Guide to Pembrokeshire

The most popular coastal destination in Wales, Pembrokeshire is as spectacular as it is distinctive with more Blue Flag beaches or Seaside Award beaches than any other county in Britain. However, the beaches are just one of the attractions in Pembrokeshire as we will discover.

Coast to coast

Around a third of Pembrokeshire is taken up by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with the National Trust owning and protecting many sections of the coast including the areas around St David’s, Porthgain and Dinas, Marloes and Barafundle beach.

The beaches personify the county's diversity. Some of the highlights on the North Coast include Aberbach, a small pebble beach renowned as a great place to watch seals playing; while Abercastle is sheltered from prevailing winds and is a popular spot for kayakers and boat rid es. Goodwick Sands is a small sandy beach adjacent to the ferry terminal with dolphins and basking sharks occasionally seen swimming around the harbour; and Newport Sands is a broad, long beach at the mouth of the River Nevern which is big enough for the majority of beach activities and well loved among watersport enthusiasts.

Anyone heading to the South Coast will be similarly spoilt for choice. Highlights include the gorgeous Barafundle Bay which is backed by dunes and pine trees and is often likened to a Caribbean destination; as well as Amroth, a half-mile long, flat sandy beach; and Broad Haven South which has masses of soft white sand at low tide. Tenby is one of the most popular areas on the south coast with its picturesque harbour built into the corner of north beach. Tenby North is one of the most photographed views in Wales; while Tenby South boasts plenty of space for a variety of beach activities.

The West Coast and Haven areas of Pembrokeshire are also popular among tourists. Broad Haven itself is a long, sandy and pebble beach surrounded by beautiful headland; while Caerfai is a small rocky cove at high tide sandwiched between towering cliffs. Newgale is one of the area’s largest beaches with almost two miles of sand backed by a huge pebble bank; and St Bride's Haven has plenty of rock pools for explorers and has also proven to be a favourite for divers.

An explorer's paradise

If you have a passion for walking then there’s no better place to visit than Pembrokeshire which boasts a variety of landscapes ranging from sandstone bays to volcanic headlands and flooded glacial valleys.

There are year-round Coastal Buses designed for walkers. Some of the most popular walks include Dale to Martins Haven, which is punctuated with some of the area’s finest beaches; and Angle to Pembroke, one of the easier walks, with sheltered bays that are a haven for wildlife. Anyone taking the walk from Newport to Poppit may find life a little tougher, but the rewards make the effort worthwhile with sights including Cemaes Head, one of the best places for seal pup spotting.

There’s plenty to explore further afield too. You could take the Cleddau Cruises, which will take you to the upper reaches of the beautiful Cleddau River; the Thousand Islands Expeditions which have the sole landing rights to Ramsey Island with its caves, bays, gorges and wildlife; and the Venture Jet Wildlife Expeditions, a unique jet boat experience that offers close encounters with seals, porpoises and dolphins.

Steeped in history

Chances are no matter how long you stay in Pembrokeshire, it won’t be long enough to take in the area’s incredible historic sites.

Pembrokeshire’s castles each have their own unique story to tell. From Lamphey Bishops Palace, which was used by the bishops of St David’s; to Pembroke Castle itself, the birthplace of Henry VII, with its dominating gatehouse, which is surrounded by many ancient and interesting Norman buildings; you might not know where to start when deciding which castle to explore first. Picton Castle was built in the 13th Century and is set in some remarkable woodland; while all that stands of Narberth Castle are a few remains although it has many legends and myths that have to be visited to be believed.

One of the most remarkable sights in Pembrokeshire is undoubtedly St David’s Cathedral which was built in 1181 and has extraordinary sloping floors and restored cloisters. Indeed there are many sights of religious significance in the area including St Dogmaels Abbey, which was founded in 1115 for Tironian Monks, and St Mary’s Church, a Grade I listed building containing many early 13th Century works.

Family fun

While adults may enjoy a long walk and trawling around Pembrokeshire’s historic attractions, if you’re travelling with your loved ones and want to do something just for the kids then Pembrokeshire is definitely a family destination too.

For the creative ones head to the Pottery Shed, a paint your own pottery studio; while those who just want to have a good time will love Oakwood Theme Park with more than 30 rides and attractions. Animal lovers will be drawn to Pembrokeshire too with everything from the Silent World Aquarium and Reptile Collection; to the Welsh Wildlife Centre; and Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo.

Why choose Pembrokeshire?

It seems that whatever you want from a holiday, Pembrokeshire can fulfil your needs. Whether it’s relaxing beaches; long walks; great watersports; historic sites; family attractions; or arts and crafts; Pembrokeshire has something for everyone.

There are plenty of places to stay in the county too - so whether you want a caravan, a campsite or you're searching for holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire, don't waste time in discovering this beautiful destination for yourself.

This travel article has been written by www.ukholidayplaces.co.uk website, which promotes accommodation throughout the UK. Established since 2003 it now displays nearly twenty thousand properties.

Posted 9th August 2010

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