The wild and rugged Pembrokeshire coast is a must-see destination if you’re a keen stargazer looking for the UK’s top dark-sky viewing spots.
Here, in this beautiful corner of Wales, it’s possible for you to see the spectacle of the Milky Way or the constellations such as Orion with your naked eye.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has been working with the National Trust to create a string of Dark Sky Discovery Sites. The county’s eight nationally recognised locations include Garn Fawr National Trust car park, near Strumble Head, and Newgale beach.
These special places have been singled out as great and accessible spots where you can savour clear views of the night sky.
The national park’s location at the south west tip of Wales means it’s perfectly placed for avoiding light pollution. And you don’t need to be an astronomer to admire the stars above, simply wrap up warm and look up.
Holiday cottages for dark-sky views
If you’re planning a trip to discover the wonders of Pembrokeshire’s dark skies, we have a range of cosy coastal cottages that will put you at the heart of this stargazing paradise.
Our dark-skies holiday accommodation is located off the beaten track in North Pembrokeshire, where you’ll find clear skies to indulge your passion for astronomy or astrophotography.
These self-catering properties are within easy reach of Garn Fawr, Newgale beach, and the county’s other Dark Sky Discovery Sites, including Sychpant picnic site, and Broad Haven.
May Cottage, near St Davids
Situated in a rural location two miles from St Davids, May Cottage is the ideal place for staying up late to gaze at the stars.
The beautiful three-bedroom property, in the tranquil Pembrokeshire countryside, is the only holiday home on grade II-listed Hendre Farm.
Although no longer a working farm, Hendre is still used for crops and animal grazing. Wildlife such as foxes, badgers and kestrels are plentiful, and you may even get the chance to meet the farm’s resident barn owl.
A star cluster image taken at May Cottage, Pembrokeshire, by John Hodder, while on holiday with St Brides Bay Cottages
Tŷ Blawd, Pwllderi
Tŷ Blawd is a gorgeous barn conversion on a smallholding above Pwllderi, offering you the twin benefits of a coastal and rural location.
To take full advantage of the impressive sea and night-sky views, Tŷ Blawd has been designed in reverse, with its living space all on the first floor.
Sit back and relax in the comfy sitting room with its large picture window, through which you can admire the celestial sights after dark – along with the seascape towards Strumble Head and St Davids Head.
The cottage also offers uninterrupted views of Garn Fawr, a rocky volcanic outcrop that is one of the UK’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
Strumble Lodge, near Porthgain
Enjoy a taste of Scandinavia in the Pembrokeshire countryside with a relaxing and rejuvenating break at Strumble Lodge.
Made from Norwegian logs, the idyllic log cabin sits in an elevated position in the peaceful Felindre development, near the fishing village of Porthgain.
Situated in a quiet, secluded valley, Strumble Lodge lets you get closer to nature. The three-bedroom holiday home boasts views towards Strumble Head.
Melin Llanrhian, near Porthgain
Located on the edge of the peaceful hamlet of Llanrhian, Melin Llanrhian is a stone watermill that has been tastefully renovated to create a gorgeous holiday cottage.
Dating from the 19th century, the five-star property promises you a relaxing rural getaway, within easy reach of the Pembrokeshire coast.
Sleeping six in three bedrooms, this rural idyll – near Porthgain – features two wood-burning stoves, and an attractive sunroom situated over the waterwheel.
Ty Rhosyn, near Newgale
This three-bedroom holiday cottage sits in a rural location in the quiet hamlet of Penycwm. The modern, comfortably furnished property is within walking distance of Newgale beach, one of Pembrokeshire’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
Ty Rhosyn is near a track that joins the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and leads down to the secluded cove of Penycwm beach, which at low tide links to the long stretch of golden sand at Newgale. But be careful not to get cut off by the incoming tide.
Sŵn y Morloi, Pwllderi
Get away from it all at Sŵn y Morloi, a cosy one-bedroom cottage overlooking the cliffs at Pwllderi. The spectacular sunsets, dramatic sea views, and night sky displays are reason alone to book a stay at this romantic retreat.
The result of a barn conversion, Sŵn y Morloi sits on a smallholding, and is just a short walk from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
The delightful self-catering cottage is also near Garn Fawr, which is known for its excellent dark sky viewing to the south, as far as the eye can see.
Glowty’r Felin, near Porthgain
If you’re looking for authentic rural charm, combined with home comforts, Glowty’r Felin ticks all the boxes. This grade II-listed former cowshed has been carefully restored and cleverly converted into a cosy, five-star holiday cottage.
With whitewashed walls, beams, wood flooring and a log burner, Glowty’r Felin offers you an idyllic one-bedroom retreat in the quiet hamlet of Llanrhian, near Porthgain.
Bwthyn-y-Melinydd, near Porthgain
Once the home of the local miller, Bwthyn-y-Melinydd is a 200-year-old traditional stone cottage that has been lovingly renovated and extended.
Situated in Llanrhian, near Porthgain, the pretty two-bedroom holiday home offers you a peaceful, relaxing base, a short walk from the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast.
Inside, traditional features include a beamed ceiling, exposed stone walls and slate floors. Plus, you’ll find it snug all year round, thanks to oil central heating and a wood-burning stove.
The eight Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Pembrokeshire:
- Broadhaven South National Trust car park (SA71 5DZ)
- Garn Fawr National Trust car park (SA64 OJJ)
- Kete National Trust car park (SA62 3RR)
- Martin’s Haven National Trust car park (SA62 3BJ)
- Newgale Beach National Park car park (SA62 6BD)
- Poppit Sands National Park car park (SA43 3LN)
- Skrinkle Haven National Park car park (SA70 7SD)
- Sychpant National Park picnic site (SA65 9UA)
It’s recommended that you visit these locations as part of a group because it’s safer – and more fun. For access information and top stargazing and safety tips, visit the Dark Sky Discovery website.
Book your stargazing break with St Brides Bay Cottages
Your dark-sky adventure is just a phone call or email away. Call us today on 01437 720027 or email: to book your holiday cottage or find out more.
