The history of Celtic Haven

Over 25 years of holidays

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The history of Celtic Haven

Steeped in Welsh history, Celtic Haven is located just off the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and sits on a site whose history dates back to the 14th Century.

With many of our visitors keen to learn about the rich tapestry that is Celtic Haven's history, we have taken the time to catalogue the resort's unique story.

Dating back to the Iron Age, civilisation has walked the paths of Pembrokeshire for near 3,000 years. However, it was with the 11th Century Norman invasion that the path towards Celtic Haven truly began.

As the new conquerors of England marched west towards the rugged terrain of Wales, the man in control of much of western Wales was the fiery ruler King Rhys ap Tewdwr of the House of Dinefwr - from whom the Tudor dynasty derives.

In a bid to keep ahold of power in the face of the Norman armies, Tewdwr offered the hand of his youngest and most beautiful daughter to the Norman Lord Gerald de Windsor to forge political ties between the two houses.

This maternal knot saw the once mighty Manorbier estate steadily sold off and built upon over the next 700 years.

The advent of the industrial revolution in the late 18th Century saw the acquisition of Lydstep Haven, then part of the Manorbier estate, by industrialist John Adams.

Adams then set about quarrying the land for stone to help service the appetite of an industrialising nation.

Steadily, the townships of Lydstep, Manorbier and Tenby grew into popular tourism destinations as wealthy individuals looked to escape the pollution of Britain's major towns and cities.

 

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The birth of Celtic Haven

After nearly a century in which the Lydstep Estate serviced as a quarry for the nation's industrial needs, the estate was sold to future Lord John Wynford Philipps.

By 1908, Philipps' efforts had seen the once barren land of Celtic Haven transformed into an area of rich farmland that including a stable of pedigree horses, two lodges and a public reading room.

With the success of his horse Atrato at the Scottish Grand National came the demolishment and reconstruction of the buildings that have subsequently been renovated to form the basis of our resort.

In homage to the rich history of this beautiful location, many of our cottage names give little clues to their distinctive backgrounds.

Two decades of holidays

Celtic Haven Resort has delivered over 25 years of service, growing from humble origins to become one of the leading service providers within Pembrokeshire.

The resort has evolved to match the changing expectations of guests, with the Elemis Premier Spa being accompanied by a leisure club that includes a swimming pool and nine-hole pitch and putt golf course.

General Manager, Betty Hibbits, said of the resort's journey: "We are delighted that the resort is celebrating such a significant landmark in its history.

"The entire estate is situated in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and there has been a commitment to preserving the sites centuries' old heritage - with all the original stone walls remaining and the distinctive red tiled roofs being rebuilt to replicate how they were before.

"The great flagstone floors and beamed ceilings have all been brought back to life and these unique cottages have all been named relating to their history, so you can now stay at our resort and just imagine what life was like back in those tranquil times.

"To celebrate the 25 year landmark at the Celtic Haven Resort is an outstanding achievement and testament to all of the work that has been done by the many members of staff that have contributed to its success."

Explore our cottages below

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The Old Forge

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View property| Dog-friendly

This beautiful detached cottage stands where the blacksmiths of years ago would shoe not only the working Shire horses, but also the racehorses of Lord St David's stable. With its own private veranda off the living area, The Old Forge enjoys views across the pitch and putt golf course towards the Pembrokeshire coast.

2
1
4
£361 - £1,458
1

The Parlour

Ref:6 |

Dog-friendly

This quaint, ground-floor apartment was part of the old staff living quarters when Celtic Haven was the heart of a busy country estate. Now it is a character filled one-bedroom property offering a lovely outlook over part of the pitch and putt golf course and out towards the picturesque Pembrokeshire headland.

1
1
2
£361 - £944
1

The Manor House

Ref:30 |

Dog-friendly

The Manor House sleeps 12 people in a property bursting with character.

Recently renovated, this beautiful old farmhouse has a fabulous history and plenty of space for everyone!

