TWO of Pembrokeshire’s heritage attractions have been recognised as part of a leading Visit Wales scheme.

Scolton Manor and Penrhos Cottage have achieved accreditation through Visit Wales’ prestigious Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme.

The recognition from Visit Wales builds on the standards already reached by both attractions for Museum Accreditation, and participation in the two schemes helps to build even better experiences for visitors.

As well as securing Visit Wales accreditation for its attractions, Pembrokeshire County Council has also achieved the Visit Wales ‘Hidden Gem’ for Penrhos Cottage, an accolade for smaller attractions that offer a very good visitor experience.

Close to the Preseli Hills, Penrhos Cottage is an isolated thatched ‘Ty-un-nos’ or ‘overnight house’ near Llanycefn. The cottage has recently been re-thatched, and work is now underway to prepare the outside of the cottage ready to give it a fresh coat of lime-wash.

A series of open days is planned for the autumn to allow visitors to experience for themselves the ‘hidden gem’ that is Penrhos Cottage and the beauty of the surrounding area.

The latest honours mark an extremely successful week for the council, having earlier received confirmation of the prestigious Green Flag Award for the 10th consecutive year at Scolton Manor.

“The Green Flag Award, VAQAS Cymru and the ‘Hidden Gem’ are recognition of the hard work that has gone in to providing both Pembrokeshire residents and visitors to the county with the best possible experience at our heritage attractions,” said Museums manager Mark Thomas.

“We hope that they will encourage as many people as possible to visit, discover and enjoy what Scolton Manor and Penrhos Cottage have to offer.”

Scolton Manor has seen some significant additions in recent years, including the rebuilding of the Victorian walled garden, the opening of the Pembrokeshire Beekeeping Centre and the installation of a ‘Welsh Myths and Legends’ sculpture trail.