I finally made it to Broad Haven after a bit of a faff on the drive down from Haverfordwest. We'd packed the car like sardines – kids' beach toys spilling out of every bag, my other half's endless supply of snacks, and me forgetting the bloody satnav cable, so we ended up following Google Maps on my phone that kept losing signal in the Pembrokeshire hills. Cue one hilarious wrong turn down a narrow lane that dead-ended at a field full of very unimpressed sheep. "Mum, are we sleeping with the woollies tonight?" my youngest piped up from the back, and we all cracked up. Classic family holiday chaos, but honestly, it set the perfect tone for our three-day jaunt.

Pulling up to the 3 Bed Lodge in The Havens around teatime on that first Friday, I was knackered but buzzing. The place is tucked into this lovely little holiday park, just a stone's throw from Broad Haven's sandy beach – you can practically smell the sea air from the driveway. It's one of those modern lodges that looks dead cosy from the outside, all wood cladding and a cheeky little decking area with picnic benches. Ours had this fab sea glimpse peeking over the dunes, enough to make you grin without being right on top of the waves. We tumbled out of the car, kids already kicking a football about on the grass, while I wrestled the key from the lockbox (pro tip: check the instructions twice, unlike me who nearly locked myself out first go).

Stepping inside, it was love at first sight – or should I say, first whiff of that fresh linen scent. Open-plan living space, all light and airy with big windows letting in the golden evening sun. The kitchen was a dream for a lazy holiday cook like me: full oven, massive fridge-freezer stocked with the basics, and even a dishwasher to save my sanity. I dumped the shopping bags on the counter – grabbed some local pasties from the village shop on the way – and cracked open a couple of tins while the kids claimed bedrooms. Upstairs (well, the mezzanine bit), there were three proper comfy beds, one with its own en-suite, and everything spotless. No creaky floors or dodgy plugs here; it felt like home, but better, with zero chores waiting.

First impressions? Pure relaxed bliss. We kicked off shoes and sprawled on the squishy sofas, flicking on the telly for some CBeebies while munching. The kids discovered the board games in the cupboard and started a rowdy game of Uno that nearly ended in tears – lodge life chaos at its finest. As the sun dipped, we wandered out to the decking with mugs of tea, listening to the gulls and watching families strolling back from the beach. Broad Haven's right there, that classic Pembrokeshire curve of golden sand and gentle waves, perfect for a post-drive paddle if we'd had the energy.

That first evening, as I sat there with the sea breeze ruffling my hair, I had a proper moment of gentle reflection. Life's been a whirlwind lately – work stresses, school runs, the usual grind. But here, in this unpretentious little lodge, everything slowed right down. No rush, no schedules, just us lot soaking up the simple stuff: salty air, full tummies, and the promise of rock pooling tomorrow. It's funny how a wrong turn and a sheep standoff can lead to feeling this content. If you're after a family break that's all about unwinding without the fuss, this spot nails it. Can't wait to wake up to those beach views come morning.