6
4
12
£1,100 - £4,088
1

Gardener's Cottage

Ref:4 |

Dog-friendly

One of three modern suites at Celtic Haven, Gardener's Cottage offers open-plan living and a terraced area with views over the pitch and putt golf course towards the picturesque Pembrokeshire headland. Gardener's Cottage is an easily accessible property just perfect for a short break or romantic holiday in Wales.

1
1
2
£361 - £944
1

Headland's House

Ref:28 |

View property

As the name suggests, this lovely four-bedroom detached house sits proudly overlooking the picturesque Pembrokeshire headland. With its own private garden, views from almost every room and all the facilities within a few paces, Headland's House is a popular choice with both families and larger groups.

4
2
8
£581 - £1,989
5

The Bakery

Ref:16 |

Some people insist they can still detect the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread in this popular detached cottage! Originally the village bakery, this delightful two-storey cottage is now a picturesque and traditional estate dwelling in the centre of the 12th Century courtyard.

2
1
4
£361 - £1,255
1

Bravehearts

Ref:29 |

Dog-friendly

Situated in our charming courtyard, this fabulous character house sleeps up to 10 people making it ideal self-catering accommodation for two families or a larger group.

4
2
10
£650 - £2,486
1

Goose Cottage

Ref:21 |

Dog-friendly

When the prize geese were being fattened for the Lord of the Manor's table they lived happily in this lovely old stone building! Now this charming cottage is a popular choice with families and groups offering headland views as soon as you step out of the back door.

3
1
6
£434 - £1,750
1

St David's Lodge

Ref:20 |

Dog-friendly

One of the oldest properties in the village and steeped in character, this popular holiday cottage is named after Lord St David who owned the land hundreds of years ago. The metre thick walls and pitch pine beams are a nod to its heritage.

3
1
6
£381 - £1,750
1

Celtic Retreat

Ref:10 |

Dog-friendly

Celtic Retreat is a charming and cosy holiday cottage with plenty of character and a private garden leading off the living room making it perfect for a family holiday in Pembrokeshire!

2
1
4
£361 - £1,394
10

The Corn Store

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The Corn Store is the only property at Celtic Haven to offer a conservatory dining room, allowing the stars to light up your dinner! Our most spacious one-bedroom property, The Corn Store is a popular choice for a romantic escape or short break in Pembrokeshire.

1
1
2
£361 - £944
IMG 9201

Kittiwake Cottage

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Kittiwake Cottage is situated at the top of the village close to the tennis courts and a short stroll to all the amenities. All the accommodation is on the ground floor so making access to all rooms easy for young children or the elderly.

2
1
4
£361 - £1,394
6

Flemish Cottage

Ref:8 |

Dog-friendly

Set in a small cluster of whitewashed stone cottages, Flemish Cottage's exposed pitch pine beams and tiled floors give a wonderful insight into Welsh cottages as they would have been hundreds of years ago – with all the mod cons!

2
1
4
£361 - £1,394
1

Cranberry Cottage

Ref:12 |

Dog-friendly

Cranberry Cottage originally lead into the estate's soft fruit orchard and is now a pretty Welsh holiday cottage with plenty of charm and character. You'll find yourself close to all the facilities and just a few paces from the wonderful headland outlook!

2
1
4
£361 - £1,394
1

Dovecotes

Ref:13 |

Dog-friendly

Doves and House Martins (which are still your neighbours) were the original occupiers of this delightful double-aspect cottage. Looking onto our charming courtyard from the lounge and up towards The Spa from the front door, this charming single-level property is conveniently located for all the facilities.

2
1
4
£361 - £1,394
IMG 8956

Puffin Cottage

Ref:23 |

Dog-friendly

This spacious two-storey cottage is a favourite with families and you'll find it conveniently located for the tennis courts and putting green. Puffin Cottage's private, south-facing garden makes it an especially popular choice in the spring and summer months!

2
1
6
£361 - £1,750
IMG 0041

Dolphin Cottage

Ref:26 |

Dog-friendly

This homely two-storey cottage is conveniently located for all the facilities and enjoys the added bonus of a private garden to the rear. Great for a fun family holiday in Tenby!

3
1
6
£381 - £1,750