Discover Pembrokeshire and all the best places and activities it has to offer.
Thank you for coming to stay with us at Preseli Hills Cottages. We really hope you enjoy your visit to Pembrokeshire which is recognised as one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Preseli, our central location serves as the perfect starting point to explore all the incredible attractions this county has to offer.
Narbeth
Looking south from us you will see Narberth just 8 miles from us. This lively little town is twinned with Ludlow, and both towns celebrate very successful annual food festivals.
Over the years Narberth has built up a reputation as the leading independent shopping experience in Wales with a range of fancy ladies boutiques, quality gift and antique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. The Golden Sheaf Gallery exhibits and sells local art, ironwork, textiles and ceramics. Welsh Farmhouse sells a range of gifts and top end country fashions whilst Whites Boutique, posh womenswear. The Narberth Pottery has been making ceramics with outstanding glazes for decades.
One of our favourite places to lunch is Ultracomida, one of the best Spanish deli’s in the UK. Look out for the chorizo in Welsh cider and ox cheeks cooked in fino.
The Grove of Narberth is a privately owned luxury country house hotel nestled in the heart of the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside with stunning views of the Preseli Hills. At the Grove you can be assured of a warm Welsh welcome in real luxury combined with great food and friendly professional service. We love the food here but do we aware it is quite ‘high end’ so we go there for very very special occasions.
Tenby
Further south is the picturesque town of Tenby, ‘Dinbych-y-Pysgod’ meaning little town of the fishes is a town steeped in ancient history, surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall. Tenby is one of the UK’s finest coastal resorts, with a medieval centre, a stunning harbour and three gorgeous Blue Flag soft sandy beaches.
Take a look at the Tudor Merchants House, this 15th century house is the oldest furnished residence in the town. Standing on Quay Hill, between the harbour and Tudor square, it is owned and managed by the National Trust. The house is open between March and October.
A day trip by boat from Tenby Harbour to Caldey Island is always popular with our guests.
Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot is a popular coastal village near Tenby with a little harbour and large sandy beach which is very popular with holiday makers. Its harbour was originally constructed for the export of high quality anthracite coal from the many mines in the area. The course of the tramway from Bonville’s Court mine bisects the village and ends at the jetty. The tramway from Stepaside now forms a stunning sea front for visitors to enjoy the magnificent view out over Carmarthen Bay to Worms Head on the Gower coast.
The walk from Saundersfoot to Monkstone point and beyond at low tide is a special experience and highly recommended. Walking the other way you will reach Coppet Hall beach which is very popular with beach goers and dog walkers alike. The Coast restaurant with acclaimed Head Chef Will Holland is situated right on Coppet Hall beach. The restaurant is open all year round and specialises in fish with lobster, crab and line caught seabass always featuring on the menu.
St Davids
St Davids is Britain’s smallest city in terms of both size and population, the final resting place of Saint David, Wales’s patron saint, and the de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales. It is the only city in the United Kingdom to lie entirely within a National Park.
The Cathedral which dates from 1181 was built on the site of the monastery where St David (Dewi Sant) died in circa 589 AD. The cathedral was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the middle ages and indeed remains so to this day attracting thousands of visitors every year from all over the world. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishops Palace.
St David’s has lots of lovely shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. The surrounding area has some magnificent coastline to enjoy coastal walking.
Porthgain
Porthgain is a picturesque village with a small harbour located in the Coastal National Park between St David’s and Goodwick. The village originally manufactured slate which was quarried nearby before turning to brickmaking. The large brick hoppers on one side of the harbour are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and in 1987 Porthgain was designated as a conservation area for the first time.
Today the harbour is home to local fishermen and the coastal walks north and south are popular routes. The village itself boasts a very good pub called the ‘Sloop Inn’ and a well regarded quayside bistro called ‘the Shed’. Its Harbour Lights Gallery, is arguably the leading art gallery in Pembrokeshire and features original Welsh artwork.
Solva
Solva lies on the north side of St Bride’s Bay just 5 miles from St Davids, right on the Coastal Path. This picturesque village enjoys fabulous coastal walks to the east and west looking out at St Bride’s Bay. The half mile walk to the east takes you to the top of the Gribin with the secluded Gwadyn beach beyond.
