My family and I have been staycaying for the best 10 years, in the UK. We have been to various part of England and Wales (Scotland and Northen Ireland soon come). Predominantly, we stay in the country for the space and freedom. One of our best Christmases was in Gloucestershire. There are so many ‘hidden’ pretty villages around the UK! Recently, Maenclochog, Pembrokeshire was listed as the second-best village to live. Although I’ve never been, I do know that Pembrokeshire on the whole is stunning. Picturesque Pembrokeshire has a special place in my heart. We have happy memories of our summer beach holidays in the county. While it’s not always great to be second best to be in a lineup of 20, 2nd is not to be snuffed at. So, what is that makes Maenclochog , Pembrokeshire a great place to live?
About Maenclochog Pembrokeshire
Maenclochog is a small village in Pembrokeshire’s rural heartland in the foothills of The Preseli Mountains, pronounced ‘mine-cloch-og’. Rosebush is 1 ½ miles further north…. In Maenclochog …. A 2007 report by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust reported uncovering the remains of ‘The wall of a Manorial Pound, the remains of the castle wall, and a defensive bank and ditch were found. A radiocarbon sample from below the defensive bank returned a date between AD 880 and AD 1020, possibly indicating that there was a defended settlement at Maenclochog before the stone castle was built following the Anglo-Norman conquest of Pembrokeshire in AD 1093.’
To settle in Maenclochog Pembrokeshire, a 4 bed property goes for around £350K . If you are a property owner in London, you could potentially sell up and live mortgage free for that price. If you have kids or planning a family it’s worth knowing, overall the primary schools rate as good in Maenclochog. For more information on schools in Maenclochog, Pembrokeshire visit t Locrating website.
Alternatively, for a short term retreat from the maddening crowd, Airbnb’s properties in Maenclochg, Pembrokeshire start at £54 per night.
Attractions Around Maenclochog
On the west side of the village is The Waldo Memorial, commemorating Waldo Williams, one of the leading Welsh language poets of the twentieth century. He was also a notable pacifist, anti-war campaigner and Welsh nationalist.
Just south of Mynachlog-ddu is the small stone circle at Gors Fawr. The circle has 16 blue stones and forms an egg-shaped ring. It’s believed that there was once an avenue leading to the two outliers, which are found to the north east. There’s another partial stone circle on The Preseli Mountains above the village at a place called Bedd Arthur.
There’s a dog friendly walk from Maenclochog to Rosebush which goes past the beauty spot, Rosebush Quarry. The walk is approximately 2 miles. However, if you are up for a challenge there are longer routes you can take.
Llys-y-Frân Lake is another beauty spot nearby. It’s roughly 9 minutes’ drive. Around the lake there is a host of attractions do at the nature reservice. Activities include and not limited to: water adventure, cycling, fishing and adventure playground. Come October, they will host an Autumn Food & Drink Fair to showcase produce from the local environs.
Beaches Nearby Maenclochog Pembrokeshire
If like us you like your beach holidays, Amroth Beach is 32 minutes away. Some of our favourite beaches in the south west Pembrokeshire are Broadhaven West Beach and Saundersfoot which are 38 and 39 minutes’ drive, respectively. While the popular Festwater East is 45 minutes away.
Another option is trip to a waterpark. You can spend the day at the Blue Lagoon at Bluestone Restort. You don’t have to be stay at the resort to use the facilities. All you need is a day pass to the waterpark.
In the quest for the good life, don’t overlook towns and villages further afield. They just might suprise you. If you are curious about the other destinations that made the Top 10 places to live in the UK read the full article.
If you live in Maenclochog or another part of Pembrokeshire, what do you love most about your area? Comment below I’d love to hear from you.
Photo Credits: Feature Image from Llys-y-Frân Lake From Trip Advisor Image of Rosebush Quarry from Costal Cottages
