Remote and unspoilt, the Pembrokeshire peninsula – at the southwest corner of Wales – must surely rank among Europe’s most magnificent and varied coastlines. Here you’ll find St Brides Castle, the restoration of which earned the Holiday Property Bond a Prince of Wales Award for Architecture. Set in 99 acres of mature parkland, the fine 19th century baronial country mansion was re-styled in 1833, at the whim of the fourth Lord Kensington. As a result, its castellated outline reflects the eccentricity common among the wealthy landowners of the time.

Not far from St Brides is Haverfordwest, an attractive and bustling market town, with a range of shops and restaurants. Also within easy driving distance to the north is Britain’s smallest city, St.David’s - with its lovely 12th century cathedral - and to the south is the town of Pembroke, with its old Norman castle.

Other outings for the family include: the Oakwood Adventure and Leisure Park; the Heatherton Country Sports Park and, for younger members of the family, Folly Farm, all near the old walled town of Tenby.

A few miles north of St Brides is the pretty village of Little Haven.

Also nearby is the spectacular bay of Marloes sands, a mile-long stretch owned by the National Trust with Gateholm Island at the western end.

The cliffs are beautifully coloured, and the bays are frequented by Atlantic seals and choughs. Solva is another delightful village, with tempting shops and restaurants set in a ravine leading down to a narrow sheltered harbour full of yachts, and offering dramatic views from the nearby headland.

The National Trust-owned Colby Gardens features eight acres of woodland garden set in a secluded valley with several good footpaths, one of which leads down to the sea at Amroth.

Nearby Saundersfoot is an oldfashioned seaside town with a beautiful Blue Flag beach. And at Stackpole Quay, reputedly the smallest harbour in Britain, you can walk across to Barafundle Bay whose sweeping white beach, backed by dunes, was voted ‘Britain’s best’ by the Good Holiday Guide.

For the more adventurous, the 220 mile Celtic Trail crosses Wales from Fishguard to Chepstow and forms part of the National Cycle Network. Sailing and windsurfing can be found at Dale, and pony-trekking and riding are readily available, as is scuba diving.