The rocks at the entrance to Solva Harbour make it one of the most sheltered anchorages between Fishguard and Milford Haven. Solva was the main trading centre of St Bride’s Bay in the medieval period, and was important for lime burning. Several lime kilns are preserved in the harbour area. In the 19th century, Solva had around 30 registered trading ships. This coastal trade has now been replaced by tourism, and the harbour is a popular boating centre.
Solva also has a small collection of shops and galleries and some excellent pubs. Solva Woollen Mill, located at the nearby village of Middle Mill, claims to be the oldest continuously working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire.
Laugharne
Famous as the home of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne is an ancient town steeped in history popular with writers, artists, tourists, anglers, and bird watchers alike.
Situated on the ‘heron priested’ Taf estuary there are plenty of walks, a castle and a fine Norman church, and of course, Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse where he wrote many major pieces of work – including Under Milk Wood.
Dylan and Caitlin lived with their children at the Boathouse from 1949 to 1953, and today it is a small heritage centre. Dylan had a long term affinity with Laugharne also living previously at “Eros” in Gosport Street and the “Sea View”. Dylan is buried in St. Martin’s new church yard and his grave is marked with a plain white cross.
The dramatic ruins of a Norman Castle which overlooks the estuary is also open to the public from April to the end of September.
Drink at Brown’s Public House where the poet himself would have a pint, or two.
Newport
This pretty small town is situated at the edge of the Preseli Hills is an ideal base for some wonderful walks. Our favourite being the walk from the beach to Dinas Head.
The town has a plenty of little shops, cafés and art galleries. There are also some excellent places to eat including Lys Meddyg, The Canteen and The Golden Lion pub.
Nearby Melin Tregwent is definitely worth a visit. This woollen mill makes and sells exclusive blankets, throws and cushions, furniture, accessories and clothing that combine authentic Welsh tradition with innovative and modern design.
Cardigan
Cardigan, West Wales, is the gateway to the Teifi Valley and the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Coastal Paths. The ancient town sits on the estuary of the River Teifi at the base of Cardigan Bay. Its unspoilt townscape and rich heritage provide a nostalgic backdrop to a thriving culture of arts and crafts, events and music festivals, and is a good base from which to discover Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
The area has abundant wildlife, varied landscape, rugged coastline, sandy beaches, a long history and characteristic market towns, and is a very special place to visit for walking, cycling, photography and outdoor activities as well as a place for culture, quiet contemplation and a relaxing holiday. All this creates a wonderful environment, add this to the warm welcome and you have a great place to celebrate your wedding or partnership ceremony. Visit our castles, watch our dolphins or take a walk along the Ceredigion Coastal Path and do a spot of birdwatching. The local food and drink is not bad either.
Fishguard
Fishguard and Goodwick are the twin towns at the heart of North Pembrokeshire, the hub the outstanding outstanding natural beauty that blends the allure of sea, towering cliffs, the Preseli Hills, ancient standing stones and delightfully mysterious valleys such as Cwm Gwaun.
Ideally situated for gentle and challenging walks we’re perched right on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, surrounded by Britain’s only Coastal National Park. You’ll find family owned shops and businesses as well as Galleries, Gift and Antique shops, and two weekly Markets – and plenty of quality or budget Cafés, Pubs and Restaurants when you need a refreshing break – all offering a warm Welsh welcome – Croeso!
Cilgerran
Cilgerran is on the northern border of Pembrokeshire between St Dogmaels and Cenarth. The village is linear in nature and stretches along the south bank of The Teifi River.
Discover Pembrokeshire – Activities
There are many activities to try locally, we have really enjoyed boat trips to the islands to see the birds, fishing trips from Dale, Coasteering and walking. There are plenty of things to explore .
Discover Pembrokeshire – Attractions
In addition to the information below you can research current and upcoming events and attractions – Visit Pembrokeshire
Cilgerran Castle is a small castle that is approximately triangular in shape. It was built in a commanding position, perched on a craggy promontory, high above The River Teifi.
In the Tudor period, the Vaughan family were granted the castle by Henry VII, and they continued to occupy it until the early 17th century. The artist Turner pained and sketched the ruined castle several times.
The Welsh Wildlife Centre is a futuristic glass and timber building on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve. This wetland reserve is home to stunning range of wildlife; otters play in the river; overwintering birds take shelter on the ponds and during the spring the woodlands are carpeted with bluebells
Other attractions in the village include annual coracle races. This event, started in 1950, attracts competitors from all over the world.
