the boat house where he is said to have written Under Milk Wood. There
are some great pubs and restaurants in the town too.
FISHING Sea fishing trips are available from St Davids – go to
www.bluesharkuk.com (01437 721721)
PAA Fishing permits are required for Western and Eastern Cleddau. All waters
of the Pembrokeshire Anglers Association are available to visiting anglers on
daily or weekly permits. These visiting permits along with excellent advice
about when and where to fish, can be obtained from County Sports, 3 Old
Bridge, Haverfordwest SA61 2EZ (tel: 01437 763740)
FOLLY FARM – younger children absolutely love it! Much more than just
farm animals, they have lions and monkeys etc. as well. They also have an
indoor fun fair. My granddaughter likes the penguins…
GIN TASTING
Cinammon Grove Farm and Distillery has a Gin Barn for tasting but it’s only
open on certain days so please call or book online. Their premium gin won a
Great Taste Award and they do everything from Cucumber and Mint, Orange,
Pepper, Sloe and Vanilla and of course, pink! By appointment only, call 07496
906309.
GO KARTING 01437 769555
West Wales Karting is at the county showground in Haverfordwest – only ten
minutes from the house – ideal in wet weather!
GOLF
Haverfordwest Golf Club accepts day visitors.
HORSERIDING
We recommend the local riding school – Bowlings at Rudbaxton which is only
ten minutes away. They have an indoor arena for novices. 01437 741599
INDOOR PLAY FOR CHILDREN
If it’s bad weather we have Merlin’s indoor playground five minutes away –
by the garage next to Vincent Davies store. Also Hangar 5 for indoor
trampolines on the other side of the road. Hangar 5 is excellent – absolutely
massive, my grandkids love it. See details overleaf.
PLUMSTONE MOUNTAIN
Very atmospheric, rocky outcrop with great views and wild ponies etc. Good
for picnics. Turn right out of the house on the Croesgoch road (B2330) and
drive for about ten minutes – you will pass a sign for Treffgarne on your right
and the road will climb. Slow down and you will see a sign for a bridle path
on your left – you can drive up there to Plumstone Mountain.
SAILING LESSONS
Learn to sail at Dale on the estuary – or go cockling there!
SKATE BOARDING
There is an outdoor skateboarding park in Haverfordwest – by the council
office near the river
SWIMMING POOL/LEISURE CENTRE
If the sea is a little bracing for you Haverfordwest has a good leisure centre
with a pool, sauna, gym and spin bike studio.
Haverfordwest Leisure Centre, St Thomas Green 01437 776676
Out of season you can also buy entrance to Bluestone Leisure Park with a
super pool with lots of water slides etc.
TAXIS – they change all the time but here are some to try:
Preseli Taxis – 24 hours – 01437 764050
Rocky’s Taxis 01437 890891
Hugh’s Taxis 07944 279571
There is also taxi rank at Haverfordwest railway station and one in the centre
of Haverfordwest
THEME PARK: For theme park devotees we have OAKWOOD
www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk
TRAMPOLINING
Hangar 5, 5 minutes away is an old aircraft hangar with a huge variety of
trampolines, a blessing on wet days and fantastic fun for kids and adults
alike. Recommend you book in advance!
Hangar 5: enquiries@hangar5.wales 01437 700555
VETERINARY PRACTICE
The Fenton Veterinary Practice 01437 762806
WILD LAKES SA62 8AB
For wild swimming, wake boarding, bouldering and an aqua park for the
children during the summer holidays only. There is also a café. About 30
minutes away.
SHOPPING and BROWSING
HAVERFORDWEST
The best way to get to Haverfordwest is to turn left out of the drive, past the
pub and carry on a couple of miles till you reach the roundabout. Turn left
then right at the next roundabout. You can park in the car park (turn left at
the bottom of the hill and double back and turn left).
Haverfordwest is an old market town with new shops alongside the river. The
old centre has suffered from the new retail estate (Marks and Spencer, TK
Max, Next, Boots, Homebase etc on the two retail estates next to the
hospital. You can get to this by turning left again at the Morrisons
roundabout, going past the hospital and then turning left). There are still
plenty of little shops on the road by the square (on right after bridge).
Vincent Davies is a really good department store opposite the airport – it has
everything from furniture to pets to garden equipment to jewellery and gifts.
Highly recommended for browsing! It also has a cafe with views of the
Preselli Mountains.
Fishguard
A large village but home to the ferry crossings to Ireland – and you can even
do a day trip!
Little Haven
Sweet little seaside village with lovely pubs and good restaurants. See The
Swan Inn.
