PENALLY ABBEY
Pretty Gothic style manor on the Pembrokeshire coast
THE MONKS ALWAYS KNEW how to pick a good location, building their sixth century abbey high above Carmarthen Bay with views to stir the pulse. Nothing remains to mark their passing and Penally Abbey is a mainly 17th century building in a prettily tranquil setting just yards from the Pembrokeshire shore.
These days, Steve and Elleen Warren work hard to imbue the large, airy and elegant antique-filled rooms with a sense of laid-back comfort. The five acres of gardens and woods are perfect for a relaxed ramble past the ruined 18th century chapel. Indoors, you could take a leisurely swim in the small heated pool or tickle the ivories at the grand piano.
Bedrooms in the main house have superb sea views (you can have the sand between your toes within a few minutes), but those in the coach house – a converted stables – are equally welcoming, with touches such as complimentary sherry and thick towelling robes.
Hit the Spot
A whisper above the Pembroke coast,
Bedtime
Bed down in a lavishly draped four-poster
Be Savvy
The pool is pint-size – but the ocean waves are just two minutes away
Be Smitten
London luvvies are regulars, so it's the place to bump into thespians
Crystal, candlelight and flowers
Rooms in newly renovated St Deiniol's Lodge are refreshingly uncluttered and done out in mellow shades. Wherever you bed down, expect lavishly draped four-poster and canopied beds, nicely appointed bathrooms and pleasing sea or garden views.
This is a place to live the good life on the Pembrokeshire coast. The monks would have heartily approved of the Welsh regional cooking and well-stocked cellars here – though the glittering crystal, candlelight and flowers in the pretty dining room may have been a tad too much.
Penally Abbey was reviewed by Room for Romance
These days, Steve and Elleen Warren work hard to imbue the large, airy and elegant antique-filled rooms with a sense of laid-back comfort. The five acres of gardens and woods are perfect for a relaxed ramble past the ruined 18th century chapel. Indoors, you could take a leisurely swim in the small heated pool or tickle the ivories at the grand piano.
Bedrooms in the main house have superb sea views (you can have the sand between your toes within a few minutes), but those in the coach house – a converted stables – are equally welcoming, with touches such as complimentary sherry and thick towelling robes.
Hit the Spot
A whisper above the Pembroke coast,
Bedtime
Bed down in a lavishly draped four-poster
Be Savvy
The pool is pint-size – but the ocean waves are just two minutes away
Be Smitten
London luvvies are regulars, so it's the place to bump into thespians
Crystal, candlelight and flowers
Rooms in newly renovated St Deiniol's Lodge are refreshingly uncluttered and done out in mellow shades. Wherever you bed down, expect lavishly draped four-poster and canopied beds, nicely appointed bathrooms and pleasing sea or garden views.
This is a place to live the good life on the Pembrokeshire coast. The monks would have heartily approved of the Welsh regional cooking and well-stocked cellars here – though the glittering crystal, candlelight and flowers in the pretty dining room may have been a tad too much.
Penally Abbey was reviewed by Room for Romance
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Dining in
Dining at Penally Abbey is a candlelit affair. Crystal chandeliers, enthralling seaside views, hand carved fireplaces, large arched windows and polished mahogany tables all contribute to a pleasing ambience. The ethic here is simple: comfortable atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service equals a great evening. Regulars on the dinner menu include local seafood and lobster, Tenby plaice, rack of Welsh lamb and yummy desserts.
Dining out
There are plenty of dining-out choices in nearby Tenby, including Robin’s restaurant, for its views and eye for detail, Carrington’s for its fresh seafood and the Mews Bistro.
Where?
Penally Abbey
What’s cooking?
Rack of Welsh lamb and signature sweets including a darkly delicious chocolate gateau and fresh-fruit filled pavlova.
Dress the part
You’ll want to brush up for those candlelit dinners.
Top table?
Near the arched windows for ocean views.