The churchyard of St Llawddog contains a megalithic standing stone or Ogham stone upon which The Irish Ogham script can still be seen.
Food and Drink – Inside the wildlife centre you will find the Glasshouse Cafe with a delightful menu created from locally sourced foods. In the village there are three pubs, the Mason’s Arms, Pendre Inn and The Cardiff Arms and the Castle Kitchen restaurant.
Crymych and Boncath
Crymych is a large village in north Pembrokeshire in the shelter of The Preseli Mountains. Crymych sits astride the A478, the road that connects Tenby with Cardigan.
Boncath, from the Welsh for buzzard, lies 4 miles to the north of Crymych and is surrounded by many fine manor houses, the most impressive to be seen being Ffynone designed and built by John Nash in 1792 and Cilwendig, a Georgian house built by Morgan Jones.
Attractions – Crymych is the best starting point for a walk over The Preselis called The Golden Road, an ancient track way along the ridge of the mountains. Highlights on the route includes Foel Drygarn, a Bronze Age and Iron Age hill fort and Carn Menyn where you can see outcrops of spotted dolerite, thought to be the place where the Stonehenge Bluestone originates from.
Food and drink – Crymych has a pub and rugby club open for visitors as well as a cafe and takeaway. There is a small supermarket in the village.
Boncath
Attractions – A fabulous concert hall has been built at another nearby mansion house, Rhos Y Gilwen with a varied programme of classical and folk music.
The Cilwendeg Shell House Hermitage, to the east of Boncath, is a most remarkable ornamental grotto, and a rare survival in West Wales. It was built in the late 1820s for Morgan Jones the Younger (1787-1840), who inherited the Cilwendeg estate upon the death of his uncle.
The Cilwendeg Shell House and the Capel Colman Church are both open for public viewing. Food and drink – Boncath has a pub offering meals with further pubs in Newchapel (1 ½ miles) and Abercych (4 miles) Boncath does have a small village shop.
Things To Do
Whether you are feeling energetic or just want a nice stroll, Pembrokeshire has walks for everyone. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britain’s National Trails and is 186 miles long stretching from Amroth in the south to Poppit in the north, passing 58 beaches and 14 harbours.
What makes the Pembrokeshire Coast Path so interesting is the variety of landscapes ranging from steep limestone cliffs, undulating red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, and flooded glacial valleys. There are also some remarkably quaint towns and villages to explore on route.
Don’t be put off by the length of the Coast Path. The year round Coastal Bus Services are specially designed for walkers. Many of our guests will park up and travel by bus a few miles down the coast and walk back at your own pace.
The Preseli Mountains
The Preseli Mountains just to our north, or Preseli Hills, whichever you prefer, rise out of the landscape to 536m in the northern half of Pembrokeshire and are in complete contrast to the relative lowlands of the south. The landscape is wild moorland, heath and grassland and is home to a wide range of plants and invertebrates some of them quite rare.
The hills are the ideal location for some great walking away from the coastline. For the best views in Pembrokeshire, pull on your sturdy shoes and take the short walk to Foel Eryr where the 360 degree panorama leads the eye across the sea to Ireland and Snowdonia, if it’s a clear day.
For a longer stroll right across the spine of the Preseli Hills try The Golden Road. At 8 miles, this ancient track follows a route that is said to date back to the Neolithic period, 5,000 years ago and the main route for travellers in prehistory to and from Ireland.
Along the way, apart from the breathtaking views, there are prehistoric remains, burial cairns dating back to the bronze age, Iron Age hill forts. There’s an arrangement of stones in the shape of an eye known as Beddarthur and legend has it that it’s the resting place of King Arthur. Who knows?
At the eastern end of the Preseli range in the National Park is the fantastic hilltop of Foel Drygarn, a real must see. The Bronze Age remains of stone ramparts, banks and ditches circle the crest adding to the surrounding landscape of natural cliffs and crags.
The Preseli Mountains are sparsely populated but there are a few hamlets and villages dotted over the hills. The northern edge of the hills features a deep wooded valley, the Gwaun Valley. The village of Pontfaen is home to the famous ‘Bessie’s’ pub where beer is still served from the barrel and in a jug and also Rosebush, with its local pub made of zinc.
The Preseli Hills are a world away from any other area of Pembrokeshire, although quite small in area, they feel remote and are a wonderful place to get away from it all and sample some Pembrokeshire peace and quiet.
