WITH its rugged, unspoilt coastline, golden beaches and a rich architectural heritage, Pembrokeshire’s appeal is second to none.

South West Wales’s tiny hamlet of Summerhill is an ideal base for exploring the county as it’s just four miles from Saundersfoot and seven miles from the hustle and bustle of the ever-popular seaside town of Tenby.

We stayed in a quirky, three-bedroom converted chapel half a mile from the seaside village of Amroth which has several pubs and shops as well as fabulous sea views. The accommodation offered plenty of space for a family and some of the original features – such as the pulpit in the sitting room - proved to be a real talking point!

As Pembrokeshire stretches just 20 miles from north to south, we were keen to explore so headed North West to the delightful St David’s, Britain’s smallest city and final resting place of Wales’s patron saint.

The 12th Century St David’s Cathedral is a truly awe-inspiring and spiritual sanctuary, even for non-believers. The imposing design and intricate oak and painted ceilings, as well as the beautifully restored cloisters and shrine to St David, make this a must-see experience. There are two gift shops and a café with views over the cathedral and its gardens.

Take time also to pay a visit to St David’s Bishop’s Palace next door which, despite its ruined appearance, still bears some marks of its former splendour. Visit the Great Hall, once highly decorated to impress visitors, to admire the wheel-shaped window carved from Bath sandstone. You can also experience what it would have been like to be a servant by exploring the palace’s dark undercrofts.

After a stroll around the city, we drove south to the commanding 13th Century Pembroke Castle perched high above the town. Children will spend hours exploring the labyrinth of passageways and spiral staircases to the impressive towers. The five-storey, 75-foot ascent to the top of the Great Keep, in particular, is well worth the effort to enjoy the panoramic views. Waxwork-style figures depict scenes from the castle’s history including the birth of Henry VII in 1457. There is a large picnic area, a café serving homemade cakes and local ice creams and a gift shop on-site.

On our last day we took a boat trip from Tenby’s South Beach to Caldey Island, home to a teeming seabird colony and a small community of monks living in a Cistercian Monastery. Visitors can see the 12th Century priory, perfume shop, post office/museum and walk to the lighthouse viewpoint as well as sample the island’s famous chocolate after a walk along the sandy beach – highly recommended!

With so much to offer, from its natural beauty to its fascinating history, Pembrokeshire is an area you’ll want to explore time and time again.

The Chapel at Amroth (ref J761) can be booked through FBM Holidays, sleeping five. Prices start from £345 per week or £225 for a three night break. Tel: 01834 844565, www.fbmholidays.co.uk

For things to see and do in Pembrokeshire visit www.visitpembrokeshire.com

Caldey Island – For information call www.caldey-island.co.uk

St Davids – The Cathedral in St Davids is free entry, open 8.30am to 5pm. Tel: 01437 720202, www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk

St David’s Bishop’s Palace – Open daily 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Tel: 01437 720517, www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Pembroke Castle – Open daily 10am – 5pm. Tel: 01646 681510, www.pembroke-castle.co.uk