Why we love Pembrokeshire
Look to Wales’ wild west for a real adventure. Here you can see dolphins and porpoises, explore rugged islands, spot the local wildlife including puffins and seals, and discover a new breathtaking beach every day. Pembrokeshire is paradise for hikers, swimmers, thrill-seekers and birdwatchers, and has a thriving food scene too.
Surrounded by the sea to the north, south and west, the county is home to Britain’s only coastal National Park, which hugs the shore for 240 square miles (621km²) – a raw, edge-of-the-world landscape of towering cliffs, soft sandy coves and wildlife-filled isles. Legend has it, Pembrokeshire was the birthplace of Wales’ patron saint, St David, so there’s also a rich history to explore, as well as an abundance of castles and a historic cathedral.
Want to jump right in? Here’s how to plan the perfect Pembrokeshire holiday.
Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales
Location: Pencaer, Wales

Hit the epic coastal trail
With its golden beaches and endless sea views, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a joy to hike. You’d need 12 days to cover the full 186-mile (299km) route, but its shorter walks are rewarding too: try Nolton Haven to Caerfai for 12 miles (19km) of quiet bays, crumbling ruins and bracing clifftops. Inland, a stroll in the Preseli Hills reveals soul-stirring moorland, Iron Age forts and historic villages.
Photo by: jackallertonphotos
Location: Skomer Island, Wales

Meet the puffins on Skomer Island
Skomer Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Seals laze on the beaches, seabirds swoop through the sky and bright-beaked puffins congregate on the rocks – with every season bringing a new spectacle. It’s a 15-minute boat trip from Martin’s Haven: look out for dolphins and porpoises on the way.
Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre
Location: Castlemartin, Wales

Pick your perfect beach
Pembrokeshire’s beaches are heavenly. Explore the rocks and sandy shores of Broad Haven South beach. Or look to Tenby’s award-winning sands which are framed by pastel-coloured Victorian houses and a picturesque harbour: from here, cruises depart to the holy island of Caldey.
Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales
Location: St Davids, Wales

See a different side of the coast
Craving adventure? On a coasteering trip in Pembrokeshire, you’ll splash, swim and scramble along the area’s untamed shore – exploring secret caves, wallowing in the waves and leaping into cool, clear waters from the rocks. The adrenaline sport actually began right here, and there’s no more thrilling way to see the region’s raw beauty up-close.
Photo by: yourwales
Location: St Davids, Wales

Discover Britain’s smallest city
St Davids is no bigger than a village, and is home to just 1,600 people – but thanks to its magnificent 12th-century cathedral, it’s officially classed as a city. Take a tour of the cathedral, and then visit nearby Bishop’s Palace: in summer, this atmospheric medieval ruin hosts festivals and concerts too.
Photo by: vip.wales
Location: Pembroke, Wales

Explore a royal birthplace
History is alive at Pembroke Castle. With falconry displays, battle re-enactments and live theatre performances, this 12th-century stronghold is full of activities, and hosts outdoor movie screenings in summer too. The castle was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, and was the birthplace of King Henry VII – the first ‘House of Tudor’ monarch.
Things to do in Pembrokeshire
Featured things to do
Photo by: sophie_adventures__
Location: Wales

Island adventures
This season, nature is full of life… and noise! The high cliffs of Ramsey Island bustle with peregrine falcons, guillemots, ravens, razorbills and more.
Learn more about Ramsey IslandPhoto by: Visit Wales/Crown Copyright
Location: Ramsey Island, Wales

Dolphin spotting
Hop into a boat for a chance to encounter dolphins, porpoises and whales along the coast – pods of up to 500 dolphins are regularly spotted.
Learn more about dolphin watching in PembrokeshirePhoto by: Getty Images/Michael Roberts
Location: Whitesands Bay, Wales

Colourful walks
Canaston Woods is a glorious spot for an autumn stroll: its oak and beech trees blaze red and orange, and there’s a carpet of crunchy leaves underfoot.
Learn more about Pembrokeshire’s best autumn walksPhoto by: keeping_with_the_coopers_
Location: Haverfordwest, Wales

Tantalising tastes
From harbourside pubs and seafood cafes, to vineyards, foragers and chefs with creative flairs, winter is the perfect time to tuck into Pembrokeshire’s foodie joys.
Learn more about food and drink in PembrokeshirePlaces to stay in Pembrokeshire
Fun farmstays
With freshly laid eggs for breakfast, country walks from the doorstep and a truly warm welcome, what’s not to love about farmstays?
Country cottages
From sea-view holiday rentals to remote retreats with hot tubs, there are many self-catering cottages throughout Pembrokeshire.
Family-run bed and breakfasts
Make yourself at home in a traditional bed and breakfast, known as a ‘B&B’ – with local hosts, cosy rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
Explore nearby
Getting to Pembrokeshire
Regular trains connect Pembrokeshire’s main stations (at Haverfordwest, Tenby and Fishguard) with London, Manchester, Cardiff and other major UK cities, with nearby Swansea providing local rail links for the rest of Wales (see the National Rail website for more details). By road, long-distance coaches also serve Pembrokeshire: National Express connects Haverfordwest with London. Haverfordwest is a four-hour drive from London Heathrow, while the journey from Cardiff Airport takes two hours.
Getting around
You won’t want to miss a moment of the region’s scenery, so use Pembrokeshire’s extensive public bus service to get around. It’s especially useful in the height of summer, when finding parking spots can be tricky – though note that bikes aren’t permitted on local buses. If you’re cycling, it’s best to reach the trailhead by train (with Transport for Wales) or car.
By electric car
Driving electric is easy: there are 39 electric vehicle charging points throughout Pembrokeshire, while some hotels also offer chargers in their car parks.
By bus
Who could resist riding the Strumble Shuttle, Celtic Coaster or Puffin Shuttle? Pembrokeshire's handy bus services run all over the region (some services only operate in summer).
By campervan
For the ultimate freedom, hire a campervan in Pembrokeshire. Spend your days exploring, and your nights in Pembrokeshire’s excellent campsites.
Want to know more?
For more local tips, must-try activities and things to do, check out Pembrokeshire’s official website.
Pembrokeshire is located in the west of Wales, bordered by the sea on three sides. It sits 100 miles from the capital city of Wales, Cardiff, and is approximately a two-hour journey by train.
Pembrokeshire is known for being a destination for wildlife, particularly on Skomer Island where you can often spot puffins and seals. It is also home to the gorgeous Pembrokeshire Coast National Park which features a diverse and scenic 186-mile coastal path. The county is also celebrated for Tenby, a harbour town with over 50 ancient forts and castles, including Pembroke Castle.
There’s plenty to do in Pembrokeshire whether you’re into nature, water sports, history or are just looking for a fun day out.
Nature and the great outdoors: Hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for dramatic cliff views or, depending on the time of year, head to Skomer Island to see puffin colonies and seals.
History and heritage: Explore Pembroke Castle and St David’s Cathedral and get to know more about Britain’s history and the Kings and Queens of the past.
Family-friendly attractions: Visit Tenby and head over to Folly Farm’s award-winning zoo and vintage fairground that kids are sure to love. Or enjoy the colourful harbour and sandy beaches.
Coastal adventures (coasteering): Try coasteering with expert guides along Pembrokeshire’s rugged shoreline.
Established in 1093, Pembroke Castle was originally a timber stronghold but was transformed into a stone fortress in the late 12th-century. Today it’s celebrated as the birthplace of the Tudor dynasty and as the only castle in Britain built over a natural cavern. With a labyrinth of tunnels, it offers a great journey through 900 years of British history.

































