Picture Perfect in Pembrokeshire

Always wanted to know how to take a cracking picture or how is feels to pose for the camera? Ideal for a budding photographer or a family portrait, our exclusive photography experience days in Pembrokeshire make a perfect pressie for loved ones.

Ross Grieve Photography has given Activity Wales two very exclusive experience days that you won't be able to find anywhere else, where our clients can book a Studio Photography Lesson or Studio Portrait Experience in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.

The Studio Portrait Experience is an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family as you partake in a personal portrait shoot in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, helping you all to pose at ease and ensure you are picture perfect. At the end of your 45 minute portrait shoot you are able to choose you three favourite pics to have developed and are yours to keep and preserve as a lasting memory to mark your special occasion.

Alternatively, if you know of a close friend that would love to have a Studio Photography Lesson and benefit from expert guidance and advice then this can also be arranged. The hour long lesson welcomes you to bring along your own camera if you have one, and the photographer will talk you through each feature the camera inhabits and how to use each to it's full extent. As a special souvenir, you will choose one of your own images you have taken within the hour to bring home with you.

Both of our Photography Experience Days make an ideal gift and both are exclusive sessions to ourselves at Activity Wales. Either our Studio Photography Lesson or Portrait Experience would make a special gift this Father's Day, as well as a thoughtful birthday or anniversary celebration.

A Royal Event at Pembroke Castle

The talk of every town at the moment is the wondrous wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton as an abundance of coverage is obtained throughout the press in anticipation of their special day on 29th April.

And as it should be, as they will be setting up their home in Anglessey, North Wales where old P-Willy is a fine search and rescue pilot in the RAF. Kate, (oops I stand corrected) Catherine is believe it or not the oldest Royal bride to get married, perhaps young Will's should have pulled his finger out a little sooner!

The next biggest question aside to what will Catherine, the beautiful blushing bride be wearing, is of course how will you be celebrating?

If you are yet to be decided then Activity Wales may have the answer with our Royal Wedding Event at Pembroke Castle which is entry by ticket holders only. This exclusive event will help you to enjoy Prince William and Catherine's wedding is style in beautiful, Pembrokeshire surroundings.

We are welcoming you to celebrate the Royal Wedding surrounded by the serene surroundings of Pembroke Castle, a magnificent stature with a proud and compelling poise. Pembroke Castle will be welcoming your arrival from 9am, allowing visitors to enjoy full access to the Castle, historic sites and exhibitions.

For the fabulous Royal Wedding itself live coverage will be shown by an outdoor screen on the castle lawns at 11am. You can bring along your own picnics and relax on a blanket embraced by a pleasant timeshare with your family, yet there will be opportunity to have food from the cafe, with a sneaky glass of champagne or pimms purchased from the bar if you so wish!

During the Royal and remarkable day many festivities will be ongoing in the background, such as live music and activities to include falconry display, circus, face painting and an ever popular with the whole family a bouncy castle. For all children attending this miraculous event, if they fancy getting dressed up to the hilt for a day then they will be welcomed to enter into the prince and princess fancy dress competition that will be held within the Castle grounds.

Your hottest tickets in town can be snapped up by calling a member of our Activity Wales team on 01437 766888 - call now to save any disappointment as they won't be around for long!

Tenby named Wales' Top Beach!

I cannot feel anymore proud than knowing that the beautiful beach of Tenby in my very own divine County of Pembrokeshire has been named Wales' top beach!

Tenby is right on my doorstep and I already feel very lucky to be only a short drive away from Tenby and many other terrific, unspoilt beaches but now, after this massive achievement I am flying high right over the moon!

Tenby is a beautiful place that is loved by so many people whether it be lucky locals or appreciative holiday makers to our charming Pembrokeshire County. The beaches in Tenby are a marvel themselves, with the stretches of golden sands, rugged rocks and blue seas washing upon the shingle. When then complimented by the pastel coloured terraced buildings in the background, cobbled streets winding through the town and brisk walks around Castle Rock and along the Esplanade, Tenby is simply a pretty place painted in preparation to make a perfect postcard picture.

