I’ll never forget the drive down to Pembrokeshire – what was meant to be a straightforward jaunt from Cardiff turned into a comedy of errors. Sat-nav decided to play silly buggers halfway through, directing us down a narrow lane that was more goat track than road. We ended up wedged behind a tractor trundling along at snail’s pace, with the kids in the back chanting “Are we there yet?” like a broken record. By the time we spotted the sign for Saint Florence, that charming little village near Tenby, I was gripping the wheel like it owed me money. But honestly, as we finally pulled into the drive of our cosy two-bed cottage, all that stress melted away. First impressions? Bloody brilliant – or rather, absolutely spot on.

The place was just what we’d hoped for: a proper homely setup tucked away in this peaceful spot along the River Ritec. Picture-perfect village vibes with that welcoming pub and the old church peeking through the trees. We tumbled out of the car, bags flying everywhere, and the moment we stepped inside, it felt like coming home. Fresh scones on the kitchen table (what a touch!), and those big windows framing the rolling countryside. The kids claimed the bunk beds upstairs before I’d even kicked off my shoes, and I caught myself grinning like an idiot. After the road rage, this was pure magic.

We didn’t waste a minute settling in. A quick unpack, then straight out for a wander around Saint Florence. It’s got that rare mix of total tranquility and easy access to fun – Manor Wildlife Park is literally less than a mile away, so we hotfooted it over that first afternoon. Watching the lemurs swing about while the sun dipped low over the fields? Chef’s kiss. The little ones were in heaven feeding the meerkets, and I snuck off for a quiet moment by the cheetahs, reflecting on how I’d been rushing through life back home. Needed that nudge, you know? A reminder to slow down and breathe in the fresh Welsh air.

Next morning, we hit Heatherton World of Activities, again just a stone’s throw from the cottage. Go-karting for the kids (and let’s be honest, me too – I may have taken a few victory laps), followed by a splash in the water park. Laughs galore, with me slipping on the wet deck like a cartoon character. Lunch at the onsite café hit the spot – fish and chips with a sea view, even if Tenby’s beaches were calling us just a couple of miles up the road.

Evenings back at the cottage were the real treat. Cosy dinners rustled up in the well-stocked kitchen, board games by the fire, and strolls along the local trails where the hedges buzz over with birdsong. Tenby’s sands tempted us for a bracing walk one day – golden beaches, ice creams dripping in the sun – but Saint Florence kept pulling us back with its gentle charm. That small mishap on arrival? Best thing that happened. Turned what could’ve been a grumpy start into the holiday highlight. If you’re after a slice of Pembrokeshire paradise without the crowds, this is it. We’re already plotting a return.