See & Do
This sweep of the Pembrokeshire coast is known for its miles of clean, sandy beaches – so get into that surf. Thrill-seekers can try abseiling and rock climbing, while at the nearby Heatherton centre there’s go-karting, laser clay pigon shooting and crazy golf. Keen walkers might like to hike from Amroth to Cardigan along the scenic Pembrokehire coastal path, while literary types can head for the Dylan Thomas boathouse at Laugharne. .
Shop
You can snap up quaint antiques, crafts and souvenirs in Tenby, as well as good surfing and beach gear.
After dark
Friendly Tenby pubs include the Sun Inn, while there’s live music in the Buccaneer every Friday night. Dig out your dancing shoes for a night out at Sands nightclub in Saundersfoot, rated the best in the area.
Dates
August
Tune your ears to the sweet sound of the Blues at the Tenby Blues festival.
September
There’s music both contemporary and trad at the Tenby Arts festival, as well as literary events.
Dining at Penally Abbey is a candlelit affair. Crystal chandeliers, enthralling seaside views, hand carved fireplaces, large arched windows and polished mahogany tables all contribute to a pleasing ambience. The ethic here is simple: comfortable atmosphere, delicious food and friendly service equals a great evening. Regulars on the dinner menu include local seafood and lobster, Tenby plaice, rack of Welsh lamb and yummy desserts.
Dining out
There are plenty of dining-out choices in nearby Tenby, including Robin’s restaurant, for its views and eye for detail, Carrington’s for its fresh seafood and the Mews Bistro.
Where?
Penally Abbey
What’s cooking?
Rack of Welsh lamb and signature sweets including a darkly delicious chocolate gateau and fresh-fruit filled pavlova.
Dress the part
You’ll want to brush up for those candlelit dinners.
Top table?
Near the arched windows for ocean views.
See & Do
This sweep of the Pembrokeshire coast is known for its miles of clean, sandy beaches – so get into that surf. Thrill-seekers can try abseiling and rock climbing, while at the nearby Heatherton centre there’s go-karting, laser clay pigon shooting and crazy golf. Keen walkers might like to hike from Amroth to Cardigan along the scenic Pembrokehire coastal path, while literary types can head for the Dylan Thomas boathouse at Laugharne. .
Shop
You can snap up quaint antiques, crafts and souvenirs in Tenby, as well as good surfing and beach gear.
After dark
Friendly Tenby pubs include the Sun Inn, while there’s live music in the Buccaneer every Friday night. Dig out your dancing shoes for a night out at Sands nightclub in Saundersfoot, rated the best in the area.
Dates
August
Tune your ears to the sweet sound of the Blues at the Tenby Blues festival.
September
There’s music both contemporary and trad at the Tenby Arts festival, as well as literary events.
GETTING THERE
Location
Penally, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7PY
Parking
There is free guest car parking
Trains
Tenby station – 1.5 miles
Taxis
GBP 6 from station
Airport
Cardiff-Wales – 90 miles
Rooms and suites
17 rooms, one suite
Special features
Two rooms have four-poster beds, while all have sea views.
Also…
There’s a billiards room, an indoor swimming pool and gardens.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 150 - 190
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
4pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends, three during bank holiday weekends.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am.
Room service
There is no specified room service, but friendly staff are on hand should you need anything.
Children
Welcome. High tea is served for children, and under seven’s are not permitted in the dining room for dinner.
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license
Yes
Your contacts
Steve and Elleen Warren
Location
Penally, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7PY
Parking
There is free guest car parking
Trains
Tenby station – 1.5 miles
Taxis
GBP 6 from station
Airport
Cardiff-Wales – 90 miles
Rooms and suites
17 rooms, one suite
Special features
Two rooms have four-poster beds, while all have sea views.
Also…
There’s a billiards room, an indoor swimming pool and gardens.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 150 - 190
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
4pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends, three during bank holiday weekends.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am.
Room service
There is no specified room service, but friendly staff are on hand should you need anything.
Children
Welcome. High tea is served for children, and under seven’s are not permitted in the dining room for dinner.
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license
Yes
Your contacts
Steve and Elleen Warren