What is gratifying about this recognition for Tenby is that it has become 'top beach' in Wales through the admiration from travellers around the world, who have visited Tenby and really liked what they saw. For that, a massive thank you and well done should be given to those who help to preserve, maintain and cuddle all our beaches in Pembrokeshire.

Tenby is also host to some massive events this coming year, starting with The Long Course Weekend over Friday 3rd - Sunday 6th June. Following the first year for the event in 2010, many athletes and their supporters travelled in their hoards to witness the Long Course Weekend to admiring Tenby's spectacular scenery, views and friendly atmosphere.

The Long Course Weekend is then a warm up and training weekend further to the marvel of the first ever Ironman Wales on Sunday 11th September 2011!

Not only has Tenby gained this great admiration from travellers on TripAdvisor, Pembrokeshire's 186 mile coastal path has been named the second best in the UK by readers and judges at Coast magazine. As a keen walker myself this has really polished my walking boots!

Wow, what two terrific achievements. Well done Tenby and well done to our hidden spectacle of Pembrokeshire.

Kiteboarding in Pembrokeshire

As the marvel that is Kiteboarding was recently featured on BBC's Countryfile with David Ursell, I thought it may be a nice idea to mention that through Activity Wales we can offer this delightful Kiteboarding experience in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales.

Big Blue Kitesurfing welcome visitors to Pembrokeshire all year round, to discover new and exciting coastal experiences upon the fabulous 3 mile stretch of sandy beach, Newgale. Backed by a large pebble bank, a defence against the high tide, and abundance of flat sand and clear waters it is obvious why this beach offers an amazing setting for getting to grips with Kiteboarding, Powerkiting, Wakeboarding, Kitesurfing, Paddleboarding and learning to control a Zap Cat.

As it was Kiteboarding that was presented by BBC's Countryfile, I feel it's only fair to offer a little further insight as to what this experience entails and why all should give it a go in Pembrokeshire.

Kiteboarding requires only light wind behind you and offers a great alternative to Kitesurfing as you don't get wet! Kiteboarding uses similar skills to Kitesurfing, during your experience you will learn the board skills required to cruise safely along the beach, speed control, changing direction, stopping (!) and all important safety awareness and beach use.

Big Blue Kitesurfing are masters of teaching all things wacky and exciting across the beach and cruising the sea. Big Blue are more than happy to welcome complete beginners to Kiteboarding or any of their other experiences I have mentioned They also have the skills, knowledge and professionalism to offer guidance and progression with hardcore advanced techniques such as jumps, power slides, turns and rotations.

The season is really kicking in now for activities such as Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing, Wakeboarding, Power Kiting and Zap Cats and throughout the summer advanced booking is highly recommended.

Please feel free to contact Activity Wales on 01437 766888 or e-mail info@activitywales.com for booking and to discuss any questions you may have.

All things wonderful about Wales

Wales will be celebrating Saint David's Day tomorrow, Tuesday 1st March.



St David's Day to me signifies the start of the Spring and as I am typing away this afternoon looking out the window, the sun is shining high in the bright blue sky with only a scattering of cloud. The gorgeous vibrance of the Daffodil which flourishes throughout March always makes me smile too.



I also know that pretty soon after celebrating St David's Day, Mother's Day and Easter are all too quick to follow. That's why I thought I would get ahead of the game and make sure everyone gets to planning their pressies in plenty of time!



Mother's Day rocks up first on Sunday 3rd April...



Activity Wales have years of experience when it comes to arranging special treats for mum and this Mother's Day snapping up one of our fantastic gift ideas will truly say thanks to mum in style.



If you are looking for a special and thoughtful gift then choosing one of our Mother's Day Experience Day Gift Vouchers will not disappoint.



For the more adventurous of mums who are never shy to try something new we have exciting activity experiences such as Harness and Hydro Zorbing, Quad Biking and Coasteering.



