Things to do in Pembrokeshire
Things to do in Pembrokeshire
Days out in Pembrokeshire
Places to visit in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire in south west Wales is surrounded on three sides by the sea. Most of the county is included in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Pembrokeshire has a spectacular coast line with majestic towering cliffs, coves and sandy beaches. It has sand dunes and river estuaries interspersed with harbours, seaside villages and towns, several of which have tourist information offices. These have maps and guides about Pembrokeshire.
Newport
Newport is a small town on the north coast of Pembrokeshire. It makes a convenient base for visiting the surrounding attractions.
East of Newport is Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort, a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the Pembrokeshire National Park. Thatched Iron Age buildings have been reconstructed on original foundations here. Archaeologists have been excavating the site for over twenty years.
South of Newport is Pentre Ifan, the finest megalith in Wales. This dolman dates back about 3.500BC. The capstone is over 16 ft long and is balanced on three upright stones 8ft off the ground.
The wooded Gwaun Valley offers lovely walks and to the south are the Preseli Hills or 'Bluestone Country'. This is the source of the Preseli Blue Stones which were used to create the inner circle of standing stones at Stonehenge.
Gardeners will enjoy a visit to Bro Meigan Gardens, a 6 ½ acre plantsman's garden full of interest, perfume and colour.
Fishguard
Fishguard is best known as a busy ferry port for Rosslare in Ireland. The town has good facilities for visitors and the quaint streets and cottages of the original fishing village still remain. For the more energetically inclined, the wide sheltered bay at Fishguard is ideal for the less experienced windsurfer.
The Napoleonic Old Fort at Lower Fishguard, overlooking Goodwick Harbour was built in the late 1700s. It was armed with eight powder guns which were fired in an attempt to stop a French invasion in 1797.
St. David's
Situated on St. David's Peninsula is one of the smallest cities in Britain. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted city status to St. David's in June 1995 because of the presence of the cathedral. In reality it is a very attractive small town which has been visited by pilgrims since the 12th century.
The cathedral and St. David's Bishops Palace, the stunning scenery, beaches and wildlife on the peninsula attract thousands of visitors each year. St David's Cathedral Festival is an annual event held at the end of May and beginning of June when the cathedral is host to a feast of classical music.
Boat trips are available from St. David's to Ramsay Island where RSPB Reserve, is home to the second largest grey seal colony in Britain.
St. Bride's Bay
South east is St. Brides Bay. There are sandy beaches at Newgate, Broad Haven and Little Haven, alomng with many villages and seaside resorts along the coast.
Inland, Haverfordwest is Pembrokeshire's county town, overlooked by the ruins of its Norman castle. Haverfordwest Town Museum is to be found in its grounds and contains the heritage of the town from Norman times to the present day.
North east at Spittal is Pembrokeshire's County Museum, where Scolton Visitor Centre provides an all weather attraction. A short drive inland at Narbeth is Oakwood Park, one of Wales' largest tourist attractions, with fun for all the family.
At the southern end of St. Brides Bay boat trips from Martin's Haven are available to visit Skomer and Skoklolm Islands to see the wide variety of bird life and rare wild flowers.
Milford Haven
A Pembrokeshire Tourist Information Office can be found in Milford Haven, a town with one of the largest natural harbours in Britain. The docks have been developed into a 150-berth marina.
Milford Haven Museum, on the quayside, tells the story of the town's history. There is a leisure centre, theatre and an 18 hole golf course just out of town.
Pembroke
Across the estuary you will find the Ferry Terminal at Pembroke Dock. There are water sport facilities here, along with the Martello Gun Tower which traces the history of the Milford Haven waterway.
The historic town of Pembroke also offers tourist information in the visitor centre on Commons Road. The town is dominated by Pembroke Castle, one of the largest and most impressive Norman castles in Britain.
Pembroke stages many events and historic displays by the Sealed Knot Society and military tattoos.
