Top 5 Attractions on the Pembrokeshire Coast
Thinking about planning a trip to the Pembrokeshire coast? This part of west Wales is well known for its gorgeous stretches of sandy beaches, rugged clifftops and interesting variety of wildlife, and it makes a great destination for a family holiday, a short break or a chilled-out solo trip.
Pembrokeshire is bordered by Carmarthenshire to the east, Ceredigion to the north-east and the sea on all other sides – so that means plenty of coastline to explore. And it’s such scenic coastline that it’s become home to the only UK national park made up entirely of coastal scenery – the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
There are heaps of great activities and attractions in Pembrokeshire, so if you need a helping hand to decide what to do, read on. We’ve picked out five of our favourite things to do on the Pembrokeshire coast to give you some inspiration for your break.
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that one of the Pitchup team’s favourite Pembrokeshire activities is camping! Staying outdoors – anywhere from a simple grass pitch to a stylish glamping tent – is a wonderful way to extend your time in these fabulous landscapes. You may even be able to find a campsite with sea views so you can watch the sun set into the sea and wake to the sound of crashing waves…
See all of Pitchup’s Pembrokeshire campsites
Walk part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile (299-km) trail, is one of the most popular and well-loved attractions in the area – and of course visiting it is free. This is a stunning national trail covering a range of maritime landscapes – from estuaries and sandstone bays to limestone cliffs and volcanic headlands.
The path opened in 1970, and now both the International Appalachian Trail and the Wales Coast Path follow the route of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path through the county. Starting from St. Dogmaels in the north, the route twists and turns its way along the edge of the dramatic cliff tops of the north coast until it reaches Amroth in the south.
On average, it takes about 10 to 15 days to walk the entire Pembrokeshire coastal path, but it also lends itself well to shorter hiking trips (staying at campsites along the way) or day walks – there are numerous options for circular walks or out-and-back routes that use local buses for one of the legs. Our guide to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has several suggestions of routes to try (all with nearby campsites).
Visit St Davids and stroll around St Davids Peninsula
Visit St Davids and stroll around St Davids Peninsula
Named after Wales’ patron saint, St Davids is the smallest city in the UK but it has an incredible amount of history and an awesome coastline to explore.
It’s home to the most important religious monument in Wales – St Davids Cathedral, which dates back to the 6th century, making it the most ancient cathedral settlement in Britain. This fabulous landmark is at the top of our list of things to do in St Davids, and should certainly be a focus for any visit to the area.
Beyond the city there are a number of public footpaths that take you out into ancient landscape where you can walk past the ruins of Iron Age forts, a number of defensive banks and awe-inspiring ancient field patterns. St Davids Peninsula is particularly pretty during the spring and summer months, when a colourful collection of coastal flowers begin to bloom along the paths and within the stone walls.
Take a tour of Tenby
Tenby is well known as the ‘jewel in the Pembrokeshire crown’ and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole country. The colourful seafront houses are pretty, but the main attractions here are without a doubt the gorgeous sandy beaches. There are four in total – North, Harbour, Castle and South – so you can easily fill many hours just with beach time.
After a bit of sandcastle-building and paddling in the clear waters, spend a bit of time exploring the ruins of Tenby Castle. The original stone structure was built by the Normans in the 12th century, and today visitors can complete a circular walk following the line of the curtain walls, or go to the museum and art gallery that’s been built on the remains of what is thought to have been the castle’s great hall.
There are boat trips leaving Tenby on a regular basis to visit Caldey Island or look out for seals, and the town has lots of great places to eat, drink and shop. A little way out of town, you may like to try out family-friendly attractions like The Dinosaur Park or Manor Wildlife Park.
Potter around Pembroke Castle
A trip to the medieval castle right in the centre of town is a must-do when you’re in Pembroke – it’s thought to have been the birthplace of Henry VII and underwent extensive restoration in the early part of the 20th century.
The Grade I-listed Pembroke Castle stands on a rocky limestone headland beside the river, overlooking the surrounding mill pond and fields as well as Milford Haven – a town with a natural harbour that has been in use since the Middle Ages.
After entering the gatehouse arch, you can climb the 25-metre-high keep or delve down into Wogan Cavern, one of the castle’s most impressive features – it was a shelter for cave dwellers in the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.
Head into one of the main exhibition rooms where you can see sculpted figures and mural paintings depicting the castle’s tumultuous past and find out more about its rich history on one of the daily free guided tours.
Visit Castell Henllys Iron Age Village
Step back in time for a few hours on a trip to Castell Henllys, a significant archaeological site in the north of Pembrokeshire.
Today, a number of reconstructed thatched Iron Age buildings stand where the original structures would have once existed over 2,000 years ago. Visitors can walk around the impressive roundhouses and be shown around the village by experienced guides who represent members of the Demetae tribe – a group of people who would have once called this place home.
It’s a pleasant place to wander around as there are lots of woodland and riverside paths to follow and you’ll get outstanding views of the surrounding countryside too. Keep an eye out for the odd dormouse scurrying around the ancient land, as well as otters playing in the streams.
The visitor centre here includes a café, gift shop and some interactive exhibitions that the whole family can take part in.
Of course, you can’t come to Pembrokeshire without a trip to the beach, so if you’re planning a trip here, check out our guide to Pembrokeshire’s best beaches before setting off. Looking for accommodation for your holiday? The area’s campsites are often popular, so it’s always worth booking ahead. Click the link below to search all the options and find up-to-date availability for your travel dates.
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