So, you’re staying with us and fancy making the most of our lovely hampers by heading out for a picnic? But where to go?
- Almost any beach, though perhaps not Barafundle (beautiful as it is) unless you’re prepared to carry everything quite a long way across the headland.
- The site of Stackpole Court, on the Stackpole Estate, is quiet, flat and grassy, with a few picnic benches. It’s also very close to their car park (fee payable, but allows you to park in any of the Estate’s car parks for the rest of the day), making it a great option if you’re taking a lot of food or if anyone is in a wheelchair or buggy. Great views down the lily ponds to Eight Arch Bridge.
- Freshwater West is our favourite place for a sunset picnic or bbq, but wrap up well against any wind. Park in the smaller, northern car park and head to a sheltered dune. Sunsets are best in the winter when the sun sets further south (sorry). Loos are by the main car park.
- Cresswell Quay has plenty of grassy bank alongside the river to picnic on. At low tide, you can walk across the stepping stones to the other side; at high tide, it’s popular with locals popping upriver by boat for the afternoon or evening. Don’t worry about taking drinks (just food) as the Cresselly Arms is close at hand and well worth a visit in its own right, as it’s missed the sweeping hand of change and remains a wonderfully traditional pub, with a warm welcome and bitter served straight from the jug.
- The car park across the mill pond from Carew Castle has great views of the castle and mill, and you can walk up an appetite on the circular walk (suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs).