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Portia Jones

The Welsh resort named the most relaxing place for a staycation in the UK

With peaceful countryside, pristine lakes, sandy beaches and towering mountain ridges, Wales is the perfect place for a relaxing staycation in the UK.

We also have a host of cosy cottages, coastal resorts, boutique hotels and relaxing spas all over the country if you're looking to have a stress-free break.

But one place in Wales has now been named the most relaxing place in the UK for a staycation - Fishguard Bay Resort in beautiful Pembrokeshire - and it's easy to see why.

Read more: The seaside village that's the best-kept secret in Wales

The luxurious resort is located in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in the UK, and has spectacular coastal views and a tranquil feel.

The resort came tops after wellness experts at BWell CBD researched the most relaxing staycations in the UK using the top-rated and reviewed staycations on Tripadvisor.

Here's how you can stay at this gorgeous resort in Pembrokeshire - and what else you can enjoy while you're in the area...

How to stay at Fishguard Bay Resort

This impressive coastal resort in Newport, Pembrokeshire offers guests some of the most dramatic and coastal views in the UK. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind while gazing out over the crashing waves.

Here you'll find a range of luxury lodges, glamping pods, camping and tourers that suit a range of travel styles and budgets. Their swanky lodges are a favourite for groups with a tasty travel budget, with some having outdoor decking and hot tubs to make the most of the beautiful coast views.

The resort's glamping pods are a great option for those looking for an upscale camping experience with quality amenities, including a picnic table and BBQ.

The front row glamping plots also have totally uninterrupted sea views across the bay that are perfect for watching the sunset and even spotting pods of dolphins.

A rather stylish home away from home at the Fishguard Bay Resort (FBM.co.uk)

Fishguard Bay Resort also has relaxing holiday cottages with hot tubs available for guests to book. They have a choice of a cosy apartment in a converted World War II lookout post, a large property that's suitable for group booking and a charming detached cottage.

Static caravans are also available on the coastal site and have stylish interiors and modern facilities. Guests can also choose the actual caravan they wish to book rather than be allocated one. By downloading the park map you can even see where your caravan is located on the park before you even arrive.

Camping is a great budget option for those seeking coastal views and a peaceful campsite in Wales. All of their pitches have electric hook-up if needed and nearly all offer dramatic views of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Campers have a choice of hardstanding and grass touring pitches at the site, along with a choice of sheltered camping pitches with dreamy views.

What can I do in the area?

There’s plenty to see and do in Pembrokeshire., from hiking, kayaking to shopping and dolphin spotting. Fishguard Bay Resort is a great base from which to explore the area and discover coastal walks, cosy pubs and destination dining.

Here's a round-up of some of the best things to do...

Hiking

(Portia Jones)

Hikers and nature lovers can explore the many paths and trails accessible directly from the park and also explore the long-distance Wales Coast Path. There are a number of short coastal walks, loop walks and day hikes in the area that will suit a range of walking abilities and experiences.

For a more challenging hike in the area, you can walk 12 miles from Newport to Fishguard on the scenic Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.

Read more: The most beautiful short coastal walks in Wales

Beaches

Pembrokeshire's beaches have been busy in the recent hot weather (WalesOnline)

There are several small and secluded coves and beaches accessible from the coastal path that runs through the park and nearby you'll also find the popular Newport beach offering a long stretch of golden sand and amenities.

There are other beaches and bays that are within driving distance from the resort, including Goodwick Sands, Pwll Gwylog, Pwllgwaelod, Porthsychan.

At nearby Strumble Head, you can take snaps of the picturesque lighthouse that's atop a small island just off the coast and also spot an array of wildlife including dolphins, seals and porpoises.

Fishguard town

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a perfect place for a relaxing staycation in the UK (Nick Russill on Unsplash)

Set across two parts, the main town perches on the top of the hill, while the lower town cups a small river that flows into a pretty harbour.

Here you'll find clifftop walks, cafes, culture and history as well as plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Why not go paddleboarding, shopping or seek out a hip gastropub?

For arts and music lovers, Fishguard is also home to Fishguard International Music Festival that has brought more than 50 years of world-class music to the area.

Watersports

(© Crown copyright (2017) Visit Wales)

Pembrokeshire has an array of adrenaline-filled adventures to choose from and many are easily reached from Fishguard Bay Resort.

One of the must-do outdoor activities in Pembrokeshire is coasteering. Get your heart racing as you bravely scramble your way across the dramatic Welsh coastline – just don't look down.

This challenging activity will likely push you way out of your comfort zone as you boldly jump off cliffs, traverse rocky outcrops and plunge into frothy pools.

Paddleboarding around the sandy coves and secluded bays is also popular, you can rent a SUP board or go on a guided trip from Fishguard with adventure company Boardgames.

Read more: An insider’s guide to eating out in Pembrokeshire

Dining

Fish and chips from Hooked @ 31 (Facebook / Hooked at 31)

Pembrokeshire is enjoying a growing reputation for fresh produce and coastal cuisine supplied by an emerging wave of independent producers and dining establishments.

Feast on locally sourced lobster, hand foraged seaweed, craft gin, crab sandwiches and locally reared beef when you visit the various dining spots around Pembs.

Why not have a chippy tea at Fishguard's only award-winning fish and chip takeaway - Hooked at 31, this place also does proper sit-down meals in their restaurant.

Also, try a Fresh West Breaky Roll from Café Mor on Freshwater West beach, or stone-baked pizzas from The Canteen in Newport. You can even book a coastal foraging experience in Pembrokeshire if you want to search for your own seafood supper with a local guide.

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