Fishguard
Fishguard occupies a strategically significant position on the rugged north Pembrokeshire coast, where a natural harbour cuts deep into the land creating one of Wales's finest anchorages. The town's history is intimately connected with the sea, from fishing port origins through its role as a major ferry terminal serving Ireland, to its starring role in cinema history. The settlement comprises three distinct areas: the modern town on the hilltop, the working ferry port of Goodwick, and the picturesque Lower Town tumbling down to a sheltered inlet. Lower Town Fishguard is the jewel - an almost impossibly picturesque cluster of pastel-painted cottages around a tiny harbour, virtually unchanged for centuries. This timeless quality attracted director Richard Lester for filming Under Milk Wood (1972) starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The town's most dramatic historical moment came in 1797 when it witnessed the last invasion of mainland Britain. A French force of 1,400 men landed at Carreg Wastad Point, surrendering three days later. Legend credits Jemima Nicholas with capturing twelve French soldiers armed only with a pitchfork. The Last Invasion Tapestry commemorates this episode. Accessible via A40 and A487, approximately 16 miles from Haverfordwest and Cardigan.