St Brynach's Church

The walk to St Brynach's Church, just outside Newport, rewards you with one of Pembrokeshire's most atmospheric medieval spaces. Built in the 6th century - yes, the 6th - and dedicated to a Welsh saint who apparently sailed here from Ireland, the church sits in a peaceful valley that feels properly removed from the modern world.

Inside, the stonework is genuine and weathered. You'll find a font that's been there since Norman times and a church that's largely escaped the heavy-handed Victorian restoration that's ruined plenty of others. The setting matters as much as the building itself - the surrounding churchyard and the walk through the village to reach it are part of the experience.

It's free to visit and usually open, though the quiet rural location means you should check locally in Newport before making the trip. Allow 45 minutes if you're walking from town, less if you've driven. History types will find this properly absorbing; families with small children might find it a bit of a trek for what's essentially a quiet sit-down.

If you're staying at any of the nearby glamping sites - Trewrach or The Hide are close - this makes for a genuine morning walk that doesn't feel touristy. Combine it with a wander around Newport itself or point towards the Pembrokeshire Coast Path nearby. It's the sort of place that reminds you why people visit Wales rather than just pass through it.