Narbeth
A charming bohemian village with lots of lovely independent shops to browse.
There is a very popular Spanish tapas bar/delicatessen there – great for lunch.
See Ultra Comida.
Newport
A pretty village with great restaurants and beaches (follow coast beyond
Fishguard)
Neyland Marina – wander amongst the boats and see The Bar at Neyland
Porthgain
This was the centre of slate mining and the harbour was built to export the
slate. There is a lovely walk above Porthgain with great views and you can
see the ruins of the old buildings. Go up the steps at the end of the quai –
and you can walk to the Blue Lagoon. The pub at Porthgain, The Sloop is
unprepossessing from outside but is quaint and cosy inside – and The Shed
does great seafood. It did delicious take away fish and chips during
Lockdown.
Solva
A delightful little fishing village with lovely pubs and a beautiful coastal walk
up the hill to the side of the car park. See 35 Main Street under cafés.
Don’t miss Windows on Wales – looks like a little shop but when you go in,
it’s not!
St Davids (resting place of the patron saint of Wales)
A visit to the cathedral and a walk around the town is a must. There are
also some really good restaurants – including the Cathedral Refectory.
SUPERMARKETS
Haverfordwest is well served for supermarkets with a Morrisons, Tesco Extra,
Aldi and Lidl as well as Wilkinson. Also, a Marks and Spencer food hall for
great ready made food on holiday.
When you get to the first roundabout as described above you will see LIDL (a
brand new huge LIDL!) up the hill on the right but you get to it by taking the
St Davids road. If you turn left instead Morrisons (recommended) is on the
left at the next roundabout. Wilkinsons is on your right.
Aldi is up towards the station and Tesco Extra is at the top of the town. At
the Morrisons roundabout turn right then take the right hand filter into
Haverfordwest. Go up the hill past the library and you will bear left. Turn
right at the traffic lights and that will take you up to Tesco.
BUTCHER
If you want really good meat I recommend Prendergast Butchers (instead of
turning right into Marks and Spencer turn left at the roundabout signposted
Prendergast). Great quality and locally sourced. Won Best Butcher in Wales
award.
EATING OUT
If you visit any of the places below please let me know your
experiences (good or bad) so I can update the pack.
CAFES
35 Main Street, Solva does everything from full meals to cakes to icecream.
It is a sweet café/restaurant by the stream and next to the car park. By day
a café, great for cappuccinos and homemade cake/icecream or for lovely
lunches such as dressed crab and chip, it is also open as a restaurant some
evenings in season.
Sands Café in Newgale does great breakfasts and cakes.
Mamgu Welshcakes in Solva – has a wide range of different flavour
Welshcakes and good coffee so a must if you are a fan of Welshcakes.
I have had glowing reports about the café above Marloes beach – apparently
it has great views and good food.
There are some good cafes in Haverfordwest itself – when you turn right into
the high street instead of going up the hill, turn left into Quay street and
there are a couple.
Ocean at Broadhaven has a café part (with great ice-cream!) as well as a
restaurant
Ultra Comida – deli/tapas etc is a very popular lunch spot in Narbeth. Very
highly rated – 01834 861491
The Georges in Haverfordwest does really good lunches – book ahead!
PUBS
Ye Olde Inne opposite is good and welcoming. The new owners are not doing
food so far, though.
The Swan at Littlehaven is a favourite – it’s situated right next to the beach
and is a little gem, in summer or winter. It doesn’t do meals, though, just
delicious snacky bits and pieces.
There are some good pubs in Solva e.g. Harbour Master and The Ship. The
Cambrian is more of a restaurant – see below.
I also like The Sloop in Porthgain – great food and very atmospheric!
01348 831449
The Corner Piece Inn at Rudbaxton – 01437 742185, said to be good for
Sunday lunch
I’ve had good reports about The Rising Sun – about ten minutes away on the
main road between Haverfordwest and Newgale. Good standard pub food.
Book first.
The Glen in Haverfordwest is a good “go to” – it’s large so there are plenty of
tables and the food is decent and good value, especially at lunch.
Tafarn Sinc (the Zinc Tavern) in the Preselli Hills is unique and historic – see
Good Pub Guide (Rosebush SA66 7QU)
The Old Point House, Angle Village is a gastropub owned and run by Jonathan
Williams who is a previous winner of the BBC Food and Farming Awards and
famous for his use of seafood and laverbread (Welsh seaweed).
The Cresselly Arms at Cresswell Quay (near Carew Castle) featured in the Bill
Nighy film Their Finest – interesting because it is a period piece. As a
condition of their lease from the local lord of the manor they have not been
allowed to change it since the 1940s – and they are not allowed to serve
food. It is set on the quayside which has stepping stones over the river –
which children love!
