Where to Stay for Long Course Weekend
Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a professional triathlete, or just a sports lover coming to support
Long Course Weekend, the biggest multisport festival in Europe kicks off at the end of June on the west coast of Wales in Pembrokeshire. The ultimate event for athletes of all capabilities, packed with sea views, breathtaking scenic runs and buzzing support. We have listed our top finds for where to stay for Long Course Weekend. Contact Coastal Cottages for information about road closures that may affect your stay.
Monterey, Tenby
If you’re a keen athlete wanting to stay a few nights in Pembrokeshire for Long Course Weekend with the whole family, then look no further than Monterey. Positioned above the popular Tenby North Beach with four spacious bedrooms, Monterey comfortably sleeps eight and boasts panoramic views of the brightly coloured homes that tower over the busy harbour.
This immaculate and spectacular property blends modern luxury with an enviable seaside location. Monterey is perfect for a large family or group of friends looking for a relaxing and conveniently located getaway. Open the French doors to the decked terrace to enjoy a BBQ. A great suntrap to sit watching the world go by on a warm summer's evening whilst soaking up the magnificent sea views.
If you’re an athlete taking part in Long Course Weekend, you’ll be conveniently located near the first event, the 2.4-mile Wales Swim at North Beach. Monterey also has ample space to store your bike for the 112-mile Wales Sportive Cycle. Once you’ve finished The Wales Marathon and smashed all three events, enjoy the hot tub on the split-level terrace where you can completely relax and unwind after taking part in the events whilst enjoying the wonderful views.
The Cottage at Sageston Hall, Sageston
In the heart of the small village of Sageston, you will find The Cottage at Sageston Hall, a superb barn conversion set around a shared courtyard of Sageston Hall. This cosy holiday home is perfectly positioned to explore all of South Pembrokeshire. Great for keen walkers and cyclists, the area abounds in footpaths and cycle tracks just waiting to be explored.
The cottage comfortably sleeps five in two bedrooms. The modern fitted kitchen provides a wonderful light and airy feel throughout with its vaulted ceiling, exposed A-frame beams and wooden floors. In the summer months, open the bi-fold doors to the large enclosed lawned garden where you can dine alfresco with a BBQ while the children play and explore.
Conveniently located, The Cottage at Sageston Hall is right on The Wales Sportive cycle course. If you’re visiting as a supporter, it makes for the perfect watch spot to see the cyclists speeding past. You’ll be delighted with the selection of local pubs nearby, including The Plough Inn within walking distance in Sageston. There’s also The Brewery Inn at Cosheston and in Milton, there is a popular pub as well as a well-stocked village shop and fish and chip shop.
With ample parking, it’s a perfect choice if you’re planning to make a family holiday of the event, being only 10 minutes from Tenby by car. Whether you’re taking part or going to watch at either event, this property makes the ideal base to relax with your family being out of the hustle and bustle of Tenby.
Vista Mar, Freshwater East
Located in the coastal village of Freshwater East is Vista Mar, with stunning views over the bay and out to sea. Set above the bay, this light and airy seaside holiday home has been renovated to give it a modern and contemporary feel.
A path through the front garden leads to the useful glazed porch, ideal for storing beach gear and for bike storage. From here, step into the open plan living space with its modern fitted kitchen and comfortable lounge and enjoy the stunning sea views from every window. Open up the French doors to the decked terrace, perfect for dining alfresco on a summer’s day while you soak up the sea views across the bay.
This wonderful holiday home is perfect for families and couples looking to explore this stunning part of Pembrokeshire. Conveniently situated, you are within easy reach of Tenby with its selection of shops, pubs and leisure centre. If you’re visiting at the end of June for Long Course Weekend, you can watch as the athletes pass by your front door on The Wales Marathon. It also makes for the ideal base if you want somewhere to train whilst enjoying a peaceful retreat in the Pembrokeshire countryside.
