The secluded pitches at Caraway Meadows Camping occupy fields in the shadow of an Iron Age Fort in the Preseli Hills. The area falls into the very northern edge of the Pembrokeshire National Park and is just 20 minutes’ drive from the coast. Somehow the place seems to have it all: meadows, mountains, historical sites and a location that’s not far from the beach. So what’s the downside? Well – if you’re into wild-ish camping there isn’t one. If you're not, you might want to look elsewhere. This is a tents and small campervans-only site with a car park 600 metres down a rough track from the road. From there you’ll transport your belongings via wheelbarrow to a secluded pitch, named after one of the wildflowers that grows here. It’s the perfect start to an off-grid adventure.
Although there’s a wild feel to the camping at Caraway Meadows, it’s actually a pretty comfortable set up, with a private compost loo and picnic bench provided at each pitch. A hot shower, washing up station and recycling bins are shared and a short walk away. What’s important to note is that each pitch has its own setting in this wildlife-rich farm where sheep, donkeys, and chickens are among the more permanent residents. There’s Meadowsweet pitch in its small sheltered field, Pennywort with views of an Iron Age Fort and then there’s Willowherb, with a lookout down the Cleddau Valley. Small campervans can park up at Willowherb; the rest are for tents only. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, at an extra charge, as long as they are kept under close control (due to the farm animals here and in neighbouring land).
The views from the campsite give you a good idea of what’s within striking distance: the hills themselves being the highlight. There’s great upland walking there, and some long-distance routes if you’re particularly keen. Horeseriding and cycling are popular here too. Foel Drygarn is one of a number of ancient earthworks and you can find out more about the area’s history at the reconstructed Iron Age village, Castell Henllys too. From the top of the hills there are views all the way to the coast – which is the other big highlight here with Poppit Sands and Newport both just 20 minutes’ drive away.
Campers are welcome to explore some of the farm’s 75 acres on mown pathways through the meadows and there’s a bridleway that passes the farm and leads straight out onto the Preseli Hills. Visit the Iron Age fort, Foel Drygarn, and then continue across the ridge of the hills on the route known as the Golden Road which offers great views and lots of sites of historical interest. There’s a handy end point, seven miles away, at a quirky and historic pub, Tafarn Sinc. Also seven miles from site is Castell Henllys, where you can explore a reconstructed Iron Age village. Other places to visit include The Welsh Wildlife Centre (10 miles) and Dyffrn Fernant gardens (15 miles). The Pembrokeshire Coast is a drive of 20 minutes away. The closest places to head for are Poppit Sands or Newport, where there’s a lovely little town and, slightly further on, a wide sandy beach. Cardigan is also 20 minutes' drive.
When it comes to places to eat near Caraway Meadows Camping, the place you won’t want to miss is Tafarn Sinc (or Zinc Tavern) – a quirky and historic zinc tavern in the hamlet of Rosebush. You can get there on foot if you like a long walk (it’s seven miles from site along the Golden Road walking route across the Preselis) or drive there to sample the warm Welsh welcome of this community-owned pub. The Nag's Head in Abercych is recommended by site owners Patrick and Verity and about nine miles from the campsite. Cardigan, Narbeth and Newport are all about 20 minutes drive from site and all have shops and supermarkets where you can stock up on supplies and plenty of places to eat out.
