Iron Man Wales

Well what a weekend last weekend was, Iron Man Wales surpassed everyone’s expectations and Matthew Evans has to be congratulated on his triumph in bringing this to Pembrokeshire. I live in Tenby and on the Saturday I was down on the North Beach with my grandchildren, 10 year old Amber and 8 year old Charlie who were taking part in Iron Kids Wales. The excitement was palpable and I think everybody was surprised at how many kids wished to take part. In fact they had to have separate heats in all the age groups because of the numbers. Charlie was first, and exerted himself coming 4th in his heat. He was delighted and can’t wait for next year when he has promised to do even better. Amber ran and swam her heart out, but did admit when she finished that she might not do it again. The marshals were tremendous and all credit to them. There was even an Iron Man professional at the end of each heat handing out the medals to the delighted children. What was fantastic was the way in which the spectators cheered and encouraged the children along the course and a great time was had by all. Sunday was spectacular with the Iron Man proper taking place, all day throughout Tenby you could hear the roars of encouragement to the athletes taking part. My family and I wandered round Tenby with Charlie taking great enjoyment from leaning over the barriers for the athletes to “Hi five” as they ran past. Later we had a perfect view of the finishing line on The Esplanade and watched the leaders taking their just acclaim as they ran down the finishing line. From the start this was a perfect opportunity for Pembrokeshire to show the world how beautiful this part of Wales is and how well we can stage multinational events. FBM Holidays were full for the weekend and I had the opportunity to speak to athletes from all parts of the globe as well as Britain who spoke highly of the event and how spectacular the coastline and scenery is in Pembrokeshire. So if you want to be a part of next Years Iron Man, don’t delay and book your self-catering accommodation with the premier agency in West Wales – FBM Holidays.

Summer Holidays in Pembrokeshire

When you think of Pembrokeshire, you immediately think of Tenby and Saundersfoot. But stop - and allow me to introduce some other towns and villages within a 20 mile radius of Tenby that you may not have heard of before.
Penally lies a couple of miles from Tenby and has spectacular views over Tenby's golf course and South Beach, facing towards Caldey Island. The Parish church is well worth a visit and it is rumoured that St Teilo, a contemporary of St David was born here.
Kilgetty and Begelly are intertwined villages about 5 miles from Tenby. St Mary's church in Begelly has the highest tower in the county. Folly farm is a hop skip and a jump away from Begelly and proves to be one of Pembrokeshires premier attractions having won numerous awards. There is a history of coal mining in the area.
Stepaside is very close to Kilgetty and has in Pleasant Valley the ruins of the iron works in a good state of preservation which can be walked around.
Manorbier has a fabulous castle open to the public and is privately owned. This has great views of the beach and surfing is prevalent here.
Narberth is situated about 8 miles from Tenby and is a fantastic example of a small market village. With a large number of exclusive shops available, the shopping is not to be missed. Narberth also has the ruins of a castle on its doorstep.
Haverfordwest is the county town of Pembrokeshire and is around 20 miles from Tenby. Again it possesses good shopping and the ruins of a castle in the middle of the town.
Freshwater East about 8 Miles from Tenby has a spectacular beach and being on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, has many good walks.
Lamphey nearby to Freshwater East has the ruins of the Bishops Palace, a retreat for the clergy from St Davids with fishponds, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens to sweeping parklands for them to enjoy.
Castlemartin is home to the MOD and especially tank training grounds. There are viewing spots around for you to watch the tanks performing battle situations.
Whilst the above are only a few of the towns and villages around, there are many many more for you to visit, such as St Florence, Marltwy, Landshipping, Lawrenny, Llawahaden, Templeton, Carew, Little Haven, Broadhaven and loads more. They all have their own salient features and as Pembrokeshire is full of history spanning stone age dolmens and henges to World War 2 history and beyond coupled with some of the best beaches in Britain and spectacular scenery that is a must for any holidaymaker. Pembrokeshire has it all in buckets and spades. FBM Holidays - the premier self-catering agency in West Wales have properties to rent all over Pembrokeshire, so you are never far from the beach or an inland scenic area. With all the attractions and theme parks also available, why holiday anywhere else? Go to FBM Holidays and take advantage of our special offers for this summer and enjoy a Welsh holiday.

