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| Pembrokeshire: world-famous sea bird sanctuaries | |||||||
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 est Wales stretches from the western regions of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the offshore islands of Pembrokeshire, from the golden shores of Carmarthen Bay in the south to the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay in the north. The southern arm of Wales which juts out into the Irish Sea provides the prefect getaway destination, offering a wealth of sights, activities and amenities to suit every palate. Pembrokeshire is hailed as 'gwlad hud a lledrith' (land of magic and enchantment). Its many pre-historic remains, rich history, legends and folklore all combine to give it an unique identity. The county can be split into two by the imaginary Landsker line. South of this ancient dividing line lies an area affectionately known as Little England beyond Wales. To the north is the Welsh speaking Cymru - its wilder terrain possibly explains why it was never conquered by the Normans.
The area's steep rugged cliffs are home to hundreds of seabirds and other wildlife, as are the off-shore islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm and Ramsey which are world-famous sea bird sanctuaries. Pembrokeshire's offshore islands are one of Wales' jewels, renowned for their vast and vocal seabird colonies and marine life. There are four main islands which lie off the west Pembrokeshire coastline. Ramsey Island, to the west of St Davids and Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm grouped off the Marloes headland. Skomer is the largest of Pembrokeshire's islands and is managed by the Wildlife Trust West Wales. It can be reached by the ferry Dale Princess from St Martin's Haven, running Tuesday to Sunday plus Bank Holiday Mondays until the end of October, from 10.00am every day. 
Over half a million seabirds breed on Skomer every year and rare migrants always turn up unexpectedly too. As well as the comical puffins, raucous gannets, guillemots, shags, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and cormorants, it is also home to over 40% of the world's population of Manx shearwaters, making it the largest colony of these amazing seabirds in the world. The island has scored a first with its live TV link with these birds' underground home, enabling visitors to see them at close hand without disturbing their precious habitat.
Staying on either Skomer or Skokholm offers an unique experience and a chance to truly get away from it all. You also get to see the return of the shearwaters from their day's feeding far out at sea. The cacophony of sound and the sheer number of birds make it an unforgettable experience. 
The seas around Skomer, Grassholm and Skokholm are also home to some immensely popular inhabitants. Seals are often seen hauled out on the rocks and beaches at the foot of the towering cliffs. Bottle-nosed dolphins, Harbour porpoise, the occasional Basking shark and many other species are often spotted in these waters. One of the most interesting occasional visitors is the Sunfish, which can measure up to 4m in length. Its large dorsal fin often means that it is mistaken for a shark, rather than a harmless fish which has been led astray by the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream!
In a little corner of Wales lies the secret for all good, kid-friendly outings. Not only does Pembrokeshire have wide open, sandy beaches, with a host of activities and attractions for all ages but the accommodation is plentiful and good quality. And there are more places to eat than you can shake a leek at. Pembrokeshire is at the south of Wales and easy to get to via the M4, A40 and A477. The area has a timeless and laid-back charm which keeps it as fresh as a spring daffodil. The three Bs Blackpool, Bournemouth and Brighton may get more publicity, but Tenby, the heart of Pembrokeshire tourist territory, can be just as trendy with none of the crowds. And once you have had your fill of the beaches there is a lot more to see and do. Wales' capital, Cardiff, is Europe's youngest, and one of its fastest growing, capital cities. Cardiff has the Brecon Beacons National Park within easy reach - a 45-minute drive at most. Worldroom City Guide: Cardiff | |||||||
