What a warm and sunny summer we’ve had! Our guests have told us about the fun they’ve had on the beach, as well as enjoying the garden for games and eating outside.

Now we’re looking towards autumn, which brings a different rhythm. The beach becomes quieter, the coast path has more space, and there’s often still enough warmth in the day to sit outside and enjoy the view before retreating indoors as the evening cools.

It’s one of our favourite times to be here.

A quieter beach

Little Haven beach is only a few minutes’ walk from Mount Pleasant and is lovely in every season. There are caves and rock pools to explore.

At low tide you can walk around the headland onto Settlands Beach and continue all the way along the sand to Broad Haven. We have a tide clock in the dining room at Mount Pleasant, so planning the day’s beach walk over breakfast has become something of a tradition.

Do check the tide times before setting out. If the tide has come in before you’re ready to return, simply walk back over Settlands Hill in about ten minutes instead — perhaps after coffee, cake or fish and chips in Broad Haven.

Take to the water

For those of us who enjoy sea swimming, early autumn is a lovely time to keep going. After such a warm summer, the sea can still feel surprisingly inviting, and a swim at high tide in the bay can be magical.

When conditions are right, Little Haven is also lovely for kayaking and paddleboarding, and at times there’s good surf too.

We also keep an eye out for Wildwater Sauna, a mobile wood-fired beach sauna that moves between Pembrokeshire beaches, including Little Haven, Newgale and Nolton. There’s something particularly invigorating about alternating a sea dip with the warmth of a sauna while looking out over the beach and sea.

Back at Mount Pleasant, the boot room and utility room have plenty of space for the less glamorous side of a day on the water: wet towels, boots, coats and wetsuits.

Pubs within walking distance

One of the things we particularly love about staying in Little Haven is being able to leave the car on the drive.

There are three village pubs within an easy walk of Mount Pleasant: The Castle, St Brides Inn and The Swan. Each has its own character and, when the evenings draw in, there is something very appealing about heading down into the village for a drink or supper before walking home. You might even find a pub quiz on during the quieter months.

Little Haven also has a lovely deli, Lobster & Môr, and a great café, The Seaside Hatch. Broad Haven adds more cafés, restaurants and fish and chips to the mix.

Then come home and get cosy

Autumn is when Mount Pleasant starts to feel especially homely.

Light the log burner, cook something tasty in the kitchen, open a bottle of wine, find a board game or simply sit in the sunroom and watch the weather roll across St Brides Bay.

Even on those properly Welsh days when the weather doesn’t quite cooperate, there’s plenty to do — and the sea and village views are still there.

Thinking about an autumn or winter escape?

Mount Pleasant sleeps up to 12, with six bedrooms and four bathrooms, and is just a few minutes’ walk from Little Haven beach and village.

Check the availability calendar at Mount Pleasant