Some Theme Parks in Pembrokeshire

Well ,with the weather so good in this part of the country why not come to Pembrokeshire and visit the many theme parks on offer. There is something for everybody - no matter how old or young you are.

Oakwood has the world famous Megafobia, an exciting wooden roller coaster as well as Speed where you hold tight and get ready for 2000 feet of fast, furious fun. You’ll climb, plunge, roll, twist, turn and loop on super fast orange rails at speeds of up to 95kph. Take the plunge and let Drenched carry you 100 feet up into the air, then drop you at up to 88mph into the pool below. Think that’s as wet as you can get? Try handling the 45 foot splash wave on the bridge! You might have seen a house fly. Even a horse fly. But has anyone seen you fly? Go for it on Vertigo, the skydiver-designed extreme flight experience. There is family fun for all with the treetops coaster, plane crazy, bobsleigh and a pirate ship to name but a few. Small children aren't left out with such attractions as play town rides, bunny rabbit rides, wacky factory and lost kingdom. You don't have to leave the park at all with eateries,changing rooms and all the fun of the park available.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, the top paid-for visitor attraction in Wales and winner of the Best Family Day Out in Pembrokeshire. Located near Tenby in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, Folly Farm offers affordable fun days out for the whole family. With six fun-filled amusement and activity zones, some of which are undercover, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, when you are looking for fun things to do for all the family, whatever the weather, look no further than Folly Farm. Come and see the Jolly Farm animals or ride on the fairground rides in the indoor Funfair. Enjoy the outdoor Adventure Parks and Carousel Woods indoor Adventure Playground. Visit Follywood Country Park and our very own Zoo, which is home to the only giraffes in Wales. A family day out at Folly Farm is fantastic value for money and there is no need to worry about your energy levels as there are plenty of restaurants and food outlets for to pit stop and re-fuel your family.

Manor House Wildlife Park has something for everybody...If you've only got a couple of hours make a beeline for the walkthroughs... We haven't just given our collection a freer lifestyle - we throw you in with them! Start with the Lemur Walkthrough, it's the next best thing to seeing lemurs in the wild in Madagascar. They'll come right up to you. Then head off for the Wallaby Walkthrough - you'll be amazed at how close you can get.The wallabies are friendly - bring your camera, you'll get some wonderful images.If you have a little more time get the kids going on the Wildlife Trail - it's fun and it'll give them an appetite, while you head off to picnic areas to set up the barbie... Don't forget the sausages! - there's nothing like a family meal all together, in the fresh air. Then hang out with Steve and Lisa in The Valley of the Apes. And get fresh will Tommy the Tapir and his new mate Rio.If it's a date you might try the Manor House Cafe - New kitchens, new chef, new menu - the ideal way to start a new romance!

The Dinosaur Park Tenby, Lots to see and do! The family fun lasts all day, including Astra Slide, 18-hole Adventure and Frisbee golf, 4x 4 off-roaders circuit, Super Jumper Trampolines, Diggers, Jungle Climb, Pedal Trucking, Disco boats, Motorised Tractors, Orbiter Cars, Big Game Hunting and more. Dig for your own fossil, identify it and take it home with you. Purpose-built Indoor Adventure Playground for toddlers and bigger kids. Soft play Den- super slides, bif-bash bags, ball pits, crawl tubes and deck climbs. Perfect for Playden and Ride n’Bounce Birthday Parties from £6.50 per child. Check out our Activity Centre Undercover in our dinosaur skeleton building, inter-active and low tech fun and education – something for everyone from toddlers to grannies. Learn and enjoy. Plus Dinosaur Restaurant, Sun Terrace Kiosk and Gift Shop.NEW FOR 2011! The Amazing Bubble Ride Heaps of fun on water in the giant roll ball!

