EVERY parent knows that happy kids make for a happy holiday - and therefore happy parents, writes Natalie Lawson

And this ethos is the secret to the success of a west Wales hidden gem - Clydey Cottages.

Much more than simply a country cottage to rent for the weekend, the complex at Clydey is a self-contained haven for young families where every need is catered for on site.

The beautiful hills of the Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion/Carmarthenshire border envelope the site, bringing enough tranquillity, serenity and rural charm to wash away the worries of a year’s worth of family and work headaches.

The cottages are charming. We stayed with our toddler in Ivy Cottage, a one-bedroom creeper-covered home from home teeming with singing thrushes (what a way to wake up!) boasting beautiful beams, a huge inglenook fireplace, country-cottage kitchen, sumptuous throws and cushions and exquisite bedding. A cottage on a farm has no right to be this luxurious.

But it is in catering for their smallest visitors that this place scores the biggest hit with parents - provided free on request are stair gates, booster seats, black-out blinds, cots or put-up toddler beds, child-friendly cups, crockery and cutlery. The facilities on site

include a pool with toys and floats to entertain children; an immaculate and extremely well-appointed soft play room for little ones; and games room for bigger kids. The WC facilities include potties and wet wipes and changing tables.

You can borrow books and DVDs, and grab a locally-sourced frozen meal at any time of the day or night (why not go for duck confit, or risotto with porcini mushrooms!), that you heat in the oven. There is a laundry open 24/7. A huge outdoor play area and trampoline. Sand pit. Small bikes and scooters galore to borrow and a terrace for them to scoot about on. There is a babysitting service available. A small shop carries oft-forgotten essentials like swim nappies (guilty) and eggs from their own chickens. There is not one detail that has been overlooked in the quest to take the stress out of being away from home with young kids.

Visitors get the chance to enjoy the rural life to the full - with daily hands-on feedings of the Clydey animals a sure-fire hit with the youngsters. "Farmer Rachel"’s daily morning feeding sessions were the hands-down highlight for our toddler, who was shy to join in at first but encouraged by the end of our stay by super-friendly Farmer Rachel, managed to pat one of the Shetlands and feed an apple or two to the pigs. He was thrilled with himself. We’ll conquer the alpacas on another visit!

Wellies were a must (in March) but don’t let that mislead you, this place is immaculate. The well-fenced enclosures, stables and chicken coops were all spotlessly kept and well laid out. The animals look happy and healthy and well cared for.

The kids may have been centre stage in the planning of this place, but the parents are not overlooked. With so much to keep little ones occupied, it frees the frazzled grown-ups to sit back with a glass of something restorative and take in the peace of the surroundings.

A glass of wine in the evening on the bench outside the cottage or next to the play house was a moment to savour.

The soft play area has the comfiest sofas, free coffee and wifi, and magazines. The rugby was even on the TV, keeping the dads happy while the little ones leapt about in the ball pool.

For the ultimate relaxation, there is also an on-site spa treatment room where a rejuvenating massage or facial can be indulged in.

While the sire derives much of its charm from being well out of the way, a couple of supermarkets will deliver to the cottages, so you can stock up and settle in for a relaxing family getaway.

Despite everything I have just said, it would actually be a shame not to venture off site at all during your stay - for an hour’s drive in any direction brings you to attractions, activities and tourist destinations galore, from the beaches of Pembrokeshire to castles, activity centres and quaint towns and villages to explore. Cenarth is nearby and very attractive with its waterfalls.

We managed two excursions on our weekend visit - to Folly Farm and to Tenby.

Folly Farm is one of Pembrokeshire’s best family days out, combining a petting zoo with large-animal enclosures including the Pride of Pembrokeshire - their own lions. Plus a huge indoor vintage funfair and soft play zone, even if the Welsh weather lets you down, the kids will be entertained for a full day.

Roughly an hour’s drive the following day (ideal toddler nap length) brought us to beautiful Tenby. We explored the picturesque harbour, strolled along the huge expanse of beach in some unseasonal sunshine and had Sunday dinner in a bustling local eaterie. A lovely family day out.

It's all in the detail:

We stayed at Clydey Cottages, Penrallt, Lancych, Boncath SA37 0LW. Telephone: 01239 698619. Email: [email protected]

For details of the cottages, to book and to look at their facilities go to https://www.clydeycottages.co.uk

Folly Farm is an award-winning attraction. For details of special events, opening times etc go to www.folly-farm.co.uk