When you think of UK beach holidays, most will think of the summer months.
Whilst there is no doubt that very little in this world compares to chilling out on one of the benches at Peg-y-Don in the glow of a summer sunset, Newport is an amazing place to visit at any time of the year.
I have just got back from a few glorious days at Peg-y-Don and have been reflecting on how lovely Pembrokeshire is, even in the depths of winter. I don’t know for sure, but would imagine that mid January must surely represent the very lowest of the low season? I hadn’t actually been to Newport in January before, so wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
Whilst there is no doubt that it is quieter than the summer months, the town is very much alive and kicking. There are *plenty* of happy faces and lots of people to chat to and most of the cafes / pubs / restaurants are open as usual. I would suggest checking in advance if there is anywhere in particular that you want to go to as some venues do have a bit of a winter break (e.g. The Castle Inn was open for drinks this week, but the kitchen wasn’t preparing food), but there are still plenty of options available to you. We had a lovely lunch in front of the stove at Blas at Fronlas – there were a few empty tables, but a great atmosphere.
Perhaps the most notable sign that it is not summer is the produce hanging outside the butcher! The pheasants there this week were a good reminder that it is game season. The other obvious difference is the lack of boats on the moorings, as all boats are hauled out at the end of October before returning in the spring. Everything else feels very familiar and it was great to see the town bustling.
The obvious question is the weather – isn’t it just too grim in the winter months?
We always seem to be lucky in Newport, but the weather definitely did not get in the way of the usual lovely walks and stunning countryside. Yes, it was a lot colder than the summer but that can be solved with a decent jacket. You are rewarded by deserted beaches (I was literally the only one on Newport Sands beach one morning) and endless space to yourself.
If you like the great outdoors, there is no reason not to visit Pembrokeshire at any time of the year. Yes, the days are shorter and the temperature lower, but it is so peaceful and you will benefit from greatly reduced prices when compared to the high season.
Here is a selection of photos from our short trip, which I hope give you a flavour of what to expect if you go to Newport in the off-season:
The Parrog is actually the quietest place in winter months and feels the most different as a lot of the houses appeared to be empty. Being situated at the Golf Club, Peg-y-Don benefits from more footfall year round. The golf course had plenty of players and The Cat Rock Cafe was always buzzing (especially Sunday lunch, which was very busy), so you really don’t feel as though you are in a ghost town, despite it being deepest, darkest winter.
Peg-y-Don itself is really warm and cosy. The heating warms up the house in no time and it retains its warmth very well, so you can enjoy the amazing views whilst still feeling snug.
What are you waiting for? Make the most of much lower prices and book a magical break in Newport before the summer kicks in. The perfect winter break to recharge the batteries. You will not be disappointed.