Stackpole Estate
This stunning estate is blessed with a beautiful stretch of coastline with soft sandy beaches, wooded valleys and the world renowned lily ponds.
Stackpole is both a listed designed landscape and an internationally important nature reserve. Tree sheltered footpaths radiate from the site of Stackpole Court, a grand mansion demolished before the National Trust owned this area.
The famous Bosherston Lakes were created 200 years ago to provide a backdrop to Stackpole Court. They have evolved into a wildlife habitat famous for its otters, water birds and dragonflies.
Cliffs, sand dunes and tiny coves alternate along eight miles of coastline. Barafundle is a jewel of a beach set between limestone cliffs and backed by dunes and woods. This secluded bay can only be reached by a cliff path walk from Stackpole Quay, with steep steps at either end. Stackpole Quay itself is a tiny harbour used by local fishermen and small pleasure boats. Broadhaven South, at the foot of the Bosherston Lakes, is another safe family bathing beach.
A little further along the coast west from Broad Haven South is St Govan’s Head, Pembrokeshire’s most southerly point. Outstanding views along the cliffs and St Govan’s Chapel, a tiny building tucked into the cliffs is a real highlight to any trip to the area.
The Pembrokeshire coastline is famous for its beautiful islands. The islands are home to thousands of puffins, gannets and other sea birds whilst dolphin, porpoise, seals and whales can be seen in their waters at different times of the year.
Ramsey Island
An RSPB reserve, Ramsey is on the end of the St Davids peninsula. At nearly 400 ft in places, the western cliffs are among the highest in Wales. They are home to Ravens, Peregrines, and Buzzards. In spring, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, and Shags come to nest too. Choughs also breed on these cliffs, seeking out deep fissures and caves in which to build their nests. From mid-July, however, the cliffs empty as the auk chicks head out to the open sea. Several hundred seal pups are born each autumn on Ramsey’s beaches and in the caves.
The southern heathlands of heather, gorse and coastal plants are the haunt of Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, and Skylarks. The summits of Carn Ysgubor and Carn Llundain give splendid views east to the mainland, south to Skomer Island and on the clearest of days, west to Ireland.
Boat trips to and around Ramsey Island leave from St Justinian’s. Once on the island there are some spectacular yet rugged trails to explore.
Skomer Island
Skomer is an island of sheltered bays and exposed headlands all painted with the graduated colours of lichen. It is known worldwide for its wildlife. Half the world’s population of Manx shearwaters nest on the island and the Atlantic puffin colony of 6000 pairs is the largest in southern Britain. The Skomer vole, a subspecies of the bank vole, is unique to the island. Archeological stone circles, standing stones and the remains of prehistoric houses are also points of interest.
Skomer is a national nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. Much of the island has also been designated an ancient monument. It is surrounded by a marine nature reserve and is managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
Boats leave throughout the spring and summer months from Martins Haven. There are no refreshments available on the island, and so perhaps you need to consider one of our fabulous packed lunches to take with you.
Skokholm
Skokholm is managed by the Wildlife Trust for West Wales and lies just south of Skomer. The island is roughly a mile in length and half a mile across at its widest point. It has deep bays and gullies exposing interesting underlying rock strata in a variety of red and purple hues.
Surrounded by reefs and the rich seas of the Marine Nature Reserve it shares with Skomer, this island is a wildlife spectacle. It supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including thousands of puffins, manx shearwaters and a large population of storm petrels. In the seas around the island you can see Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seals whilst a little further out larger cetaceans can be spotted. Like Skomer it really is an incredible place to visit.
Boats leave four times a month from Martins Haven. Otherwise you might consider a wildlife safari from Dale or an evening boat cruise from Martins Haven.
Grassholm
Grassholm Island is a tiny white speck of land, 11 miles from the coast. As you approach the island, you begin to understand why it’s white. It’s home to the only Gannet colony in Wales and second largest in the UK. Not only are the rocks stained white with droppings but the air is white too, with thousands of Gannets on the wing. The island is a RSPB bird sanctuary.
Boat trips around the island can be organised at Martins Haven on Mondays or from St Justinians.
Caldey Island
Caldey is an enchanting and tranquil island situated just south of Tenby. It is one of Britain’s holy islands with Cistercian monks continuing a tradition, which began there in Celtic times back in the 6th Century. The cliffs on the south side and on neighbouring St Margaret’s island are teeming with nesting seabird colonies from May to July but are best viewed from a round island boat trip. There’s also one of Pembrokeshire’s best beaches on Caldey, The Priory beach.
