Boncath between garden art and railway traces

Boncath brings together several very different themes: historic railway buildings, protected gardens and architecture, an unusual decorative floor, and Welsh cheesemaking traditions. For planning your holiday, this mix offers a concrete starting point: consider whether you would rather focus on cultural history, distinctive design details, or regional produce. You can then choose a holiday home based on which themes you would like to shape your days away.

Garden art and unusual buildings

The Cilwendeg landscaped park and garden is listed Grade II*; St Colman's Church is a Grade II listed building. The different designations clearly distinguish the protected garden from the church building. The stone adds an early historical reference to the church theme and can be considered as a detail in its own right alongside the architecture.

The Cilwendeg Shell House makes a very different impression: it is the only shell house to survive in Pembrokeshire. Both the woodland garden and the side stone beds have been restored. The floor is especially unusual, with a pattern incorporating sheep and cattle ankle bones as well as horse vertebrae. The combination of restored garden features and a strikingly designed floor draws attention to details that can easily be overlooked in a building.

Ffynone offers another way to explore architectural history: John Nash designed and built it in 1792. While the restored grounds and distinctive floor design stand out at the Shell House, Ffynone is associated with a named architect and a precise date of construction. Together, they show different ways to engage with design and history.

Railway history and getting your bearings

Boncath railway station opened in 1886 and closed in 1962. The former station building, goods shed, and nearby station house have survived. The two dates mark the station's history, while the three surviving buildings offer several architectural points of reference. If you are interested in transport history, you can explore the changes over time alongside the buildings that remain.

There is also a clear east–west axis to help you get your bearings: the B4332 road crosses the Boncath area from east to west. This geographic direction adds a practical reference for finding your way around to the historical themes.

Welsh cheesemaking traditions

Caws Cenarth brings a culinary theme into the picture. The producer is the oldest established maker of Welsh farmhouse Caerffili. Visitors can sample a selection of cheeses at the Caws Cenarth shop. So, alongside gardens, buildings, and railway heritage, regional cheese offers a distinct holiday highlight, inviting you to focus on flavour and production. This gives your plans a different perspective from architectural history.

Choosing the right focus for your holiday home

You can weigh up the themes according to the kind of trip you want: you might focus on historic buildings, unusual design details, or regional produce. If you are planning a family trip, you can discuss everyone's different interests together rather than deciding in advance to make the stay all about a single theme. With a clear focus, you can tailor your search for a holiday home in Boncath to the kind of holiday you have in mind.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Cilgerran, Ludchurch, Saundersfoot, Clarbeston, Tenby, Llangwm, Llanfyrnach, St David's.

Back to the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.