Pembrokeshire Travel Guide

Explore the culturally significant attractions, natural wonders, food, accommodation options, local customs and safety guidelines of Pembrokeshire with our week-long itinerary and more. Read on!


Introduction to Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire, in South Wales, has everything a traveler can wish for - from scenic landscapes, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, to outdoor adventures. Whether you want to explore the peaceful countryside or engage in thrilling water sports, Pembrokeshire won’t disappoint you.

List of Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire

There are various places to visit in Pembrokeshire. Here are some of the must-sees:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. St. David’s Cathedral: It is one of the most important sites to visit in Pembrokeshire, known for being the final resting place of St. David, the patron saint of Wales.
  2. Carew Castle: This stunning castle dates back to the 12th century and is home to a military museum, picturesque gardens, and a tidal mill.
  3. Tenby Museum and Art Gallery: The oldest independent museum in Wales has art exhibitions that feature works from Welsh artists.

Natural Attractions of Pembrokeshire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: The park stretches over 240 square miles and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
  2. Barafundle Bay: This secluded bay has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and kayaking.
  3. Skomer Island: The island is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the UK. Here are some of them:

  1. Pembrokeshire Coast Path: The 186-mile trail runs from St. Dogmaels to Amroth and offers panoramic views of the coast.
  2. Preseli Hills: The hills have various paths ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
  3. Cyclists’ Touring Club: The club offers various cycle routes that pass through the countryside and coast.

Best Things to Do in Pembrokeshire: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Pembrokeshire has a range of activities and tours, including:

  1. Coasteering: An adrenaline-packed adventure that involves traversing the coastline by jumping off cliffs, swimming, and scrambling.
  2. Boat trips: Pembrokeshire has various boat trips that allow travelers to explore the coastline and see wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and whales.
  3. Visit Oakwood Theme Park: The park has various rides and attractions for children and adults.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pembrokeshire

Here’s a sample itinerary that covers most of Pembrokeshire:

Day Activity
1 Visit St. David’s Cathedral, enjoy a coastal walk, and have lunch at a local pub.
2 Explore Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. Take a boat trip and view the wildlife and landscapes.
3 Hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and enjoy the views. Visit Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
4 Try coasteering in the morning and relax on one of the many beaches in the afternoon.
5 Visit Skomer Island and see puffins and other seabirds.
6 Go on a bike ride in the Preseli Hills and have a picnic.
7 Take a trip to Oakwood Theme Park or spend the day shopping for souvenirs and local products.

Food and Drink Scene of Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire boasts a range of traditional Welsh dishes, as well as modern, fusion cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Welsh Rarebit: A toast with a savory mixture of cheese, mustard, and ale.
  2. Laverbread: A traditional Welsh dish made with seaweed and oats.
  3. Bara Brith: A fruitcake made with tea.

Local Beverages

  1. Welsh beer: Try a local ale such as Cwrw Haf.
  2. Pembrokeshire cider: Made from locally sourced apples.

Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pembrokeshire has various accommodation options. Here are some to consider:

  1. Giltar Hotel: A hotel located in Tenby overlooking the sea.
  2. The backpackers hostel: A budget-friendly hostel in the center of St. David’s.
  3. Llys Meddyg: A guesthouse with rustic charm located in the heart of Newport.

What to Buy in Pembrokeshire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pembrokeshire is known for its woolen mills and fine pottery. Here are some of the souvenirs to consider:

  1. Welsh woolen blankets: Soft woolen blankets are the perfect gift to bring home.
  2. Welsh pottery: From the famous Grays pottery studio, get hand-painted pitchers, bowls, and cups.

Local Culture and Customs of Pembrokeshire

The people of Pembrokeshire are wonderfully welcoming to visitors. It is important to be respectful of Welsh customs and traditions, such as learning a few basic Welsh phrases or pledging to always try the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Pembrokeshire

The best time to visit Pembrokeshire is between May and September when the weather is mild and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities. However, Pembrokeshire is beautiful year-round and each season has its advantages.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pembrokeshire

Do:

  1. Respect the wildlife, especially seals and birds.
  2. Follow the designated trails while hiking.
  3. Taste the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  1. Disturb the local wildlife.
  2. Litter on the beaches and trails.
  3. Ignore the tides or venture too close to the edges of cliffs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is a safe destination to travel, but it is still important to keep some safety guidelines in mind. For example:

  1. Be careful while walking on cliffs or near the sea. They can be slippery and dangerous.
  2. Avoid leaving valuable items unattended in public areas.

Health in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is a safe destination, as there are no known health risks in the area. However, it is a good idea to take basic precautions like:

  1. Using sunscreen while participating in outdoor activities.
  2. Keeping hydrated during outdoor activities.

Getting to Pembrokeshire: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pembrokeshire has various transportation options:

Airports Near Pembrokeshire

  1. Cardiff Airport is the nearest international airport.
  2. Bristol Airport is popular among budget airlines.

Bus Stations Near Pembrokeshire

  1. Haverfordwest Bus Station is the main terminal for buses in the area.
  2. Other bus services operate from Fishguard.

Other Options

  1. The train station is located at Haverfordwest.
  2. The ferry from Rosslare in Ireland sails to nearby Fishguard.

How to Get Around in Pembrokeshire

There are various transportation options available:

  1. Bus services: Travel by bus to reach any destination.
  2. Car hire: Pembrokeshire has various car rental agencies.
  3. Bicycle hire: Bicycles can be rented from shops and can be used to explore the coastline.

Where to Go Next from Pembrokeshire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Explore Cardiff: The capital of Wales is a vibrant city with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
  2. Visit Bristol: Bristol is a lively city with plenty of things to do and see.
  3. Explore Snowdonia National Park: Head north to the vast landscapes and outdoorsy activities!

Conclusion

Pembrokeshire is a perfect place for travelers looking for outdoor adventures, scenic views, and cultural experiences. From hiking along the coast to trying local cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful part of Wales.



    Abereiddy
    Amroth
    Fishguard
    Freshwater East
    Haverfordwest
    Herbrandston
    Manorbier
    Newgale
    Pembroke
    Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
    Saundersfoot
    Skomer
    Solva
    Tenby