Catch a boat from Tenby Harbour if the tide is in or Castle Beach if the harbour is dry. Boats run from early April to late September all day apart from Sundays. The twenty-minute trip leaves visitors at the landing spot on the beautiful Priory beach, the only safe bathing spot on the island. From here it is a short stroll to the village and Monastery.
Castles
There are many castles to explore throughout Pembrokeshire.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle where Henry VII was born, is the largest and most important in the county. Its mighty great keep, lofty towers and vast cavern are sure to impress. Exhibitions and guided tours make it a real destination for visitors whilst organised events for the children during the Easter and summer holidays make it a firm favourite with families.
Carew Castle
Carew Castle is arguably one of Pembrokeshire’s finest castles set in a magnificent position right on the estuary. Occupied from the 12th to 17th centuries by which time it had been transformed into a magnificent Elizabethan mansion.
Picton Castle
Picton’s enchanting 13th century Castle is surrounded by a spectacular 40 acre garden.
Explore the Castle’s rich history, discover rare trees and plant collections from around the world and enjoy the magnificent Rhododendrons, shady woodlands, an exotic jungle garden and colourful walled garden alongside living willow dens, family trails and an engaging adventure playground. The wildlife is abundant and there’s plenty of space to relax and enjoy the tranquility and take in the views.
Upton Castle
Upton Castle and Gardens are several gardens in one. A walled garden and formal rose garden are surround by an arboretum of rare trees planted in the 1920’s and 30’s.
Upton Castle is a small castle the earliest remaining part of which is believed to date from the 12th/ 13th century. Three of the original towers survive and there is evidence of a drawbridge and port cullies entrance while one wing contains the remnants of what was probably the great hall. The inhabited part of the castle mainly dates from the 17th and18th century with later additions of two further towers in the 19th century. Nearby the small medieval chapel also thought to date from the 13th century contains several early effigies. In the grounds of the chapel is a stone preaching cross listed by CADW as a historic monument.
Other Castles
Other notable castles include Cilgerran Castle which probably commands the most dramatic location perched high above the Teifi Gorge. Whilst Manorbier Castle is a special Norman baronial residence overlooking the beach. It was once described as ‘the pleasantest place in Wales’.
These rugged hills in North Pembrokeshire rise to 536 metres above sea level at Foel Cwmcerwyn and are dotted with prehistoric sites including evidence of Neolithic settlements. Bluestone from the hills is believed to have been used to build the inner circle of Stonehenge.
The range stretches from Dinas Island, Cardigan Bay to Frenni Fach, near Crymych approximately 13 miles to the east. The ancient 8-mile track along the top of the range, known as the Golden Road is very popular with ramblers who enjoy panoramic views across Pembrokeshire and its coastline.
Slate quarrying was once big business in the Preseli Hills and remnants of the quarries can still be seen in Rosebush. Pop into the Tafarn Zinc at Rosebush for a good pint, full of Welsh charm
Our warm client and a plentiful supply of water combined with rich, fertile soils means that Pembrokeshires historic houses often have outstanding gardens to visit.
Colby Woodland Gardens
The National Trust’s Colby Woodland garden near Amroth is set in a tranquil secret valley. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers. It’s a garden for all ages.
Dyffryn Fernant
Dyffryn Fernant is a 6 acre garden in the hamlet of Llanychaer near Fishguard and started life in 1996 as ‘complete wilderness’. The garden now features a wide range of planting including a bog garden, ornamental grass field, ebullient colour around the house, an exotically planted courtyard and a fernary.
Critically acclaimed by Gardeners World, Gardens Illustrated and Monty Don, Dyffryn Fernant is also one of the Great Gardens of West Wales.
Our warm client and a plentiful supply of water combined with rich, fertile soils means that Pembrokeshires historic houses often have outstanding gardens to visit.
Colby Woodland Gardens
The National Trust’s Colby Woodland garden near Amroth is set in a tranquil secret valley. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers. It’s a garden for all ages.
Dyffryn Fernant
Dyffryn Fernant is a 6 acre garden in the hamlet of Llanychaer near Fishguard and started life in 1996 as ‘complete wilderness’. The garden now features a wide range of planting including a bog garden, ornamental grass field, ebullient colour around the house, an exotically planted courtyard and a fernary.
