Roch Castle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Roch Castle rises dramatically out of a rocky outcrop on the outskirts of the nondescript rural village of Roch, a short drive inland from the big, curved sweep that is St Brides Bay. The property stands on its own grounds above sloping lawns in an exceptionally peaceful spot. Newgale, a vast sandy beach that attracts lots of surfers, is five minutes drive away and you can join the coastal path here.

By car: around 2 hours from Cardiff, 3 hours 45 minutes from Birmingham and 4 hours 30 minutes from London. Free on-site parking.

By train: There are direct trains to Haverfordwest from Cardiff Central, the journey takes 3 hours 15 minutes. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Haverfordwest Station. Book trains to Haverfordwest.

Roch Castle is a bonafide medieval castle turned into a small-scale, luxury B&B. Its interiors have an unfussy contemporary style that cleverly enhances the building's impressive heritage. Public areas feature specially commissioned artwork such as modern vases and a tapestry relating to the history of the castle. The ambience is smart and serene.

Roch Castle is a professionally managed B&B. Uniformed staff are on duty from early in the morning through to the evening (note the property is not staffed overnight). You'll find them to be very polite, well trained and well informed about the area, and they will make bookings for restaurants and so forth.

• Breakfast in room
• Honesty bar
• Library
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The six bedrooms are in varying sizes but are all very comfortable and have a cosy yet masculine feel: think grey walls, wooden floors, suede armchairs, leather-covered sliding cupboard doors, and slick, white bathrooms, some with separate bath and shower. Indulgent mod-cons include a coffee maker, a fridge with fresh milk and robes.

Room types: Lucy Walter, De Rupe, Nest, St Davids, St Brides, Ap Gruffydd

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with aromatherapy toiletries, towels, slippers, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast is the only meal offered at Roch Castle. The buffet includes pastries, fruit salad, Welsh honey and jams. Among the cooked dishes are buttermilk pancakes and Welsh smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Many guests have dinner in St Davids at Blas, the top-notch restaurant at sister property Twr y Felin Hotel.

There is no restaurant on site, but picnic hampers and afternoon tea can be arranged on request. Sister hotel Twr y Felin in nearby St Davids, a 20-minute drive away, offers two AA-Rosette dining.