Post lockdown activities in Pembrokeshire – what you can and can’t do this summer

Following the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford’s latest updates on the tourism and leisure industries on the 9th July 2020 and while self-catering accommodation opened that same weekend on 11th July, we thought we’d break down all the new Welsh lockdown guidelines for our guests.
Here’s what you can and can’t do in Pembrokeshire post lockdown (spoiler: you can still have tons of fun…)

Can: visit Pembrokeshire!  Our lockdown travel restrictions were lifted on the 6th of July, meaning the farthest Westerly reaches of wild Wales are now open to visitors from all parts of the UK for the first time in 3 months.

Can’t: just turn up and assume you can stay somewhere.  Booking ahead of time is essential so that holiday let owners can clean thoroughly between guests.  This not only allows us to adhere to the strict government-imposed risk assessment guidelines that everyone is following but allows for less inconvenience and more safe relaxation time for you.
To view Newgale Holidays’ ‘Good to Go’ certificate, click here.

Can: stay in self-contained holiday accommodation which has their own facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms, such as The Woodland Retreat.

Can’t: stay in holiday accommodation with shared facilities just yet.  This means that many hostels and bed and breakfasts will not be open until the end of July or early August (see the regularly updated Welsh government guidelines here).
Please also note that certain facilities that some holidays lets usually offer such as swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs, may not be available as normal due to the new, stringent cleaning regulations.

Can: stay at campsites in motorhomes or campervans which have their own cooking, washing and toilet facilities.

Can’t: go tent camping until the 25th July.  At Newgale Holidays, our campsite is currently open to campervans under the lockdown easing guidelines and we’re taking bookings now ahead of our tent campers arriving from the 25th – book your pitch now!

Can: have a pint – hooray!  Most pubs, restaurants and cafes are allowed to open outdoors from the 13th July, but it’s worth phoning ahead to check.  Some venues don’t have the outside space to accommodate the new cafe culture without booking.  It’s worth considering that some organisations have decided it best to stay shut to ensure the safety of the public – again, it’s worth checking before heading out and about unnecessarily.

Can’t: Sit indoors to eat a meal, have coffee inside or enjoy drinks at the bar.  Pembrokeshire County Council officials confirm that there is a plan to move to indoor hospitality from the 3rd of August, but this has yet to be set in stone by the Welsh Government.  While it’s inconvenient for the time being, everyone is keen to monitor the success of outdoor service before easing more lockdown restrictions.

Can: use public facilities such as car parks and toilets around the county.  Due to the rush in holidaymakers entering Pembrokeshire, overflow car parks are being prepared.

Can’t: use public facilities without being extremely cautious.  Easing lockdown restrictions doesn’t mean everything is back to normal; we still need to wash our hands!  We all have to think ahead to keep each other safe.  For example, if you’re thinking of walking the coast path, take a pair of gloves for when you’re using gates and styles.

Can: visit local attractions.  This mostly applies to outdoor visitor attractions for now; it has yet to be confirmed when remaining visitor attractions can re-open and it’s at the discretion of the operators whether that will be this year or not.
Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do here as we ease out of lockdown.  Here’s a list of attractions that are open or are opening and the dates from when you can visit:

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm: planning to open on Saturday 1st August 2020

Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo: open Wednesday 8th July 2020

Oakwood Theme Park: opens Monday 20th July 2020

Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort: open Monday 13th July 2020

Pembroke Castle: opens Friday 17th July 2020

Dyffryn Fernant gardens: opens Sunday 19th July 2020

St Davids Cathedral & Bishops Palace: opens from 27th July 2020

Clerkenhill Adventure Park: open 19th June 2020 for golf & trails only

Picton Castle: open 10th July 2020

Haverfordwest Farmers Market: every Friday from 10th July 2020

Can’t: expect Pembrokeshire to be exactly as you remember it.  The world is a very different place now, and here in Pembrokeshire we’re adjusting so that we can accommodate and welcome guests after the long lockdown period.  It does mean that some well-loved activities and annual events may not be possible this year, such as food and music festivals.  Yes, even Ironman Wales is postponed until September 2021.
But this unusual summer gives us all a golden opportunity to appreciate the real reason that we all flock to Wales’ only coastal national park.  Come and stay with us at Newgale Holidays to enjoy the gentle summer sun, the tingling of waves on your skin, the sand between your toes and the soothing sea air in your nostrils.  Welcome back to the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire.

Please note that this article was true at the time of its writing in mid-July.  Please check our Facebook page for recent updates and government lockdown guidelines that may affect your stay with us.