Let's celebrate!

Next week is our wedding anniversary, five wonderful happy years. I'm a lucky girl!

We have always made an effort to celebrate the day, we don't do gifts, we go away together.

For our first anniversary we went to Dartmouth and stayed in a lovely B&B, made even more memorable by a few little extra touches from the owner. The weather for our second anniversary wasn't so accommodating, so a little reluctantly we went to London for a few days. It was however lovely! Our third anniversary took us to the Isle of Wight, where we stayed in a lovely wooden cabin and the weather was beautiful. Our fourth was different. The woofa arrived 2 days before, so we stayed home and bonded with our new buddy. So now our fifth lies ahead. Planning was a little last minute this year as I couldn't decide where to go. It doesn't help it is bank holiday weekend, and places book up fast. Luckily we have found a beach front house in a little nook on the Isle of Wight. Now I can't wait to sneak away for some time alone with my husband!

One for the kids.

Sometimes I come across places that I know the kids would LOVE to stay. And, we the "adults" would secretly enjoy too.

The Isle of Wight Treehouse is a perfect example. 

Ashford Villa, Tenby

We booked Ashford Villa because it met all of our many requirements, which was a big ask! We always knew it wasn't going to be a contemporary stylish home, the pictures online speak for themselves. So we went with an open mind.

The house was spacious with plenty of room for a family of 8 and woofa, every bedroom had an ensuite. A lovely sheltered patio garden offered the dog outside space, though unfortunately too chilly for us to enjoy, but it was only April. Though by far and away the best thing about the house... location, location, location! Being minutes from shops and a beautiful, clean sandy beach was such a treat. We could wander around together or drift off to shop, rock climb or find a ice cream! The house gave us lots of freedom. Another huge bonus and an essential one with children and oldies - off road parking! Everyone commented how nice it was to leave the car on the drive for most of our holiday.

We did visit during a very cold period, but we all felt the house couldn't quite cope! Even with the heating on full pelt, we still all slept in woollies. We are not a "soft" family, and holiday homes are often too hot for us (we're a little "old school" using woodburners at home!) Thicker duvets and lovely soft woolly blankets would have helped us feel snug and cosy. The addition of fan heaters and small oil radiators throughout may suggest the owners realise this, though even they couldn't help bring warmth to the house. By the end of our stay, the house felt like it was warming up. Perhaps it just needed people to use it.

The decor is a little dated in some rooms (interesting bathrooms!) It was a shame some light fittings were hanging from the ceilings, and light bulbs were broken so one toilet was completely dark!

So all in all, we had a fab holiday with the dog. We will remember the house for offering us a perfect base to explore the area. With a little love we felt the house could be excellent. The house was great value, and we did benefit from a misquoted price online that the company honored, making it even better!

I love this website - Boutique Retreats

Boutique Retreats... me, me, me... I want to stay here please!

The Beach House

Harbourside

The Cabin

The Sea Room at Ropehawn

 

 

 

 

 

Sampling the delights of Pembrokeshire.

We never go far on holiday without stopping for a cup of tea and piece of cake. Or an ice cream. Or a local beer. Luckily, we weren't disappointed on any front.

We enjoyed the vista from Dennis Cafe several times, as they say location, location, location! I have since found a review in a Telegraph article which says "An old-fashioned and unpretentious place with great views over Tenby’s Castle Sands beach. Tea comes in no-frills stainless-steel teapots, condiments in sachets." I agree!

One of our favorite tea rooms is Beach Break Tea Rooms in Manorbier (mentioned in a previous post). So we called in again with my mother, who agreed, they did a superb jacket potato!

We enjoyed a pint in the The Hope and Anchor, on a beautiful clear crisp late afternoon, sitting under an outdoor heater.

Ice cream and fish and chips are mandatory when by the sea, so thanks to Fecci's, we ticked those boxes too.

For our evening meal Elliott's Restaurant was lovely but our favorite meal was Ocean Restaurant. I had the best risotto I have ever tasted and everyone complimented their dish, agreeing it was full of flavor and a perfect portion. I thoroughly recommend calling in if you are in Tenby.

So that nicely rounds up our culinary delights of holiday.  There are plenty we missed, but will try them on our next trip.

Blues skies of Pembrokeshire

Back at home sat by the fire with the dog and really enjoying flicking through my pics. I'll never get bored of taking photographs like this. Lovely memories to keep us going until our next little adventure.

Easter Sunday in Manorbier

Once again the sun came out for us, so with bucket and spade, the dog and all the family we headed to Manorbier. We really like this little place. We rock pooled and paddled even though it was cool, then headed off for warming refreshments at Beach Break Tea Rooms. This place always hits the spot for us, probably due to good memories of a birthday lunch and walk last year. As always excellent food and a warm welcome.