June Cottage Holidays in Wales
Plan a pre-summer getaway or enjoy a family Father's Day break
Much like May, the days in the sixth month of the year is ideal for basking in the warm rays of sunshine, and where better to make the most of this fine weather than with a June cottage holiday in Wales?
Some of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved events take place during June such as Pembrokeshire Fish Week, Rock the Castle and the Tenby Street Food Festival. Plus, there’s the Wales Triathlon sporting event for athletes working their way up to larger triathlon challenges such as the Long Course Weekend. And if that’s not enough, there are two more reasons to celebrate in June; Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice.
June is still term-time for schools so families without children or those planning a little romantic getaway might want to take advantage of the quieter county this month. Alternatively, the drier days make June a great opportunity to whisk the little ones away for a short break by the coast before the summer holidays set in.
Coastal Cottages Wales Cottage Holidays in June
June's generally dry warm days are ideal for exploring the spectacular Pembrokeshire outdoors. Dive into the sea, sunbathe on the beaches or walk the Coast Path - possibilities are endless.
Pembrokeshire Fish Week
In this remote part of West Wales, it’s no understatement to say that we adore fresh seafood. In the early hours of the morning, if you venture to many of the smaller coves along the coast, such as Porthgain and Abercastle, you’re sure to find a hive of activity as the local fishermen start their engines and head out to sea.
Across the county, our pubs, restaurants and cafes boast locally caught seafood all year round, and this is true. Quayside Lawrenny is a top place for a fresh crab sandwich whilst a visit to Café Mor in Freshwater West for their lobster rolls is a must. Foodies with a passion for fresh fish will no doubt also want to call into The Sloop Inn for something from their special menu which highlights the freshly caught fish of the day.
Born from the county’s appreciation and love for the sea and seafood came Pembrokeshire Fish Week. Since its founding, Fish Week is now a biennial event meaning it takes place every other year and grows year upon year. For one whole week near the end of the month, Pembrokeshire Fish Week is a county-wide celebration of all things fish.
Pubs and restaurants create special week-long menus to honour Fish Week, whilst many host special themed evenings such as Fish Feasts and Seafood Barbecues. Across Pembrokeshire, you will be able to join in with activities and workshops such as fishing in the Cleddau, cookery demonstrations and rock pooling days.
Previous years have also seen parties take place onboard one of the ferries at the Stena Line port in Fishguard and Launch Days at the aptly named Mackerel Quay in Milford Haven, arranged by the Milford Haven Port Authority. Activities vary each year keeping this superb event fresh – just like our seafood!
Rock the Castle Music Festival
Somewhat smaller than the nationally recognised musical festivals you might familiar with, Rock the Castle is a must for all music fans. Set inside the magnificent Pembroke Castle, the reconstructed stone walls and battlements make a stunning backdrop to the stage.
Held at the birthplace of King Henry VII in Pembroke, Rock The Castle has seen some worldwide names perform over the years including UB40, Status Quo, Jools Holland and Bonnie Tyler. This music event (now biennial) takes place across three days, a weekend usually around the 20th of June or so, and presents two consecutive nights of music concerts with a child-friendly event usually taking place on Sunday afternoon.
As you enter the castle on this summer’s eve, you’ll see the circular walls lined with hot food vendors and a licensed bar, with the centre stage proudly positioned at the far end of the grassy lawn. The atmosphere electrifies as the sun sets and the performers pick up their instruments, whilst crowds are kept to a comfortable limit allowing plenty of room for singing and dancing.
The Wales Triathlon
Around 500 athletes take part in this swim-cycle-run event which takes place annually each June. The Fishguard and Goodwick community host the Wales Triathlon, a middle distance race organised by Activity Wales Events, the founders of the Long Course Weekend which takes place in July every year.
Competitors from far and wide come along to participate in this sporting event, which follows a wonderful scenic route. The event kicks off with a 1.2-mile swim in the sheltered bay at Goodwick, then athletes reach for the bikes to follow a 56-mile cycle through the rural north-west stretch of Pembrokeshire. From the swim location, the course heads out to the picturesque city of St Davids past the iconic valley cathedral, before returning to Goodwick for the start of a 13.1-mile swim.
This weekend is a great weekend for athletes and families alike whether you’re taking part or not. Sign up to race or volunteer if you want to be a part of the action or bring along your best voices for a self-made cheer squad along the course.
During your visit, take the children for an adventure at the Ocean Lab or let them play for free in the playground overlooking Goodwick Sands. Tour the Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery to learn all about the very last British battle against invaders and take a trip to Fishguard Fort on the cliffside for panoramic coastal views. Dine at The Gourmet Pig, tuck into pub grub at The Royal Oak or pick up fish and chips from Hooked @ 31.
Tenby Street Food Festival
For one whole weekend sometime in June, the fresh coastal air at Tenby South Beach is replaced with mouth-watering scents of freshly cooked street food and appetising aromas of delicious cuisines. Foodies will rejoice as the car park here is overrun with food trailers and produce stalls offering edible delights to all.
Family-friendly and welcoming of dogs, this Street Food Festival is relatively new in the Pembrokeshire events calendar but it has quickly become a favourite in the diary. Taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from lunch until late, the best way to enjoy this festival is to spend the weekend lounging on the beach and eating until your heart is content.
Expect to see refreshing cocktail menus, piping hot snacks, cooling milkshakes, homecooked bakes and of course, an ice cream or two! Vendors change year on year but recent years have offered gourmet and artisan delights including mac and cheese, smores, nachos, halloumi fries and more. With local and national exhibitors, there is something here for vegans, vegetarians, those with a sweet tooth and those who crave savoury food comas.
Father’s Day in Pembrokeshire
The day we dedicate to our dads falls on a Sunday in June each year and perhaps we’re a little biased, but we think there’s nowhere better to celebrate than in Pembrokeshire. After all, if your dad is a foodie, an athlete or a music-fan, you could even tie in your Father’s Day holiday with one of the aforementioned events taking place in Pembrokeshire this month.
Material gifts can often be forgotten and for the person buying them, it can be tricky to find something suitable year after year. That’s why we suggest you forgo a traditional gift in favour of a memorable experience that the main man in your life can cherish forevermore. Present your dad with the opportunity to do something he’s only ever dreamt of doing, or choose an experience for two and enjoy a bit of quality time with your old man whilst you celebrate this occasion.
Our Concierge team can help you plan a whole host of great dad-friendly activities. For the adrenaline junkies, take him coasteering and scramble along cliffs before leaping into the wild Welsh sea or help him tick flying a plane off his bucket list.
If your pa prefers a slower pace of life, you could book him in for a private cookery experience if he’s desperate to fine-tune his culinary skills or enjoy a boys afternoon with a fishing trip.
Summer Solstice
The 21st June is annually celebrated as the Summer Solstice, the day marking the beginning of the summer season. The coming months are expected to be full of sunshine, warmth and fun so why not start your adventures on the same day the season begins?
Leisurely walk the Coast Path, explore the National Park, visit the castles, spend your days splashing in the sea and browsing the shop windows for holiday souvenirs. Search for local wildlife, tour the historic castles, explore the offshore islands and waste hours watching the world go by on the beaches.
