Coastal landscape with sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and ocean waves under a clear blue sky.
Group of hikers walking on a coastal trail with a lighthouse on an island in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Three hikers posing playfully on a rocky hill with a clear blue sky background.
Group of women hiking along a coastal trail with walking poles, rocky cliffs, and ocean in the background.
Group of women hikers posing on a coastal trail with ocean view
Coastal cliffs and ocean under a clear blue sky
Coastal landscape with yellow gorse flowers in the foreground, a rocky island with a lighthouse in the background, and a clear blue sky above.
Stone building and rocky cliffs under clear blue sky with two people walking.
Coastal landscape with sandy beach, blue ocean, and rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.
Group of people standing on a cliffside with ocean and rocky coastline in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Wide sandy beach with rolling waves, grassy dunes, and scattered people under a blue sky with clouds.

New Year’s Eve Walking Holiday - Pembrokeshire

Start the New Year with purpose on a refreshing 4-night coastal walking holiday in Pembrokeshire. Stay in a cosy National Trust lodge right by the beach, exploring dramatic cliff paths, hidden chapels, and golden bays with expert guides and a welcoming small group of fellow adventurers. Enjoy hearty evening meals by the log burner and a special New Year's Eve dinner – the perfect escape from crowded celebrations and busy resolutions.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 4 nights
Accommodation: Lodge
Travel: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

 

What to expect on this Pembrokeshire New Year

  • A four-night walking break – Fully guided walks each day with time to relax and explore the coast.

  • Cosy twin-room accommodation – Stay in a small National Trust lodge with a log burner and no bunkbeds.

  • All meals included – Breakfasts, packed lunches, and evening meals served back at the lodge.

  • Car-free and simple to join – Station pickup from Pembroke is included for an easy arrival.

 

Booking Calendar…

 

A sociable four-night stay with coastal walks, fresh sea air, and a relaxed New Year welcome.

See in the New Year with a slower pace, sea air, and friendly company on this four-night walking break based right on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

We’ll be staying in a cosy National Trust lodge at Gupton Farm, just a short stroll from the beach. With twin bedrooms (no bunkbeds), a log burner in the lounge, and space for just eight guests, this small group experience is all about making the most of the coast without any rush.

There’s no need for a car – station pick-up is included – and each day we’ll head out on guided walks along nearby stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, from windswept headlands to hidden chapels and sandy bays. We’ll also visit historic sites including Saint Govan’s Chapel and Manorbier Castle, and give you the chance to explore the small city of St David’s.

Although we’ll stay up to welcome in the New Year, this isn’t a party trip. It’s a relaxed and sociable way to mark the turn of the year – walking by day, unwinding by the fire in the evenings, and enjoying time in good company.

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • Arrive anytime from 17:00 and settle into your twin room at Gupton Bunkhouse. Alternatively there is plenty of free parking on site.

    If you're arriving by train, we’ll collect you from Pembroke station at 16:15.

    With the log burner lit and the kettle on, this evening is all about meeting your fellow walkers, unwinding after the journey, and easing into the weekend.

  • We’ll start the day with a relaxed breakfast before heading out – either on foot from the door or with a short drive to Freshwater West. The walk takes us across sweeping sands and onto the clifftops of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. We’ll stop for a break at the Old Point House pub, then continue exploring more of the coastline before returning to the lodge.

  • After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Saint Govan’s Chapel – tucked into the cliffs and full of legend. From here we follow the coastal path, taking in Broad Haven, Stackpole Head, and the golden curve of Barafundle Bay. We’ll finish the walk at Stackpole Quay before returning through the tranquil Lily Ponds and across the Eight Arch Bridge.

  • We’ll explore a little further along the coast today near St David’s. There’s time to walk out to St David’s Head with its rocky views and Iron Age history, explore Whitesands Bay, and even stop in the city itself for a wander. We’ll return in time for a relaxed evening – and if you’d like to stay up and welcome in the New Year, we’ll make sure the fire’s going and the mugs are full.

  • After breakfast, we’ll head out for one last walk. Today’s route takes us around Manorbier, where we’ll explore the castle grounds and a nearby stretch of coast. It’s a shorter outing to round off the break, and we’ll stop at the tearoom for a hot drink and Welsh cake before offering station drop-offs to Manorbier or Tenby.

  • Each evening when we return to the lodge, we’ll light the fire and enjoy a relaxed evening together. Dinner is served in the lodge each night, so once you’re back from the walk, you can simply put your feet up and take it easy.

    On New Year’s Eve, we’ll serve a special New Year’s menu and, if you’d like to, you’re welcome to stay up and see in the New Year with the group. That said, there’s no pressure – this isn’t a party trip, and you’re just as welcome to head to bed early if that suits you. The focus is on the walks, the coastline, and taking a peaceful break to start the year feeling refreshed.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time:
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    Gupton Farm Surf Lodge
    Gupton Farm
    Castlemartin
    Pembrokeshire
    SA71 5HW

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    Parking:
    There is free parking on site.

    Free Collection:
    We will be offering a free collection from Pembroke Train Station at 16:15 on the first day of this trip. Dropping you back again either at Pembroke or Tenby on the last day. Both stations are on the same route, please ensure you have booked an open ticket as we cannot guarantee the drop off time on the last day.

    Pick Must Be Booked - either during the checkout process or by contacting the Large Outdoors office.

    Public Transport:
    Gumpton Farm Surf Lodge is located 7.5 miles from Pembroke Train Station, with services to/from Tenby and Swansea.

    Finish Time:
    We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • We’ll be staying at Gupton Farm Surf Lodge, a unique coastal retreat owned by the National Trust. A short walk from some of Wales’s best beaches, this accommodation is a unique and characterful retreat that makes ‘getting away from it all’ easy. The accommodation features a comfortable lounge and homely dining area, plus a log burner for extra cosiness after a day out walking.

    Bedding/linen:
    A mattress protector, pillow and pillow protector are provided. Please bring your own linen, towels and bedding.

    Accommodation Address:
    Gupton Farm Surf Lodge
    Gupton Farm
    Castlemartin
    Pembrokeshire
    SA71 5HW

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Twin Room

    Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room - with two single beds - with one other participant (bathrooms are shared).

    Twin Rooms, sleep up to two participants booking together, with two single beds (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).

  • Included:

    • 4 nights’ accommodation at Gupton Surf Lodge.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks around the Pembrokeshire coast.

    • All travel during the 4 night New Year Holiday.

    • Set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on all evenings, with some extra treats to enjoy on New Year’s Eve!

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Days 2-4. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    • Can I attend on my own?
      Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
      Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • Can I bring my dog?
      Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

Strumble Head Lighthouse on the Pembrokeshire Coast Line

About the Area:

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the UK’s only coastal national park. With 240 square miles of rugged, timeless natural landscapes with natural arches, stacks, rock folding and sea caves. It’s also an area of historical, archaeological, and conservation significance, with 7 Special Areas of Conservation, a Marine Nature Reserve, 6 national nature reserves and 75 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The nearest significant settlement to our accommodation on our trip is Fishguard, an historic and charming harbour town. We’re located right on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186 mile (299km) route that hugs the coastline and boasts an impressive array of coastal flowers and bird life. The entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes between 10 and 15 days to complete, and we’ll cover some shorter stretches on this trip.

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.