When I mentioned that we were going to Scolton Manor the girls let out a cheer- they couldn’t wait – as we hadn’t been here in so long (which is unusual for us). There’s never enough time to do everything at Scolton Manor in one day so you can make each visit different to the last. They’re also always adding new things too. Take a look at these snapshots from our most recent visit:
Visiting Scolton Manor
Scolton Manor (Sat Nav Postcode: SA62 5QL) is located just 5 miles north of Haverfordwest on the B4329 Cardigan Road. There is usually plenty of parking available and overflow parking on the grass for big events (although be wary of this on particularly wet days). Currently, parking is limited due to redevelopment work. We were lucky to get there early enough to get a space in one of the car parks, but by the time we left cars were parked all along the entrance road.
Scolton Manor is a great value day out. Charges start at £3 for up to 2 hours and £4 for 24 hours. Season tickets are available for £20 which are a bargain if you plan to visit more than five times a year. Season tickets are currently available to purchase by card over the phone by calling the Welcome Centre on 01437 731457, Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm.
During our visit, the parking machine was out of order so we made payment through the “Pay by Phone” App, another visitor then told us that they’d paid cash in the hut.
Unless the weather has been particularly dry for a long spell, it’s always advisable to wear wellies, walking boots or old trainers and old play clothes to Scolton Manor as it can get rather muddy.
Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail
If it’s your first time visiting Scolton Manor take time to look at the maps and information boards so you can decide where you want to go. As we (usually) come often we didn’t have a plan, apart from to have fun with the kids. On arrival, you’ll see two large play areas. The kids ran to them straight away but agreed to walk first and then return to them later.
Prior to our visit, I printed out a “Myths and Legends Sculpture Trail” and a “Woodland Spotter” sheet in case we needed to encourage the kids to explore but they weren’t needed as the kids were immediately off adventuring (and they’ve done them previously anyway). More sheets are available to download from their Events and Activities page.
On the entrance side, there is also a Sensory Garden with outdoor musical instruments and the kids discovered a new path and bridge to walk on.
We continued on with the Scolton Manor Sculpture Trail.
Walking around we discovered new play areas. The climbing frame has been replaced with a wooden Pirate Ship.
We came across Twm Sion Cati (Thomas Jones) a 16th century native of Tregaron who gained a reputation as the Robin Hood of Wales (but he forgot about the giving to the poor part).
The Welsh Dragon, defeating the White Dragon.
We then came across a new wooden playground area, the Woodland Play Village, which will be opening soon- it looks great – one that the grown-ups can run around on too.
Seeing the new area brought us off track a bit and we didn’t go the hidey-hole tree as we usually do. We’ll have to look for that next time.
The Owl House
Next, we passed The Owl House, the kids have spent many happy times playing “cafe” and “shop” in here over the years.
Gelert, Faithful Hound
Gelert is our favourite sculpture as we love the tragic legend of Gelert, although when I quickly retold the story to Cerys, I made it even more of a tragedy- oops – thankfully the girls were there to correct me!
We didn’t see all of the Myths and Legends sculptures during our visit. The last one we saw was Barti Ddu (or Bartholomew Roberts, born John Roberts, the successful Welsh pirate who, unusually for a pirate, preferred tea to rum.
The Pirate Ship was still busy, so the girls asked if we can come back when it’s quieter so they can have a turn which will be fun.
The Playground
Then we headed back to the park. This is quite new too. It’s close to the car park so easy to pick up your picnic or snacks to enjoy, rather than carrying them all around your walk.
The girls had fun playing until the heavens opened and we decided that was a sign to go home.
The photos above are only one small part of Scolton Manor. There are many more areas and walks. Hopefully, in the summer the Country House and Edie’s Tea Rooms will be open again too.
We were pleased to see (what we could) of the restoration work to “Margaret”, the steam train. You can follow their progress on “Scolton Steam Team” page – well done to all involved!
Regular readers know that we were sad when she was moved and seemingly neglected at first as we used to always visit her during our past visits. We’re so pleased to see her getting the care she deserves. We still miss the old museum, especially the old shop.
Scolton Manor is a great day out with lots of space for everyone to enjoy.
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