Heatherton World of Activities near Tenby in Pembrokeshire South Wales is open all year and it's one of Wales’ favourite 'All Weather Attractions' with many activities under cover. New April 2011 Craft Shack Cafe plus for the 3 to 10 year olds Water Peddlerz and Driving School. Heatherton country sports theme park caters for all age groups and abilities. So whether you want a relaxing or sports filled activity fun day out, or an adrenalin-fuelled, extreme adventure day, Heatherton has it all as well as special packages for groups and team building events that give you exclusive use of facilities in school term time. Admission to the theme park is free, we operate a credit pass system or pay as you play. This provides unique tailored days for families, individuals, groups and organisations. Adrenalin activities include Paintball, The Tree Tops Trail and Go-Karting, so get physical in our paintball combat zones or swing high up in the trees on our Tree Tops Trail and feel the adrenalin buzz. Relaxing activities include a 2 acre Coarse Fishing lake, where you use your own fishing equipmentand fishing licence a 4 rink Indoor Bowls Centre and an 18-Hole Golf Course. Sports activities include Archery, Baseball, Laser Clays, Golf Driving Range and Pistol Shooting. Why not challenge your friends, colleagues or family? Fun activities include Water Walkers, Adventure Golf, Pembrokeshire Raceway, Bumper Boats, Maize Maze, Indoor Play Area, Giant Puzzle Zone, Sand Pit Diggers, Outdoor Inflatable Zone, Trampolines, Free Outdoor Playzone and Master Blaster. New Play Zone April 2011 Water Peddlerz, Craft Shack Cafe plus Electric Car driving school.

These are just five of the many theme parks available in Pembrokeshire and FBM Holidays have carefully selected self catering properties near each park ready and waiting for you and your family to enjoy a fantastic holiday in Pembrokeshire - so don't delay - book today!

Caldey Island

One place to visit whilst you are in Pembrokeshire is the monastic island of Caldey, situated about three and a half miles off the coast from Tenby. The island is home to a small village, but is best known for its monastery. Boats run regularly from Tenby Harbour or Castle Beach during the summer season. Why should you visit Caldey? This spectacular island has had religious connotations since the Sixth century when a Celtic monastery was founded on the island, and a Benedictine foundation existed from 1136 until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. An Anglican Benedictine community, led by Dom Aelred Carlyle, came in 1906 and built the current abbey. They were received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1913, but left Caldey in 1925 due to financial difficulties and moved to Prinknash Abbey. The Cistercians, who now occupy the abbey, came in 1929 from Scourmont Abbey in Belgium. You can see a sixth century Ogham cross, a Norman chapel, a twelth century church, the lighthouse, built in 1828 and of course the twentieth century monastery. The word "Caldey" comes from the viking name "Keld-Eye" meaning "cold island", but I can assure you that if it's sunny in Tenby, it's glorious on Caldey. There is a spiritual retreat throughout the year, but the principal income for the monks is tourism, with the monks making their own delicous chocolate and also perfume (Their lavender perfume is said to be "simply the best lavender soliflore on earth" by the perfume critic Luca Turin) and aftershave to sell during the Summer months. Caldey is a small island only 1-1/2mile by 1 mile. The monastery and ancient churches combine with the sea air and quiet, beautiful surroungings to create a unique atmosphere of timeless peace. The Lighthouse has spectacular views of the Pembrokeshire coast and beyond from the back of the island and Tenby's beaches are panoramically displayed from the front of the island. This area is well worth a visit and FBM Holidays (the premier self-catering agency in West Wales) are ideally placed to offer you holiday accommodation overlooking this unique Monastery Island. As I write this today, the sun is shining and I'm looking out towards this beautiful restful island, so why not join us here in Pembrokeshire and enjoy the timeless tranquility of Caldey.

