Narberth

Railway trains still pull into the old station here twice daily, bringing visitors to a market town that's managed to keep its soul intact while quietly becoming Pembrokeshire's most foodie destination. Narberth sits in a gentle valley surrounded by ancient woodlands - Plas Wood, Teglyn Wood, and The Rookery creating a proper green belt around this compact settlement.

Wilson Museum tells the town's story well enough, housed in a Victorian building that once served as the courthouse. The real draw these days is the independent shops and cafes lining the High Street, though you'll want to peek at the remains of Narberth Castle too - not much left but the earthworks give you a sense of how this Norman stronghold once commanded the valley.

Oriel Q brings contemporary art to the town centre, hosting exhibitions that often surprise visitors expecting typical rural fare. For a round of golf, Heron's Brook offers decent greens just outside town, while Swim Narberth keeps the community pool tradition alive with proper opening hours.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the train from Swansea takes just over an hour, or it's a 20-minute drive from Haverfordwest if you're coming by car. The surrounding countryside rolls gently towards the Preseli Hills to the north and the coast lies 15 minutes south.

Staying at one of the holiday parks nearby makes perfect sense. You're ideally placed for day trips to Tenby's beaches, Pembroke's castle, or the dramatic coastline around St David's, while returning each evening to a quieter base with proper walking country right on your doorstep.