Pembrokeshire
Why we love Pembrokeshire
The westernmost tip of Wales offers a real adventure. Here you can see dolphins and porpoises, explore wild 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 (621 square km) – 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’s 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.
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 quaint villages.
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.
Pick your perfect beach
Pembrokeshire is pure beach heaven. 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.
See a different side of the coast
Craving adventure? On a coasteering trip, you’ll splash, swim and scramble along Pembrokeshire’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.
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.
Explore a royal birthplace
History is alive at Pembroke Castle. With falconry displays, battle reenactments 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
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 Island
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 Pembrokeshire
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 walks
Tantalising tastes
From harbourside pubs and seafood cafés, 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 B&Bs
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. By road, long-distance coaches also serve Pembrokeshire. 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 Pembrokeshire’s scenery, so use its 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 or car.
By electric car
Driving electric is easy: there are 18 public 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? These handy regular bus services run all over Pembrokeshire.
By campervan
For the ultimate freedom, hire a campervan. 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.