Looking North 
Gorgeous evening for filming 
A discreet shot across the road 
That distinctive yellow mac! 
Taken Sept 2018 when the Castle was lit up for filming Keeping Faith Series 2 
Coppet Hall Saundersfoot Pembrokeshire Wales 
Rural West Wales 
Towy Valley 
Llyn Briane 
From The Gardens of Wales 
Laugharne Castle 
Towy Flood Plain 
Coppet Hall Saundersfoot Pembrokeshire Wales at Sunrise
Easter Opening?
Easter Opening?
Today the First Minister has made more announcements at his regular briefing about the prospects for an Easter Opening. Many are wondering if Old Oak Barn will be able to reopen in time for Easter! The answer to this is we still do not know. It has been hinted that there is a chance but we do not know for sure. Self catering accommodation such as ours is probably first in line to be allowed to reopen …… but will it be in early April? Read about the latest news here
At the moment we are booked from 12 April ….. but things change very fast and if for example travel remains restricted for some across the UK it is quite possible we may have cancellations! As things stand at the moment we have plenty of space in May although the summer is nearly full.
We look forward to opening when we can – but for now Old Oak Barn remains empty.
STOP PRESS ……..
Easter week is now available BUT we do not yet know if visitors from Wales may be able to stay ….. following the announcement on 22 Feb that travel will not be allowed from England before 12 April, Easter week was cancelled because the family was from Manchester. If you live in Wales and would like to reserve Easter week please get in touch.
Phone 07787148884 or email me for more details – info@oldoakbarn.co.uk
The Woods
The Woods
Behind Old Oak Barn is a classified Semi Natural Ancient Woodland known as Allt Cwmpalis! We have managed them for over 30 years now and can confidently say that they provide a wonderful diverse habitat for many different species. Today while going for an early January walk I heard many birds beginning their Springtime songs – a wren, goldfinch, robin, song thrush, blackbird, and some tree creepers as well as a bunch of long tailed tits to name but a few. I am very fortunate that during this 2021 Lockdown, when we are only allowed to do essential journeys by car, that I have so much space to walk in.
If you decide to book a holiday with us this year I am certain that there will be something for you and your family to enjoy in the 40 acres of woods here. Trackways are plentiful and well maintained so its definitely a wood for walking in! And there are plenty of swings and surprises for children!
Please email (info@oldoakbarn.co.uk} or phone (07787148884) for more details. During the Covid19 pandemic we have had to adapt and rewrite our policies and procedures – more than once! We offer full 100% refunds for any deposits or money received if your plans change for whatever reason. We are empty now, and have been since 18th December. However we are still taking bookings. Holidays will surely recommence one day.
What to do if you feel unwell
What to do if you feel unwell.
I have given this a lot of thought and have sought advice too. Government guidelines are however quite clear.
Below is a list of things which must happen if anyone staying at Old Oak Barn begin to feel unwell and especially if anyone shows a high temperature, develops a cough or dry throat or begins to lose their sense of smell or taste.
Firstly – you must tell me.
Secondly – you must self isolate and request a test. Luckily we are very near the testing centre near Carmarthen. This can be done online or by phoning 191. At this point you should also consider returning home. IF you are confirmed to have Covid19 it is a requirement to return home immediately provided you can drive safely or someone else can drive. The local hospital will of course see all emergencies but the services in Wales are not in themselves built nor designed to cope with a big influx of temporary holidaymakers.
There is more guidance regarding what needs to be done – guests will be not be eligible for a refund if their stay is cut short because they return home.
Our visitors who have already booked are being kept informed about the policies and changes we have had to make here but by posting this short blog today we hope the question of what is expected if you feel unwell is clear.
As part of recent preparations here we want to reassure you that we are doing all we can this end to ensure safety of everyone is paramount. This last week final risk assessments have been written and new cleaning arrangements put in place. However, in addition the boiler has been serviced, all electrical appliances PAT tested, outside patio pressure washed, carpets shampooed, curtains washed, non essential items removed and new laminated information sheets rewritten. Please ask if there are any questions. Diolch!
Keeping Faith
It has been announced that the third series of Keeping Faith will begin filming in this locality in 2020!
