142
7 Pendine
Carmarthenshire; SA33 4NY
This coastal town is best known for the
flat sandy beach that made it ideal for
land-speed record attempts. Malcolm
Campbell in Blue Bird in 1924 reached
146 mph (235 km/h) and then raised
it to 174 mph (280 km/h) in 1927. The
Museum of Speed (Easter–Sep: open
daily; Oct: open Fri–Mon) traces the
history of these records. See Babs, the
car buried in the dunes after crashing
and killing its driver, Parry-Thomas, in a
record attempt in1927, now dug out
and restored. In a repeat of history,
Campbell’s grandson set a UK electric
car land-speed record here in 2002.
ª Head west on B4314 to Red Roses,
turn left onto A477 and left onto A478 to
Tenby. Use either of the car parks at the
end of South Cliff St or in Upper Park Rd.9 Carew Castle
Pembrokeshire; SA70 8SL
This is another magnificent example
of the transition from Norman castle
to Elizabethan manor house in Wales
(see also p135), although the castle is
sadly ruined. Nevertheless, there are
spectacular views of Carew Castle
(open daily; http://www.carewcastle.com) from
over the millpond and the grounds8 Tenby
Pembrokeshire; SA70 8EU
This 9th-century walled town marks
the start of the Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park. Sandwiched by two
golden beaches, Tenby is a gem of a
holiday resort with a busy nightlife. St
Mary’s Church has a superb roof, and
alabaster tombs of Tenby mayors John
and Thomas White. The 15th-century
Tudor Merchants House (Apr–Oct: open
Sun–Fri) has secco wall paintings, and
original fireplaces and furniture. No
visit is complete without a walk up
Castle Hill – with its statue of Prince
Albert – for the views and Tenby
Museum and Art Gallery (open daily;
closed Sat–Sun in winter), which has local
history exhibitions. The Wilfred
Harrison Gallery displays original
paintings by siblings Gwen John
(1876–1939) and Augustus John
(1878-1961), both distinguished artists
who grew up in Tenby. Consider
taking a boat trip to Caldey Island,
run by Cistercian Monks (closed Sun;
01834 843 545: http://www.caldeyisland.co.uk).
There are medieval churches, an
abbey and quiet sandy bays.
ª Leave on B4318, turn left onto A477
and then turn right on A4075. Park in
free car park on left next to the cross.WHERE TO STAYAROUND PENDINE
Jabajak moderate
This small hotel in a renovated
farmstead has rooms and suites, some
with four-poster beds, and extensive
grounds. To get here, head north at the
Whitland roundabout on the A40.
Banc y Llain, Llanboidy Rd, Whitland
SA34 0ED; 01994 448 786;
http://www.jabajak.co.uk
AROUND CAREW CASTLE
Poyerston Farm inexpensive–moderate
Enjoy the comfortable ensuite rooms
on this friendly farm, just off the A477
near Carew, along with Aga-cooked
breakfasts and a lovely conservatory.
Cosheston, Pembroke, SA72 4SJ; 01646
651 347; http://www.poyerstonfarm.co.uk
AROUND TENBY
Wychwood House inexpensive
Large ensuite rooms, a pretty garden
and lovely views are on offer at this
friendly B&B, just outside Tenby, south
off the A4139. Also does evening meals.
Penally, SA70 7PE; 01834 844 387;
http://www.wychwoodhousebb.co.ukBelow The still impressive 14th-century ruins of Carew CastleAbove left The smaller of Tenby’s two lovely
sandy beaches Above top right Tenby kiosk
offering fishing and sightseeing trips Above
right Fishing and pleasure boats buoyed just
outside Tenby harbourBACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150VISITING TENBY
Parking
Park in Rectory Fields Car Park, South
Cliff St, SA70 7EA or the Somerfield multi-
storey car park, Upper Park Rd, SA70 7LT
Tourist Information
The Croft, SA70 8AP; 01834 842 402