Critically acclaimed by Gardeners World, Gardens Illustrated and Monty Don, Dyffryn Fernant is also one of the Great Gardens of West Wales.
Shopping
Over the years Narberth has built up a reputation as the leading independent shopping experience in Wales with a range of fancy ladies boutiques, quality gift and antique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
The Golden Sheaf Gallery exhibits and sells local art, ironwork, textiles and ceramics. Welsh Farmhouse sells a range of gifts and top end country fashions whilst Whites Boutique, posh womenswear. The Narberth Pottery has been making ceramics with outstanding glazes for decades
No other county in Britain has more Blue Flag beaches or Seaside Awards than Pembrokeshire. With over 50 beaches to choose from there’s going to be one that just perfect for you, whether you want surfing, kayaking or kite surfing, or you are just looking for somewhere to relax, sunbathe, and build sandcastles.
In 2012, National Geographic Magazine listed the Pembrokeshire Coastline as the second Best Coastal Destinations in the World.
Beaches
Poppit Sands
At the mouth of the Teifi Estuary, Poppit Sands is a sandy beach backed by dunes.
At high water there is plenty of beach but it’s a low tide when the full extent of sand appears to go almost to Gwbert on the other side. Don’t attempt a crossing, though, the currents are too strong. Watch the tide when it’s coming in. It’s fast!
It is the start, or the end, of the 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path which takes you right around the coast to Amroth in the south.
Dog restriction apply to the western end of the beach between 1stMay and 30th September. Check out a map of the beach to help with which section of beach it applies to.
If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you’ve plenty of beach to play on and that you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide!
Awards – Blue Flag Award 2016 and Seaside Award (Resort) 2016
Parking – Car park near RNLI lifeboat station.
Beach facilities – Lifeguards patrol between end of June and beginning of September.
On shore facilities
Toilets and café. St Dogmaels is the nearest village which has pubs, chip shop and an Abbey. A good choice of hotels, B&Bs, guesthouse, caravan and camping sites can found in the area.
Newport Parrog beach
A delightful stretch of coastline. The Coast Path twists and turns its way round to the old lifeboat station, sometimes on the beach, sometimes on the road and at one point crosses a fantastic causeway built of slates laid in a herringbone pattern.
It’s possible to wade across the river near the yacht club to Newport sands. The walk back round the ‘long way’ takes you alongside the estuary to the bridge.
Near here is Carreg Coetan, an exposed burial chamber.
There are a few small pebble beaches but swimming isn’t recommended here.
If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you’ve plenty of beach to play on and that you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide!
Parking – Limited parking by the yacht club. More parking near the Tourist Information Centre
Beach facilities – Slipway
On shore facilities – Toilets and a café near the yacht club.
Newport Sands
A broad, long beach at the mouth of the River Nevern. This dune backed, sandy beach is plenty big enough for all your beach activities and at low tide you can wade across the river to Newport Parrog. It’s very popular with all kinds of watersports enthusiasts.
If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you’ve plenty of beach to play on and that you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide!
Awards – Seaside Award (Rural) 2016.
Parking – At beach head or at Newport Parrog (this car park gets very busy in the summer months).
Beach facilities Slipway. Lifeguards patrol between end of June and beginning of September.
On shore facilities – Café and toilets. Newport provides all the amenities of a large village including galleries, bike hire, golf club and a National Park Visitor Centre. A good choice of hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, caravan and camping sites can found in the area. The golf course backing onto the beach was extended to 18 holes in 2008 and a fabulous restaurant and hotel built.
Dinas
Dinas Cross village is a long linear settlement mid way between Fishguard and Newport. The village itself is pretty, with some neat stone built cottages set back from the road. There’s also a garage, a good village shop and a pub called The Ship Aground.
Activities – Walking the Coast Path around Dinas Island is very satisfying and shows off The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park at its best. Dinas Head is 142 metres or 465 feet above sea level so it can be hard going but the views are worth the effort. Doing the route in a clockwise direction gives a great descent back down to Cwm yr Eglwys with some fine views towards Newport.
The low lying neck of land between Pwllgwaelod and Cwm yr Eglwys is all that secures National Trust owned Dinas ‘island’ to the mainland. A wide, flat footpath suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs links the two contrasting coves
Attractions – Cwm yr Eglwys beach is mostly sandy with plenty of rock pools to explore and rocks to clamber over. It’s also east facing which provides sheltered bathing if the prevailing south westerly wind is blowing or the surf is up.