Read all about it here!
If you are keen to see some of the used locations we can point you in the right direction. Many who stay here at Old Oak Barn pop down to Laugharne of course where some of the filming of bth series so far was filmed. Two years ago I happened to be in the village one evening when filming was taking place. The photos below I took that evening and was politely advised by one of the crew not to use the two with Faith in before the 2nd series was aired!
Filming starts next week I am reliably told! I think it will be aired in 2020 in October most likely first on S4C where it is called Un Bore Mercher. For both series so far each has been filmed twice once in English and once in Welsh. Its amazing to think Eve Myles learnt such fluent Welsh for the filming as it was thought dubbing would detract from the quality of the show! I wish I was as talented as that when it comes to learning the language!
Year of Outdoors
2020 is the Welsh Year of Outdoors!
Visit Wales is promoting 2020 as The Year of Outdoors which is of course just what our visitors love about coming to stay at Old Oak Barn! Everyone is being encouraged to Discover Wales through unique outdoor experiences, adventures, events, nature and attractions whatever the season. Have a peep at the images here for some great ideas of where to go when you visit Wales.
Our visitors have always wanted to get out into the fresh air and enjoy whats on offer both here in our beautiful valley at Old Oak Barn and out and about in the counties of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. From walking to cycling to water activities or leisurely nature trails there is a huge variety here in West Wales. The Visit Wales website is full of ideas!
Please check out our availability calendar to see when we have space – some of the school holidays is already booked but we still have a couple of summer weeks left.
Plough Rhosmaen
Plough Rhosmaen
Visitors who stay at Old Oak Barn nearly always venture west to the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire with Tenby being a must! However, I always recommend a visit east as well and where better to end up than at The Plough Rhosmaen just a few minutes from the centre of Llandeilo. The Plough is perfect for afternoon tea or lunch or an evening meal after a day at Aberglasney,The National Botanic Gardens of Wales or Carreg Cennan Castle.
With views looking across the Towy Valley, Llandeilo is a thriving centre and where better to relax and unwind than somewhere overlooking this pretty part of Carmarthenshire – such as The Plough Rhosmaen.
A popular four star boutique hotel, The Plough is also an award winning restaurant set in the beautiful countryside just at the edge of the Brecon Beacons in the county of Carmarthenshire. It’s location is perfect and I am reliably told that when large events such as The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in July and Brecon Jazz are on then the restaurant is bound to be busy with passing travellers calling in for food.
We ourselves have always found the service to be outstanding at The Plough Rhosmaen. In addition the quality and range of food is excellent. Vegetarians are especially well catered for. On a summer’s day we love to sit on the terrace and in winter the inside is perfectly cosy and warm.
The Plough Rhosmaen take conservation and their responsibilities towards the environment seriously and have recently been awarded a Green Dragon Level 2 Award. For example they say they monitor their carbon footprint closely, and like many first class pubs and restaurants in the county are especially keen to source from local suppliers wherever possible, keeping food miles low.
Phone 01558823431 to book a table or find out anymore information about this highly recommended restaurant. Afternoon teas are out of this world too …. but be warned … arrive hungry allowing plenty of time to relax and unwind!
Easter Holidays in Wales
Easter Holidays in Wales
Old Oak Barn is at the moment available from Friday 10 April in Wales in 2015. Please ask for the latest price! We are very child friendly!
There is lots to do this Easter in this part of Wales. Apart from exploring the wonderful countryside and coastline Folly Farm is open every day during the holiday season. Have you met the lions yet? Did you know that Folly Farm is rated the fourth best zoo in the country. What started off as a small farm playground 25 years ago has grown and grown and is now one of Wales’s best attractions and it is only 25 minutes from Old Oak Barn! Quite often they have Peppa Pig or some other children’s favourites attending during half terms and holidays – so keep an eye out for more details!
Please get in touch if you would like more details of a break at Old Oak Barn this Easter. We often have glorious weather in April and in the past visitors have even been known to go for an early dip in the sea. It is often fine enough for a camp fire in the woods here or a BBQ on the patio in the late afternoon.
Birdsong is at its best too with over 50 species spotted at this time of year!
