Book now for October half-term – particularly for families or groups of friends looking for a large property – is the message from Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire which reports high demand for this popular week of the year.

Large properties on offer include Butterhill Grange, a magnificent historic Grade II listed mansion built in the early 1700s, near the picturesque village of St Ishmaels. It sleeps 16 in seven bedrooms, most en suite, and has a grand entrance hall, a formal dining room, three sitting rooms, a library, a games area and a cinema.  It has an elegant paved terrace and an acre of grounds with woodland. A walk of around 25 minutes leads to the sea and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.  A seven-night holiday from 18 October is priced at £2231.

Situated just 150 yards from the sea in Aberfforest Cove, is Aberfforest House, a detached farmhouse sleeping 12 in six bedrooms.  This spacious property has two sitting rooms (one with an inglenook fireplace and woodburning stove), plus a cosy snug, the ideal place for children to relax and play.  The cove, which is almost private, is the ideal place to join the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path for bracing walks along the coastline to the seaside village of Newport, with its shops, pubs and restaurants.  A seven-night holiday from 19 October costs £1466.

Smaller parties could opt for The Retreat, a detached house sleeping eight in four bedrooms (one en suite).  It is situated on the edge of the coastal village of Little Haven – with its sheltered cove and beach – and home to art galleries, pubs and restaurants.  Walking opportunities are endless on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and, at low tide, visitors can walk along the beach to Broad Haven where there are other cafes, pubs and restaurants.  A week’s holiday from 18 October is priced £947.

Reservations:  01437 772760, www.coastalcottages.co.uk