Behind the beach at Pwllgwaelod is The Old Sailor’s restaurant serving seafood and real ale. This pub was visited by Dylan Thomas at least once or twice! There are two pubs at Dinas Cross, The Freemasons Arms and The Ship Aground. Dinas Cross also has a small village shop and a petrol station.
At the Newport end of the village, a lane takes you to the wonderful little cove at Cwm yr Eglwys. All that remains of the church that gives Cwm yr Eglwys its name is the west wall and belfry. The rest was destroyed by the great storm of 1859 .
Barafundle Bay
With swathes of golden sand and crystal clear waters, this pristine and isolated beach is a real favourite. Regularly listed as one of the best beaches in the UK, this small bay backed by dunes and pine trees is only accessible by a half mile walk from Stackpole Quay which ensures that it’s always pleasant to visit.
Broad Haven South
This is a stunning wide sandy bay backed by large dunes. Explore the boulders and ‘island’ on the west side to discover caves and springs gushing out of the cliffs. The convoluted low cliffs on the east side have a few small caves to explore at low tide. The crystal clear stream on its east side is perfect for small children to play in.
The world famous Bosherton Lilly Ponds and its network of paths can be easily explored from the head of the beach making for the perfect day trip.
Freshwater West
This sand and rocky beach is the hunting ground of the surfer always on the lookout for that perfect wave. South westerly facing it has the best waves in the county but it’s only for the experienced and strong swimmers.
Behind the beach are a magnificent set of sand dunes. Shell Cottage in the Harry Potter film’s was situated at the foot of one of these dunes and the battle scene from Ridley Scotts Robin Hood film were shot on the beach.
Tenby Harbour
Picturesque harbour built into a corner on North Beach, between the old medieval walled town and castle hill. There’s a small sandy beach tucked up under the harbour wall that’s perfect for very young children. To the south of the harbour are the lifeboat stations, the old and the new. Hire speed boats, take a boat trip to Caldey Island or go on a paragliding trip from the harbour. There are many events such as Tenby Spectacular event and Paella evenings taking place on Tenby Harbour.
Tenby North
A superb, sheltered, safe, and sandy beach with the pinnacle of Goscar Rock sticking out of the sand in the middle. This is one of the most photographed views in Wales with the harbour at the western end. It is an enclosed, east facing beach so it’s safe for young children and is a real sun trap even on windy days.
Tenby South
A mile and a half long, dune-backed beach playground. There’s plenty of space at the Tenby end for families or continue eastwards for more boisterous beach activities. There are acres of beach at low tide but still plenty of room at high tide.
Saundersfoot
A small but very popular resort with all the facilities you might need. It’s a wide, flat, and sandy beach at low tide but there’s still plenty of space at high tide. Enjoy a stroll along the pretty harbour, or take in the stunning views from the top of the hill. This beach is brilliant at low tide for fishing in the rock pools. Children also love to fish off the cat walk on the harbour for crabs on a line, try tempting them with some cockles bought at the fishmongers on the harbour.
West Angle Bay
At the mouth of the Milford Haven Estuary, this horseshow sandy cove is tucked right inside West Angle Bay. The beach is quite narrow at high tide but at low tide it’s revealed; a huge stretch of golden sand. The north end of the beach has rocks perfect for climbing and if you can find it, a cut through the cliffs leads to a secret beach!
Activities
Golf Clubs
Pembrokeshire and the surrounding area have a number of first class golf courses to choose from, many of which are classic links with stunning views of the coastline to help inspire your golf.
Choose between established clubs like Tenby, the oldest links club in Wales or brand new courses like Trefloyne. A little further you have the Nicklaus designed modern links Machynys that regularly hosts major championships and the well regarded Ashburnam Golf club
Coasteering
A mixture of rock climbing, cliff jumping and riding the surf. Experienced Coasteering guides will tailor your adventure activity to suit all including children and all cliff jumps are optional. Wales’ coastline has an abundance of water features creating a natural water park with lots of water chutes and whirlpools making this highly recommended fun for the adventurous.
Family activity holidays in Wales don’t get much more exciting than this.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a fantastic way to enjoy the National Park allowing access to caves, stacks and reefs along the coast, and the creeks and mudflats inland. It is a great chance to observe sea birds, seals and porpoises, estuary waders and wild fowl in an unobtrusive and sustainable way.
