Zoo and Village at a Glance

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is located in Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. The zoo is home to almost 100 different animal species. If you want to plan more than a zoo visit, you can book animal experiences where visitors meet and feed animals behind the scenes. If an experience like this will shape your stay, check the booking information in advance.

Village Layout, Routes and Mining History

Begelly is a long, narrow village along the A478 main road. The road is a useful reference point when looking for accommodation; as well as the village name, consider which specific destination will shape your stay.

The Miners Walk passes through Begelly and Kilgetty, following the route of the former Saundersfoot Railway. It connects a present-day walking route with the line’s former use as a railway. Anyone interested in industrial history can use this connection to the railway route as a specific point of reference for a walk.

Another historical connection is the old Dramway between Thomas Chapel and Begelly. As a former railway, it carried coal from mines near Broom and Thomas Chapel to Saundersfoot. In 1581, there were so many coal pits near Begelly, by the road between Tenby and Haverfordwest, that the route was considered unsafe for carriages or carts because of the risk of subsidence. This highlights two aspects of mining history: the transport of coal and the risk of subsidence to road traffic.

Church and Services

St Mary’s in Begelly is a parish church listed as a Grade II* building. A service is usually held there at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays; on the first and third Sundays, it is usually Morning Prayer, and on the second and fourth, Holy Communion. Different arrangements apply on a fifth Sunday. As the service schedule may change, check the latest information if you plan to attend a service.

Countryside and Walking Routes Nearby

Near Begelly is Kingsmoor Common, an important wildlife habitat with wet, acidic heathland, scrubland and some areas of open water. A path also leads from Kilgetty through coniferous woodland and farmland to Fords Lake Valley. The valley has scrubland and woodland, where nuthatches and great spotted woodpeckers may be seen or heard. The landscapes offer different highlights: Kingsmoor Common is characterised by heathland and open water, while woodland and possible bird sightings are the main attractions at Fords Lake Valley.

Bus Services Nearby

Nearby Kilgetty is served by local bus routes: route 352 runs to Tenby, and route 381 to Haverfordwest. If you plan to use either service, check the timetable for your travel dates, as schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Newport, Pontfaen, Houghton, Abercastle, Cosheston, Saint Dogmaels, Manorbier, Mynachlog-ddu

For the broader travel overview: Pembrokeshire.