Easter Walks in Pembrokeshire

Why not take advantage of the superb walks along the Coastal path of Pembrokeshire this Easter. Stretching from Amroth in the south and around the coast to St Dogmaels in the North, this 186 mile path offers a multitude of varied scenery and walks to suit all ages and abilities. In its entirety the Coast Path represents a formidable physical challenge - its 35,000 feet of ascent and descent is said to be equivalent to climbing Everest — yet it can also be enjoyed in shorter sections, with the small coastal villages strung out along its length offering different hospitality and outlooks. With Pembrokeshire having been settled since Neolithic times, yet completely unspoiled and sparsely populated in places to the hustle and bustle of towns such as Tenby and Saundersfoot where there is so much entertainment. The walks are usually covered from St Dogmaels to Amroth and the stiles and gates have numbers on with number one being near Pen Cemaes. There are a number of ways that you can pass through the towns but the official route is signed with white acorn signs stuck on a brown background, (Rather inconspicuous)green and yellow acorn waymarks, stuck high up onto lamposts and street furniture. You will need to check your map carefully to make sure you leave the town on a road that leads onto the path. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path has something to offer all the year round and many people prefer to walk when it's cooler in spring or autumn, or even on exhilarating winter days. The best time depends very much on you, your interests (see below) and whether you enjoy the busy holiday season or would prefer to come during the quieter months. In summer it can be difficult to find accommodation especially for single nights, so you are advised to book well in advance. The official guidebook recommends a twelve day route (at around 15 miles each day). This is quite a challenging pace day after day, it is worth planning for at least some 10 mile days or spreading the walk over a series of visits. There are many sections that make a good circular or 'there and back' walk. You can make use of the walker buses to walk one way and get the bus back. Elsewhere on the National Park website there are around 200 circular walks with free downloadable maps. Many of these routes are based on the Coast Path. So why go abroad during these uncertain times when you can come to an unspoilt part of Britain and be sure of a warm welcome? FBM Holidays, the premier self-catering agency in West Wales, have many holiday properties along the coastal path just right for you to enjoy a special holiday.

Spring into Summer

What a glorious week we've had in West Wales, the sun has been shining and although the nights have been nippy, it's great to see that Spring has sprung. I can't think of a more overlooked area for holidays than West Wales, there is so much to do and see. We have it all, seas to swim, surf and in fact, any watersport you care to name can be found in West Wales. Historic places throughout the area, from prehistoric sites to imposing castles, with a history of Norman, Flemish and English occupation, just think, the Tudor dynasty started in Pembroke Castle. Theme parks galore to suit every pocket and age, from Folly Farm to Oakwood theme park and everything in between. Inland lakes and mountain ranges, rivers where coracles are still used in fishing. What hobby do you have? Horseriding? Fishing? Coasteering? Sailing? Diving? Cycling? West Wales has it all together with a most agreeable climate. What are you waiting for, if you're looking for a holiday at home, come to West Wales with FBM Holidays , the premier self-catering holiday accommodation agency in West Wales.

What's Happening in Pembrokeshire?

Sunday 11th September 2011 at 7am sees the inaugural Iron Man Competition. This running, biking, cycling competion attracts huge numbers of international as well as home competitors and is a spectacle not to be missed. The swim course is starting from Tenby's beautiful South Beach with ample room for spectators. This is a fabulous setting with the flat beach and the monastic Caldey Island just offshore. The running course consists of 4 loops and starts just outside the historic town walls of Tenby and continues through the picturesque village of Penally before ending on The Esplanade, Tenby overlooking The South Beach. The cycling route takes you through some of Pembrokeshire's most scenic villages and towns and consists of a 2 loop course of 180 kms. Do you fancy taking part? look here - http://www.tri247.com/article_7608.html.

Or why not take a leaf out of my book and leisurely wander round the courses and marvel at the complexities of the courses giving thanks that you're not competing and of course, if you're looking for somewhere to stay, FBM Holidays at http://www.fbmholidays.co.uk have the perfect self catering accommodation throughout Pembrokeshire just for you. So see you in September.