For the experienced sea kayaker there are extended trips along the coast and out to the islands as well as world class play boating in the fierce tidal streams. There are also great opportunities for surf kayaking on many of Pembrokeshire’s storm beaches.
Surfing
The unspoilt, wild and beautiful beaches of the Pembrokeshire coast are the ideal location for learning to surf in Wales. Hang 5 and come learn to surf on some of the best beach breaks in the west.
For the more experienced, Freshwater West is your destination offering some of the best and most consistent surfing in Wales. There are left and right handers here most of the time. The sandy end of the beach is good for a beginner but can still hold a pretty feisty wave.
Windsurfing
Pembrokeshire has a number of beaches and areas of coastline that are perfect for all levels of windsurfing. The shape of the coast usually means that favourable conditions can be found somewhere in the county with wind and surf particularly common outside of the summer months.
Sheltered spots such as Dale are great for learning while other more challenging areas such as Newgale and Freshwater West.
One thing is for sure, your back drop will be absolutely stunning and there is even the chance of an encounter with dolphins and seals.
Cycling and Mountain Biking Trails
Whether you are planning a cycle-touring holiday, or a short family ride, Pembrokeshire offers a huge choice of routes to suit all and is the ideal way to explore the National Park.
Some areas are suitable for true off-road mountain biking, particularly the Preseli Hills and the woodlands around Canaston Bridge and Stackpole. In any area you can plan a route that links villages, coastal views and historic sites via quiet country lanes and byways. It’s also easy and great fun to try a route involving mainly quiet roads and the occasional, short section of off-road bridleway.
Horse-riding
Pembrokeshire offers plenty of opportunity for horse riding, taking you across a variety of landscapes and providing a great way of exploring the area. Whether you want to ride across open moorland, along wooded bridleways or down quiet country lanes, there’s something for everyone, all offered by the excellent selection of riding establishments operating in the county.
Almost anywhere you ride in Pembrokeshire, you’ll be travelling through an area of great historical interest. There are many other things to see from Iron Age forts and standing stones; to castles, ancient woodlands and quiet streams.
Riding on the golden sands of Pembrokeshire’s beaches is also a popular activity.
Sea Angling
The fishing in Pembrokeshire is some of the best to be had anywhere in Britain and as the county is surrounded on three sides by the sea, fish are never far away.
The coast offers excellent fishing from rocks or beaches offering Bass, Mackerel, Wrasse, and Flatfish to name but a few. Some of the popular marks are found on or near golden sands dotted around the county while other areas still provide the tranquility of fishing in near isolation, where you can easily find you have a whole stretch of coast to yourself.
There are also lots of opportunities for sea boat fishing where you get a chance to explore some more of the coastline and find the richest fishing areas.
Oakwood
Oakwood is Wales’ only theme park with plenty of rides to keep you busy all day. A whole new area called ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ opened in 2015, hot on the heals of the ‘Neverland’ themed area which opened a few years ago. The popular After Dark evening in the school holidays is always popular with families.
Folly Farm
The award winning Folly Farm is more than just a famr. It’s a zoo, vinateg fun fair, an adventure playground and its open all year with 50% of the attractions under cover. Star attractions are the Lions, Giraffes and the Penguins.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a brilliant indoor water park with a wave machine, flume rides and a lazy river. Regular ‘after dark’ evening sessions are great fun when all the waves, cannons and jets are on full power! Next door is the Adventure Centre, a giant countryside themed indoor play centre and indoor high ropes course.
Manor House Wildlife Zoo
At Anna Ryder-Richardsons Welsh Zoo you can enjoy walk through enclosures where you can get close to the animals. The newest residents include Zamba and Jambo the Rhinos. Now open all year round.
Dinosaur Park
For a monster day out, go to the Dinosaur Park near Tenby. As well as the Dinosaur trail, there are loads of rides and activities included in the admission price including an indoor adventure playground, digging for fossils and a giant bubble ride.
Heatherton Activity Theme Park
27 different activities to choose from including daring Tree Top Trails and the amazing Pirates of the Caribbean themed adventure golf course.
Hidden Pools
Rosebush, Preseli
A mysterious freshwater quarry with clear blue waters and rocks, surrounded by overgrown, ruined quarry buildings.
In the early 19th century, Rosebush and neighbouring Bellstone were small slate quarries surrounded by wilderness, and the area feels remote even today.