The Carew Inn has glowing reviews and has a beer garden with views of
Carew Castle . 01646 651 267.
The Lost Coins next to the Premier Inn on the roundabout at Haverfordwest
is good for families and it’s a Marstons chain pub so you know what you are
getting.
Stackpole Inn is a charming pub near the coast – and the lighthouse at
Stackpole. Food is more restaurant than pub – book in advance on 01646
672324.
St Bride’s Inn in Littlehaven is a lovely old pub in a very picturesque fishing
village. Good for Sunday lunch. 01437 781266
The Wolfe Inn, Wolfscastle is extremely popular so book in advance, even out
of season. More restaurant than pub. Very good for steaks and for Sunday
lunch. The profiteroles are epic! 01437 741668
RESTAURANTS
The Bar at Neyland Marina gets good reviews especially for its seafood – and
great views so ask for a table by the windows. A word of warning though,
the staircase to go up to it is not suitable for the infirm. You need to book:
01646 602 550
Bella Roma – recently opened Italian restaurant in Haverfordwest, already has
lots of fans.
Blas (means taste in Welsh) at the Twy y Felin hotel near St Davids is upscale,
I’ve heard good reports. Must book in advance. (01437 720404)
The Cambrian at Solva – looks like a pub outside but is a restaurant with a
previous Cwtch chef now in residence. Recommended – again must book in
advance.
If you want somewhere special and are happy to travel (19 miles, about 30
minutes!) Lan Y Mor (meaning on the beach) has taken one of the award
winning chefs from The Grove. Great food, atmosphere and setting. You
absolutely have to book ahead in season 01834 810800
JT at the Abergwaun Hotel in Fishguard recently got a rave review from Gryff
Rhys Jones
The George’s in Haverfordwest is very popular – rather bohemian and I’m told
the food is good, with vegetables from their own allotments. Café rather than
restaurant hours –Tues to Fri 10 am to 5-30 pm and Saturday 10am to 11 pm
so please check and book – telephone 01437 766683
The Grove Hotel at Narbeth is a place that celebs tend to stay when filming in
Pembrokeshire e.g. Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett while filming Robin
Hood and the cast of Harry Potter. They have 2 restaurants, one very upscale
and award winning so not cheap e.g. their “tasting menu”!
For the adventurous The Grub Kitchen which serves normal food as well as
insects (I promise, I’m serious!) is at Lower Harglodd Farm St Davids (SA62
6BX) –open Tuesday to Sunday in the summer holidays. Call first on 07986
698169.
Martha’s Vineyard, Milford Marina at Milford Haven, restaurant and bar on the
waterfront 01646 697083
Newport has got some great places to eat including Llys Meddyg (Doctor’s
Court in English!) offer tremendous food, all locally sourced ,Tides Kitchen and
Wine Bar and The Golden Lion pub. The Canteen does homemade pizzas and
salads.
I like Ocean at Broadhaven – on the front so some tables overlook the beach
and the sea. A good all-rounder as has a café part for coffee, cake, wonderful
icecream and a restaurant with good locally caught fish.
If you like fish The Shed, a seafood bistro and wine bar at Porthgain is
excellent 01348 831518
St David’s Gin and Kitchen – all locally sourced food, the shell fish coming
from the shell fish farms off the coast of St David’s – and their own gin!
The Druidstone Hotel is in a spectacular location on the cliff top with their own
private access down the cliff to Druidstone Beach. The bar is only open to
residents and club members but if they are not too busy they accept bookings
in the restaurant from non residents. Worth a shot!
TAKE – AWAY
If you like seafood and want to treat yourself I recommend Mrs Will the Fish –
fantastic seafood platters (crab and lobster). You order in advance and pick
up from her home in Solva. Wonderful.
Telephone 01437 721571 or message her on Facebook.
FISH AND CHIPS (eat in or take away)
Something’s Cooking, award winning fish and chips at Letterston. I’ve had
excellent reports about the fish and chip shop in Prendergast (take the
turning marked Prendergast at the roundabout near M&S, Next etc
Chinese: Mr Wong in Haverfordwest ( they also do fish and chips) – and
they deliver 01437 760197 and Brothers House in Prendergast 01437 767498
which is the nearest.
Indian – there are lots of Indian restaurants in Haverfordwest. The Taj Mahal
is very good (01437 764573) – I’ve also heard some good reports about Dial
a Curry which does what it says on the tin (01437 765060)