If you're mum is still a fan of the old favourites then within our immense portfolio you can still find reputable experiences such as Spa Day Packages, Horse Riding and Pleasure Flights that will never fail to raise a smile.



Struggling to choose? Then think about purchasing an Open Activity Gift Voucher with Activity Wales and let mum make her own decision!



And then Easter to follow beginning with Good Friday on 22nd April...



Easter a great time to get all the family together to have an abundance of fun and eat an excessive amount of chocolate for breakfast.

If you are thinking about getting away from home for a weekend break or a seven night stay this Easter holiday then we could definitely sort out a getaway suited to your individual requirements.



To help give you an idea of what we can offer you through Activity Wales, our Easter Eggs and Pembrokeshire Fun package has proved very popular with past holiday makers as well as our Pembrokeshire Group Getaway or Special Easter Break for Two.



If you can't find what you are looking for or would like some advice on arranging your perfect Easter break then please feel free to call a member of our team on 01437 766888 or e-mail info@activitywales.com and we will be able to help as much as we can.



Our beautiful Wales truly is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

Explore Sea Kayaking Weekend

If you are looking for a chilled weekend on the sea learning to progress your Sea Kayaking skills, then TYF Adventure's Explore Sea Kayaking Weekend is the course to book and enjoy.

The Explore Sea Kayaking Weekend is run over two days discovering all that is fantastic about Pembrokeshire's St David's Peninsula. TYF Adventure have an abundance of experienced guides that will pass on their knowledge of coastal waters to you providing the opportunity for you to learn all about the handling skills specific to Sea Kayaking surrounded by an outstanding ragged coastline.

Particular areas that are covered during the Explore Sea Kayaking Weekend would be the skills specific to Sea Kayak handling, tidal planning and navigation, rescue skills, understanding weather forecasts and advice in choosing the right kayak for you.

This Sea Kayaking weekend will have you developing exciting new skills over the two days, and there will also be plenty of time for you to sit back and admire all of the beauty which is unique to our Pembrokeshire National Park that surrounds you in every direction.

TYF do run this particular weekend in small groups on pre-scheduled dates throughout the higher season with a maximum of six participants per one guide, to ensure that each individual is able to achieve their full potential.

Forthcoming dates for the Explore Sea Kayaking Weekend have been set as 21st and 22nd May, 18th and 19th June, 24th and 25th September. Please note that this course has proven to be very popular with both locals and visitors to the county and places do fill up fast!

TYF are also happy to set up additional courses to those mentioned above, subject to a minimum of 4 participants and availability.

For further details and booking please do not hesitate in calling a member of our Activity Wales team on 01437 766888 or via e-mail info@activitywales.com.

All Terrain Services offer a fantastic array of off road driving experiences in Wales.

Whether you are a junior or adult driver, they have a session for all in both their North and South Wales locations. Wrexham plays host for their North Wales facility and Pontardawe welcomes you to the South.

All Terrain Services are a passionate company oozing enthusiasm for all things off road and do their very best to find the right session to suit your experience, ability and age.

For juniors that just can't wait to get behind the wheel All Terrain offer a one hour exclusive session alongside a fully qualified driver to teach the main principles of driving off road, negotiating obstacles and variable ground conditions.

For those holding a full driving license the opportunities are endless.

From one hour driving taster experiences, one to one exclusives, unique half days to the loaded full days of off roading, there really is something to suit every driver.

In advance, all of the above experiences are set on pre-scheduled dates subject to demand. Courses do fill up rapidly so it is always best to be thinking ahead of when would be convenient for you to go.

In addition to the many off road experiences that All Terrain Services offer, Quad Biking in Swansea is another activity they run suitable for participants over the age of 16 years.

All of the experiences offered by All Terrain Services can be found online which offer you further details and information on each individual session to peruse.

If you are thinking of purchasing one of the driving days as a gift for someone then they are all available to book as an experience day gift voucher, which come neatly presented in a gift box with free drawstring sports bag. You can choose to process your booking online or over the phone if you wish.

If you have any questions then please give a member of our team a call on 01437 766888 or e-mail info@activitywales.com.