We had been told about the Landmark Trust on Christmas Eve 2003, ordered a handbook and got hooked.
We talked to our 'pub' friends and showed them the book and we decided to take the plunge and booked The West Blockhouse in Pembrokeshire for April 2004.
To give you a potted history...the blockhouse is situated on a cliff edge and was used as a defence building, although it never actually saw active duty. Men were housed here and the fixtures for the cannons that were here, still remain.
The accommodation itself is based on one level with a large drawing room, with open fire, dining table and basic, yet functional kitchen (dishwasher as standard)
The bedrooms comprised of one double and three twin rooms, with wrought iron beds, scary paintings on the wall and blankets as opposed to duvets. Extra blankets are always supplied and heating is fairly hit and miss, but there are radiators in most properties.
The lower level consisted of the ammunitions store, larder and gun housing (all very Most Haunted - cue Derek 'Pakora' having a dicky fit!)
The upper level was a 'patio' of a lookout. Chairs were provided as was a Union Flag (which I put up upside down) and the Welsh Dragon.
Even though it was a very blustery April, the sun chairs were used... okay, it was dark and after A LOT of whiskies, but hey - when else can you do it??
Things to do...
- Walk around the Pembroke coast - it was the first time that I literally got blown off my feet!
- Stop for a sandwich in the shop near the waterside.
- Check out the pub
- Visit St Davids (cracking chocolate shop!)
- Visit the Coracle Museum
- Chill out and read the numerous books provided
Oh, I forgot to mention - Landmark Trust do not supply television, radio, stereo or microwaves in ANY of their properties. What they DO provide is countless books related to the style of the property, board games, log books from past visitors, which you can easily spend all weekend reading and the opportunity to sit and talk to friends...
Okay, to complete the blockhouse blog, here is the blurb from the handbook (paraphrased to an extent)
"This is the outermost work of the mid-nineteenth century fortification of Milford Haven"The fort was completed in 1857 and was built to house 34 men and one officer. It was used until after World War II. The blockhouse is perched on a 'vetiginous' spot, but the view down the Pembrokeshire coast MUST be seen!An entry from the logbook reads "What a building, what a history and what a weekend"
FACTS
- Sleeps 8
- Open fire
- Roof platform
- Parking a short distance away (down an unlit hill of a pathway - torch essential!
- External staircase and (get this) a drawbridge!
- Dogs allowed (must be confirmed in advance)
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