Nearby is Lamphey Bishop's Palace. It was built by Henry de Gower, bishop of St David's from 1328-1347.
Tenby
On the south coast is the ancient walled town of Tenby, an attractive holiday resort with a lovely beach and excellent facilities for shopping, dining, leisure and water sports. The medieval castle overlooking the harbour is home to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
Boat trips from the harbour take visitors to Caldey Island, home of the Reformed Order of Cistercian monks who farm the island and sell home-made products. The island is a haven of piece and tranquillity. A visit here is a unique experience.
Attractions near Tenby include Manor House Wild Animal Park. This is a delightful day out for animal lovers. Carew Castle and Tidal Mill is one of Pembrokeshire's finest castles, situated on the shore of the millpond. A programme of events are held at the castle in summer.
Saundersfoot
One of the most visited places in Wales is Saundersfoot, loved for its sandy beach and harbour, which offers safe water sports and fishing. To the north at Kilgetty is Folly Farm, complete with an undercover fun fair. East of Saundersfoot is Amroth where the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path both starts and ends.
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Days out in Pembrokeshire
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Bro Meigan Gardens
The 6.5 acres of gardens overlook the Preseli Hills and are perfect for gardeners, artists, photographers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Carew Castle and Tidal Mill
Carew is one of the few castles to display the development from Norman fortification to Elizabethan country house. There is evidence of a much earlier settlement, dating back perhaps some 2,000 years.
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Folly Farm
Folly Farm is one of Wales' largest family attractions. Daily entertainment ensures a fun-packed day for the whole family.
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Lamphey Bishops Palace
The medieval bishops of St Davids were worldly men who enjoyed the privileges of wealth, power and status. At Lamphey, near Pembroke, they built for themselves a magnificent retreat away from the worries of Church and State.
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Manor House Wildlife Park
Anna Ryder Richardson's Wild Welsh Zoo has something for everyone!In this charming park you'll experience close-up meetings with endangered animals from all over the world.
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Oakwood Theme Park
Set in 80 acres of spectacular Pembrokeshire countryside Oakwood is one of the UK's leading theme parks.
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Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is one of the largest castles in Wales. It was not a royal castle but the possession of a private lord - his residence and the administrative centre of his territories.
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Scolton Museum & Visitor Centre
Discover more about your environment, landscape, wildlife, history, culture, energy resources and much, much more….
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St Davids Bishops Palace
St Davids Bishop's Palace even in ruin, still conveys the affluence and power of the medieval church. The bishops of St Davids in the middle ages enjoyed all the trapping of wealth and influence.
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Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Founded in 1878, Tenby Museum & Art Gallery is situated in part of the medieval castle, overlooking Castle Beach and Caldey Island
Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire
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Bosherston
Bosherston is a peaceful historic village within the lovely Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Its main attractions are the long sandy beach at Broad Haven and the famous lily ponds on the former Stackpole Estate.
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Haverfordwest
We have just received a description of Haverfordwest from one of our readers. This description is currently being prepared for publication and will appear on this page within the next few days.
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Landshipping
The tiny riverside hamlet of Landshipping is located opposite the majestic Picton castle, nestled on the banks of the eastern Cleddau's secret waterway. Once the centre of the area's coal-mining industry.
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Pembroke
Pembroke is a historic walled town in West Wales, famous for its Norman castle. Once the county town of Pembrokeshire.
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Roch
The historic village of Roch centered on its majestic Castle which has for eons served as a vivid symbol of the lansker line the symbolic and physical divide of Pembrokeshire between English and Welsh -
Stackpole
Stackpole is a delightful village about 4 miles south of Pembroke on the coast of South Wales.
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Tenby
Tenby is a delightful historic town in South Wales. It is situated on Carmarthen Bay in Pembrokeshire.
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Trevine
Trevine is now spelt as Trefin which is the welsh spelling. Pronounced "Treveen", Trefin is about 1 mile from the Square and Compass, which is on the Fishguard to St. Davids road, down towards the coast.
