Things to do in Pembrokeshire
Lower Haythog is central for the coast and countryside which offers a unique atmosphere and great scenic variety to the visitor and whether you're planning an action packed holiday or simply a break in which to replenish the soul and recharge the batteries, we will endeavour to ensure that you'll enjoy your holiday in utmost comfort, complemented by being able to enjoy the various things to do in Pembrokeshire.
North Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
There are a selection of over 200 circular walks, ranging from a one hour stroll to an invigorating 9 miles (15km) cross-country hike. Also listed are a selection of short walks, gentle strolls, and wheelchair and easy access walks. Click here to view the pembrokeshire coastal path walking guides.
St Davids Cathedral
St David’s Cathedral is well worth a visit and the coastal road approach offers panoramic views of St Bride’s Bay (another saint!). The cathedral dates back to before 589AD when St David (our patron saint in Wales) died having founded a monastery on the current site of the cathedral. You will see that the site is intentionally low-lying, this is to offer some protection from being seen from the sea by marauding Vikings! From 645-1097, it was attacked and destroyed many times, indeed Bishop Moregenau was killed by Vikings in 999AD and Bishop Abraham was similarly killed in 1080.
Picton Castle
Picton Castle has been the historic home of the Philipps' family who are direct descendents of Sir John Wogan who built the Castle over 850 years ago. Picton Castle is open all year round for weddings and corporate events and during the summer there are guided tours of the Castle which still retains much of its original character. The 40 acres of gardens are open to the public. Part of the Royal Horticultural Society Regional Garden Scheme they are home to a feast of Rhododendrons, Embothrium and Eucryphia.
Pentre Ifan
Pentre Ifan is a Bronze-Age megalithic site dating from at least 4000 B.C. It is probably the finest Welsh hilltop megalith (mega-lith = large stones). It is said to have been originally constructed as a burial chamber, but has been denuded of earth over several thousand years.
The magnificent horizontal capstone is still in place and is estimated to weigh 40 tons.
Skomer Island
Skomer Island is a National Nature Reserve off the Pembrokeshire coast. Owned by the Countryside Council for Wales it is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The Island is about one and a half miles long and one mile wide; volcanic rocks make the scenery spectacular, with hosts of wild flowers in early summer, and Atlantic Grey Seals in autumn. It is the home of nearly half a million seabirds, including over ten thousand endearing Puffins, and a hundred thousand secretive Manx Shearwaters.
Scolton Manor
Scolton was aquired over twenty years ago by the old Pembrokeshire County Council and opened to the public in the late 1970's. As Pembrokeshire’s County Museum, the Victorian Manor House, Stable Block and Exhibition Hall feature many displays illustrating the history of the County. The agricultural and rural life collection is one of the largest on display in Wales.
Solva Harbour
This is an attractive and picturesque little village with a small sheltered harbour, a variety of small shops selling crafts, clothes, etc., pubs and eating places. Solva stands in a deep valley gouged out by water melting from glaciers and its position made it ideal as a base for trading ships in the 18th century.
Newport Beach
A superb long stretch of beach with lots of room to play games and sail boats. The beach is backed by a popular nine-hole golf course with club house. At low tide you can walk across the estuary to Newport Parrog, and the walk around the river bank through a bird sanctuary to the road bridge crossing is always enjoyable. Visitors should be careful of dangerous currents around the river. Nature has given Newport a spectacular setting of sea, castle and the towering Carn Ingli – at 1100-feet this makes for a wonderful view from the beach.
South Pembrokeshire
Tenby
Tenby is Pembrokeshire's main holiday resort, and its beaches reflect this. They provide plenty of facilities, are winners of various environmental awards, and are often crowded especially during the main holiday periods. North Beach consists of a sweep of golden sand, with occasional rocks, including the prominent Goscar Rock, dotting the beach. The harbour and castle are at the southern end of the beach which is well sheltered from the prevailing winds. Access to the beach is good, but parking close to North Beach especially during peak times can be difficult.
Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot is a large, south east facing beach of golden sand and is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in Pembrokeshire. Bathing here is generally safe, and Saundersfoot is very popular with families. Being a lively tourist beach, all the expected amenities can be found close to the beach, including shops, cafes and ice cream parlours. There is disabled access to the beach, with disabled toilet facilities nearby. Dog restrictions are in place between 1 May and 30 September, and lifeguards are on duty from the end of June to the end of September.
Barafundle Beach
Barafundle Bay is a beautiful bay of golden sands and turquoise blue waters and with it being east facing and well sheltered from the prevailing winds, it is an ideal hideaway spot. To find Barafundle Bay, turn off from the minor road between Stackpole and Freshwater East where a lane leads to a car park at Stackpole Quay. There are toilets and a cafe at the car park. The beach itself is a 1 km walk along the Coast Path and there is a steep descent from the path down to the beach.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
Bosherston Lily Ponds are located on the south east side of the Castlemartin and has become famous for its lily ponds. In the 18th – 19th centre they were formed by the Cawdor Family who owned the Stackpole Estate at that time, by blocking up three narrow limestone valleys. They are now protected as a nature reserve and have been well noted for their wildlife namely, otters, waterfowl and water lilies. Excellent for fishing the ponds are stocked with coarse fish, particularly pike and tench, with roach, perch and eels also present. Fishing is by permit only.
Caldey Island
Caldey Island lies cradled in the magnificent South Pembrokeshire coastline on the western fringes of Wales. It is one of Britain's Holy islands. The Cistercian monks of Caldey continue a tradition which began there in Celtic times - www.caldey-island.co.uk.
Colby Woodland Gardens
Colby Woodland Gardens is set in a hidden valley and is a charming garden with stunning displays of daffodils and bluebells in spring and one of the best collections of rhododendrons and azaleas in Wales, including magnificent summer hydrangeas. Gentle strolls and extensive walks lead through the estate, with plenty of seats enroute for the less energetic. There is much of interest for gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Oakwood Leisure Park
Oakwood Leisure Park is one of the UK's top ten theme parks and one of Wales' largest tourist attractions with over 400,000 visitors each year. Boasting over 40 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone, which includes the world-class white knuckle ride, Hydro, Europe's fastest and wettest water coaster, Megafobia, the acclaimed wooden rollercoaster; Vertigo, a 50m sky coaster and The Bounce, the UK's only shot and drop tower coaster. With rides for all the family you can be sure of a great day out - whatever the weather. www.oakwood-leisure.co.uk
Folly Farm
Folly Farm is situated in the heart of Pembrokeshire and is one of the largest family attractions in Pembrokeshire and offers a host of fun activities from hundreds of friendly animals, an amazing vintage funfair, exotic children's zoo, shows, entertainment, refreshments and more. www.folly-farm.co.uk
Heatherton Leisure Park
Heatherton Leisure Park is an amazing day out for all the family. Located near Tenby, Pembrokeshire it features many activities, attractions and sports. www.heatherton.co.uk
Carew Castle
Carew Castle and Mill is justly celebrated as one of the most magnificent castles of South Wales. Its position is low-lying, but still prominent in the flat land around the tidal reaches of the Carew River. The castle stands at the end of a ridge at a strategically excellent site commanding a crossing point of the still navigable river.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is situated within minutes of beaches and the breathtaking scenery of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This mighty fortress is the birthplace of Henry VII, father to the infamous Henry VIII and grandfather to Elizabeth I. Explore from the top of the lofty towers to the cavern deep beneath. A fascinating castle to visit with stunning exhibitions relating to the castle's history, that will captivate all ages. Enjoy a picnic in the beautifully kept grounds, or on the roof of St. Anne’s Bastion and take in the views along the estuary. A visit to Pembroke Castle is not complete without a stroll around its tranquil waterway setting, and then on into the medieval walled town of Pembroke with its old buildings many of them housing, restaurants and speciality shops. Events are held every weekend throughout the summer months - for more information see www.pembrokecastle.co.uk