What To See And Do In Pembrokeshire
Beaches
Further afield, but well worth visiting is Barafundle Bay (12 miles). This bay has been named as 'the best beach in Britain' and one of the top 12 in the world (The Good Holiday Guide, 2004).
For information on this and the many other wonderful beaches in Pembrokeshire follow this link Beaches.
Islands
The off-shore islands of Ramsey, Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm are, between them, home to a huge array of wildlife including grey seals, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and manx shearwaters and can be visited by boat from Martin’s Haven, Dale, Whitesands Beach or St. Justinians depending on which company you choose to travel with. Caldey Island, accessed by short boat trip from Tenby, is the home of a religious community which has been resident on the island for 1500 years. Visitors are very welcome here.
Family Fun
For a fun, family day out why not visit Oakwood Theme Park with its numerous white knuckle rides and attractions; or take the children to pet the animals at Folly Farm Adventure Park. You may prefer to walk on the wild side at Manor House Wild Animal Park or enjoy walking with Dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Park. If you want to be indoors you might like to try Pirate Pete's Indoor Activity Centre, the CC2000 Crystal Maze or The Creative Café to paint your own pottery.
Castles
Due to its history of invasion and oppression, Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Western Europe and Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful examples such as Carew Castle, Pembroke Castle, Manorbier Castle and others besides. In the holiday season several of these will offer entertainment including battle re-enactments, jousting, and medieval fairs.
Gardens
For beautiful gardens in natural settings you may like to visit Hilton Court Gardens with its craft workshops and tea rooms; Picton Castle located in 40 acres of woodland gardens with a restaurant, gallery and busy events schedule; the 8 acres of Colby Woodland Garden set in a tranquil and secluded valley with a wonderful collection of rhododendrons and azaleas; or Upton Castle Gardens and parkland which surrounds a 12th century medieval castle and chapel at Cosheston.
Countryside
The countryside of Pembrokeshire is as beautiful as its coast as can be evidenced in Llys-y-Fran Country Park. This park is set in beautiful woodland with a delightful 7 mile nature trail for both walkers and cyclists (mountain bike hire available). It contains a 200 acre reservoir and an impressive 100 foot dam, and has some of the best game fishing in west Wales available from both waterside and boat. Also not to be missed are the Bosherston Lily Ponds - a national nature reserve covering 80 acres - and one of the best places in Wales to see otters.
Sports & Recreation
With over 160 miles of coastline it’s not surprising that Pembrokeshire offers a huge array of activities based on the water from boat trips, river cruises, fishing trips, whale & porpoise watching to activities for the more adventurous and energetic such as kayaking, coasteering, surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing, climbing and abseiling. On land the visitor will find that there is just as much on offer to keep active in the fine Pembrokeshire air including walking tours, horse riding, golf, karting, paint-balling, mountain biking, archery and assault courses.
Art & Heritage
Pembrokeshire is home to a cosmopolitan and thriving community of arts and crafts people who work with a variety of raw materials to produce unique products. There are opportunities to see many at work in their own workshops and to attend exhibitions of their work around the county.
A taste of Pembrokeshire through the ages can be had by visiting Castell Henllys to experience life 2000 years ago in an iron age hill-fort; St Govan's Chapel a small medieval church established by a sixth century hermit halfway down the cliffs on a headland; St. David's Cathedral built over 800 years ago upon the site of an earlier 6th century monastery built by St. David and Scolton Manor, an early victorian manor, museum, eco centre, & country park of 60 acres.
For a beautiful blend of history and scenery see the blue lagoon at Abereiddi (formally a slate quarry) and take the coastal path past the lovely Traeth Llefn Beach to the harbour at Porthclais.
This is merely an introduction to what Pembrokeshire has to offer. It has to be experienced to be believed!
View details of our Pembrokeshire Holiday Let.