90 Main Street, Pembroke
Nestled between the Wesleyan Chapel Antique Centre and old St Michael’s Church on Pembroke’s historic Main Street, you will find the 200-year-old end-terrace cottage, 90 Main Street.
Having been lovingly restored, many of the original features have been kept including the floorboards, A-frame beams and the wonderful Victorian feature fireplace in the dining room. Step into the sitting room of this cosy cottage with its antique and vintage furniture, the atmosphere is enhanced by the beckoning wood-burning stove.
90 Main Street is a perfect cottage base to explore the beaches of Pembrokeshire and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Pembroke itself is known for being a historic and cultural place being the birthplace of Henry VII and the founder of the Tudor dynasty. During your stay, you’ll notice Pembroke’s imposing Castle only a short walk down Main Street from the cottage. On your walk, you’ll also notice a selection of pubs, shops, cafes and the bronze statue of Henry Tudor himself, on the Mill Bridge.
The Wales Marathon course goes along the Main Street of Pembroke, straight past your front door. Here you can show your support and join the buzzing atmosphere as the athletes pass by. Your closest beach is Freshwater East where you can prepare for Long Course Weekend by diving into the open waters to start your training.
If you’re visiting as a supporter of the event and want to make a holiday out of your stay with the family, there are plenty of activities and attractions nearby for the children. Take a visit to Folly Farm Zoo to meet the animals, or head to Heatherton World of Activities and Oakwood Theme Park all a short drive away.
Minim Cottage, Saundersfoot
Sat in a prime location in Saundersfoot lives Minim Cottage, a pretty semi-detached house tucked away on a quiet lane just off St Brides Hill. This famous hill is more commonly known as ‘heartbreak hill’ where cyclists taking part in Long Course Weekend power up the steep incline. Minim makes an ideal base for taking part or supporting, right in the heart of this popular harbour village.
Just a short stroll down the hill, you can explore the village shops whilst enjoying the busy atmosphere of fans supporting the event or venture onto the beautiful sandy beach to soak up the picturesque views over the bay and harbour.
Conveniently located, Minim Cottage is only a short walk up St Brides Hill from where there are a number of local pubs, restaurants and cafes to try in the centre of Saundersfoot. After the event is over, it's worth sticking around in the village to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere in one of the family-friendly pubs.
Minim Cottage is a great spot between the bustling town of Tenby just a 10-minute drive away and Wiseman's Bridge only a 10-minute walk away through the tunnels past the beach. Here you can watch the cyclists of LCW whizz down the hill whilst enjoying a drink or bite to eat at the popular Wisemans Bridge Inn.
Little Harbour View, Tenby
Situated just 30 yards from the promenade above the North Beach in Tenby, this second-floor apartment is tastefully decorated in a nautical theme, complementing its proximity to Tenby’s world-famous harbour. The two lifeboat stations can be viewed from the open-plan living room. Here you can catch the morning sun while sitting at your window with a cuppa soaking up the spectacular views.
Little Harbour View is the ideal base to explore Tenby’s wealth of shops, pubs and restaurants in this historic walled town. Whilst the golden sands of North Beach are just a stone's throw away, Castle Beach and South Beach are within a couple of minutes walk too.
On the first day of Long Course Weekend, you can head to North Beach for the Wales Swim to join the electric atmosphere that the athletes and supporters will never forget. If the weather’s not holding up, you can still enjoy the event from your living room in the comfort of your home from home. To watch as the athletes test their limits in the cycle and run routes, we definitely recommend heading into the town centre to join the crowds of supporters just to experience the buzz created.
If you’re travelling down for LCW, this beautiful property makes an ideal holiday home for a couple or family to enjoy.
Coastal Cottages Long Course Weekend Accommodation
Pembrokeshire plays host annually to one of the most difficult triathlons in Wales – the Long Course Weekend. This unique event lasts three days, now in June, accommodating some of the best triathlon talent in the UK and the world, including a number of IRONMAN UK athletes, serving as the perfect preparation and build-up to the IRONMAN Wales event in September.
