Pembrokeshire, Wales
Pembrokeshire is a haven for hill walkers and ramblers who come here to explore the rugged expanses of wild moorland and winding coastal paths. Delve deeper, and you’ll uncover a surprisingly diverse mix of attractions that will delight the entire family.
The extensive variety of breathtaking scenery, pretty fishing villages and prehistoric monuments across Pembrokeshire is an undeniably attractive combination that draws tourists in their thousands to this corner of South Wales. Many tourists tend to spend their holidays in Tenby, a pretty seaside town that has existed since Norman times. The town has much to offer holidaymakers, settled in a natural harbour with long stretches of golden sandy beaches. There are plenty of historic buildings here to explore, including medieval town walls, a 15th-century townhouse and the Tenby Museum.
Like much of the Pembrokeshire coastline, Tenby is conveniently situated along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Stretching all the way from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, this trail is a fabulous way to see some of the most outstanding coastal scenery in South Wales. The complete path is a tough challenge, so unless you’re an experienced long distance walker, it’s advisable to choose a short section. Running alongside spectacular cliff edges, you will be rewarded by superb views of the coast and some of the best beaches in the area.
If you’re willing to venture away from the busy tourist spots, there are some hidden jewels waiting to capture the imagination. Head down to Stackpole Quay and you’ll find a remote bay ringed with soft, golden sand and clear blue waters to rival a tropical paradise. Barafundle Bay can only be reached on foot, yet it is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. This isolated spot is the perfect way to unwind and have a picnic.
A day out with the kids demands a little more entertainment than coastal scenery, but you can keep them fully entertained at Pembrokeshire’s most popular theme park. Oakwood Theme Park has enough attractions and thrill rides to enthral young children as well as big kids. If you’re staying in one of the many Pembrokeshire self-catering holiday cottages around Tenby or Haverfordwest, then it’s only a short drive to reach the park.
No holiday in Pembrokeshire would be complete without experiencing the astonishing beauty of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The unique geography of this region is unrivalled in its variation and location. Being the only coastal national park in Wales, it covers a huge proportion of the Pembrokeshire coastline and also the Preseli Hills to the north. The area features unique rock formations, dramatic cliffs and notable prehistoric remains to make this area a real crowd pleaser.
If you want to enjoy the very best that Wales has to offer, then Pembrokeshire has it all. It is a region that is wild and provocative and, at the same time, a busy tourist destination. Strap on your walking shoes and you could find something special around every corner.
Photo credit: J K
For more ideas about what to see in Pembrokeshire, check out the official Visit Pembrokeshire site.
