Just south of Boncath village, on the edge of the Preseli Hills, 72-acre Rhydhowell Farm appears deceptively smaller at first. The meadows, bordered by hedges and mature trees are all parcelled up into neat sizes while a blanket of semi-ancient woodland covers over 20 acres – almost a third of the farm’s land. The result is a small-scale, basic campsite but with endless room for nippers to go exploring. A nature trail wiggles its way among the trees of Cwm Rhew-erwyll (the Valley of frosts) and Cnwc-y-Perfedd (the mound of guts) – ghoulish names for the evocative natural landscape – and bird- and wildlife abounds. Bring some binoculars and a notebook to notch down all the critters.
The first of the farm’s meadows, open all year round, has just five grass pitches but there’s a second field opened in summer specifically for tent campers. When school’s out this extra space fills with families, a super social camping area where children make friends for the duration of their holiday. Campfires are permitted and, provided the weather isn’t terrible, you can park your car alongside your pitch. Plus, if you manage to book far enough in advance, there are two extra ‘hidden’ areas where a few small tents can pitch among the trees. Facilities-wise, things are very basic (and a little dated) but all the essentials are covered – showers, toilets washing-up sinks and so on – and the farm barns (again, very basic and dated) can be used as a covered area if it rains.
The grade II listed, whitewashed farmhouse is at the centre of it all, taking pride of place among the gardens, ponds and greenhouses. It’s all there waiting to be explored and stepping out onto the farm footpaths is always the best way of taking it all in, footstep by footstep. From wide-open views to the babbling brook among the woods there’s a wild world waiting to be found. Stumble across the waterfall and you’ll really begin to appreciate the magical beauty of this place.