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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.

Things to do in Pembrokeshire

Explore Tenby’s golden sandy beach, harbour, pastel-painted Victorian houses and its collection of restaurants and cafes.

Discover more about Tenby

VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Traditional seaside town with sandy beaches. Aerial view
Tenby Harbour Beach

Found less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast, head to Skomer to watch wildlife including puffins, seals and razorbills.

Book your visit to Skomer Island

Drew Buckley

WVW-E33-2223-073
Skomer Island

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Explore Pembroke Castle

Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Pembroke Castle

Explore Britain’s smallest city, home to the purple-sandstone built 12th century St Davids’ Cathedral, Oriel y Parc Gallery, and the Gothic ruins of Bishop’s Palace.

Visit St Davids

Visit Wales Image Centre

Woman out shopping in St Davids, Wales
St Davids

Discover the darker side of Tenby’s history on this supernatural tour, filled with ghosts, murder and more!

Book a Ghost Walk of Tenby

Ghost Walk of Tenby

A group of people on a guided ghost walk around the town of Tenby in Wales
Ghost Walk of Tenby

Explore Tenby’s golden sandy beach, harbour, pastel-painted Victorian houses and its collection of restaurants and cafes.

Discover more about Tenby

VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Traditional seaside town with sandy beaches. Aerial view
Tenby Harbour Beach

Found less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast, head to Skomer to watch wildlife including puffins, seals and razorbills.

Book your visit to Skomer Island

Drew Buckley

WVW-E33-2223-073
Skomer Island

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Explore Pembroke Castle

Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Pembroke Castle

Explore Britain’s smallest city, home to the purple-sandstone built 12th century St Davids’ Cathedral, Oriel y Parc Gallery, and the Gothic ruins of Bishop’s Palace.

Visit St Davids

Visit Wales Image Centre

Woman out shopping in St Davids, Wales
St Davids

Discover the darker side of Tenby’s history on this supernatural tour, filled with ghosts, murder and more!

Book a Ghost Walk of Tenby

Ghost Walk of Tenby

A group of people on a guided ghost walk around the town of Tenby in Wales
Ghost Walk of Tenby

Places 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

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Cardiff

A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff, Wales

Looming peaks over thick forests, sheep-grazed valleys and open moors - adventure awaits in Wales.

Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

Full of adventure from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys - it’s bursting with bombastic scenery.

VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

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.