A little rain doesn’t need to put a dampener on a stay in Pembrokeshire. At Grove, there’s something special about seeing the landscape under changing skies, then retreating to the warmth of our house.
From coastal saunas and creative workshops to cathedral visits, independent shops and long lunches, these are some of the places we recommend to guests when the forecast turns wet, chosen for their atmosphere, shelter and the simple pleasure of seeing a different side of Pembrokeshire.
Go for a rainy-day walk
Pack waterproofs, sturdy shoes and a few layers, and embrace a different side of Pembrokeshire under changing skies. Just be sure to check the forecast before setting out and choose a route to suit the conditions.
For dramatic coastal views, head to a section of the Coast Path around Newgale, Marloes or West Dale, where wild seas and crashing waves make for a particularly atmospheric walk. Just be prepared for a little wind along the way.
For something closer to Grove, Canaston Woods and Minwear Woods are just a 10-minute drive away. The woodland paths are ideal for a bracing walk, with the historic Blackpool Mill tucked away among the old broadleaf trees.
And for a changeable day, the Coast Path between Saundersfoot and Wiseman Bridge offers a little more flexibility, with our sister restaurant, Lan y Môr, at Coppet Hall Beach providing the perfect place to stop for lunch or a warm-up along the way.
Warm up in a coastal sauna
In partnership with Wild Water Sauna, Grove offers guests the chance to embrace Pembrokeshire’s wild weather from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna.
The beauty of this experience is that you don’t need to wait for sunshine. Set against the wild Pembrokeshire coastline, the warmth of the sauna creates a wonderful contrast to the weather outside, making a wet or blustery day part of the experience.
Wild Water Sauna moves between various locations along the Pembrokeshire coast, so each session offers a different coastal setting to enjoy. Sessions last approximately one hour, and advance booking is required.
Explore Narberth’s independent shops
Just down the road from Grove, Narberth is perfect for a leisurely browse, with independent shops, galleries and cafés dotted along its colourful high street.
Spend a couple of hours wandering in and out of the shops, taking shelter from the rain whenever you fancy, then settle somewhere for coffee, lunch or a freshly baked treat. You don’t need much of a plan, just an umbrella and a little time to explore.
For lunch, we recommend Plum Vanilla, while Rock & Dough is the place to stop for freshly baked treats. And if you’re looking to lose a few hours, Narberth Antiques and Interiors can certainly help with that!
Find a cosy café or pub
Take your pick from Pembrokeshire’s independent cafés and pubs, settling in for a slice of cake, a leisurely lunch or a warming drink while the rain passes by.
Our local town of Narberth has plenty to choose from, but a few of our Grove favourites further afield include Runwayskiln, near Marloes, The Griffin Inn in Dale and Carew Inn, where you can pair a drink with a visit to nearby Carew Castle.
There’s something rather satisfying about exploring a little of the county before retreating indoors somewhere warm and cosy.
Enjoy afternoon tea by the fire at Grove
Take your time over delicious homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries, with the menu changing with the seasons. Choose from a wide selection of Jing loose-leaf teas to accompany your sweet and savoury feast, or add a little fizz with gin or champagne.
And on a rainy day, there’s something especially appealing about lingering over afternoon tea before retreating to one of our lounges to warm up by the fire. The perfect refuge from the weather outside.
Try Grove’s coastal printing experience
A creative afternoon is a lovely way to spend a rainy day, and you’ll leave with something you’ve made yourself – the perfect memento of your visit to Pembrokeshire.
Set in the light-filled Boathouse Studio in Dale, this hands-on experience invites you to sketch, design and print your own linen textile, with guidance from Alice, textile creator and founder of Sgrinhouse.
There’s time to slow down, get creative and enjoy the studio’s peaceful coastal setting, with a one-hour lunch break included along the way.
The experience lasts approximately five hours in total, and advance booking is required.
Spend a quieter afternoon in St Davids
When the weather turns wet, St Davids rewards a slower pace. Begin at St Davids Cathedral, a beautiful place to spend an hour exploring its remarkable history and peaceful interior. Just next door, the atmospheric ruins of the Bishop’s Palace offer another glimpse into St Davids’ past.
Afterwards, make your way to Oriel y Parc, St Davids’ National Park Discovery Centre and gallery. Its changing programme of exhibitions celebrates Wales’ landscapes and culture, while the café and shop make it a lovely place to linger a little longer before heading back out into the rain.
See Welsh craftsmanship at Melin Tregwynt
Tucked away in the countryside near Castlemorris, around 45 minutes from Grove, Melin Tregwynt’s historic woollen mill has been weaving in Pembrokeshire for generations.
Spend an afternoon browsing its collection of Welsh blankets and textiles, watching the looms at work and soaking up the atmosphere of the mill. When you’re ready to warm up, settle in for something to eat at the café before heading back out into the countryside.
And if the weather clears, Abermawr Beach is just a short walk away, making it easy to fit in a little fresh air by the coast too.
Back to the warmth of Grove
When you’ve finished your rainy-day adventures, come back to Grove, warm up in our fire-lit lounges and settle into the comfort of the house. Enjoy a drink, linger over dinner in Fernery, or simply retreat to your room and let the rain fall outside.
One of the pleasures of staying at Grove is knowing that a rainy forecast doesn’t have to mean a day indoors. There are wild coastlines to explore, creative experiences to enjoy and plenty of reasons to slow down before returning to the warmth of the house.
