I followed one of Grove’s adventure itineraries to discover a different side of Pembrokeshire, beginning the day with a coastal sauna overlooking the sea before heading out on the water for an afternoon of kayaking along the county’s coastline.
I’ve always loved being outdoors, so although both experiences were completely new to me, Grove’s adventure itinerary immediately felt like the kind of day I would enjoy. It combined everything I love about Pembrokeshire: being outside, discovering new places and ending the day feeling like you’ve really made the most of the landscape.
Having grown up in Pembrokeshire and recently moved back to the county, it was a lovely reminder that there are still new ways to experience the places you think you know best.
Morning: A coastal sauna at Newgale Beach
My morning began with Wild Water Sauna, a private coastal sauna experience at Newgale, where the sauna was positioned on the beach’s pebbled bank. With its long stretch of golden sand and uninterrupted views across the bay, it was a memorable setting to begin the day.
On arrival, the sauna team talked me through how the experience worked, from how long to spend in the heat to how to make the most of the session. The concept was simple: settle into the warmth of the sauna, take in the views across the water, then, for those feeling brave, take a dip in the sea to cool off before returning straight back to the heat.
Visiting at high tide meant the water was only a short walk away, making the transition from sauna to sea feel like a natural part of the experience The cold dip was completely optional, but to my surprise, I found myself taking the plunge between each sauna session. I think knowing there was a warm sauna waiting moments later made the idea of stepping into the sea feel much more inviting!
What stood out most to me was how naturally the sauna fitted into its surroundings and how different it felt to see Pembrokeshire’s coastline from this perspective. Despite growing up in Pembrokeshire and visiting Newgale many times over the years, I had never experienced the beach quite like this. It was invigorating, and I left feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
After my session, I wandered the beach before enjoying the gourmet hamper prepared by Grove’s kitchen. Watching surfers take to the waves as I enjoyed my lunch was the perfect opportunity to pause and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
Afternoon: Kayaking along the Pembrokeshire coast
After lunch, I headed to Stackpole Harbour for a guided kayaking experience with Outer Reef. Meeting my guide at the harbour, I was provided with everything needed for a relaxed two-hour paddle along one of Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic stretches of coastline.
The highlight was reaching Barafundle Bay. Seeing Barafundle Bay from the water was particularly special, as the familiar view from the beach felt completely transformed from out at sea. From the kayak, the scale of the cliffs, hidden coves and untouched stretches of coastline became even more impressive, revealing views I had never seen before from the land.
As a first-timer, I appreciated how relaxed the pace was. There was plenty of time to take in the scenery, learn more about the coastline from the guide and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
By the end of the afternoon, I had that satisfying feeling that comes after a day spent outdoors.
Experience Grove’s adventure itineraries
After a day like this, it’s easy to see why Pembrokeshire continues to surprise even those who know it well. Grove’s adventure itineraries have been created to help guests experience more of the county, combining time outdoors with the comfort of returning to the hotel at the end of the day.
Whether you want to explore the coastline, discover hidden corners of the county or simply add something different to your stay, our Guest Experience team can help arrange experiences that allow you to discover more of Pembrokeshire during your stay.
FAQ’s
Pembrokeshire is known for its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and wealth of outdoor experiences. From walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and exploring hidden coves to sea kayaking, wildlife boat trips, coastal swims and discovering local food producers, there are countless ways to experience the county.
For guests staying at Grove, our adventure itineraries have been designed to showcase some of the very best of Pembrokeshire, combining memorable days exploring the landscape with the comfort and hospitality of returning to the hotel.
A day in Pembrokeshire can be spent discovering the coastline, exploring the countryside or experiencing the county from a different perspective. You could begin the morning with a coastal walk or sea swim, enjoy a local food experience at lunchtime, and spend the afternoon on the water with a kayaking or boat trip.
Grove’s adventure itineraries bring together some of these experiences, allowing guests to discover more of Pembrokeshire before returning to enjoy the hotel’s dining, gardens and peaceful surroundings.
Pembrokeshire offers a wide range of outdoor experiences thanks to its unique coastline, countryside and protected landscapes. Guests can enjoy everything from coastal walks and surfing to wildlife encounters, boat trips, kayaking and private coastal sauna experiences.
Exploring the county by land and sea offers completely different perspectives, with hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs and wildlife-rich waters waiting to be discovered.
Yes, Pembrokeshire is one of the best places in Wales for sea kayaking, with its sheltered bays, dramatic cliffs and diverse coastline providing incredible scenery from the water.
Routes around Stackpole and Barafundle Bay are particularly memorable, offering views of the coastline that are often missed from land. Guided kayaking experiences are a great option for both beginners and experienced paddlers, with local guides sharing their knowledge of the area along the way.
Barafundle Bay is widely considered one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches, known for its clear waters, golden sand and peaceful setting. Reaching the beach involves a walk across the coastal path, but the views along the way make the journey part of the experience.
While Barafundle Bay is beautiful from the shore, seeing it from the water offers a completely different perspective, revealing the scale of the surrounding cliffs, hidden coves and coastline.
