Things to do in Pembrokeshire

With so many beautiful beaches, the seaside is one of the many places to visit in Pembrokeshire for a great time. 

A Victorian seaside town with picture-postcard qualities, the rise of Tenby came with ringing medical endorsements for its health-giving properties. It remains a major attraction for young and old. Tenby’s Castle Beach was even awarded ‘Britain’s Best Beach 2019’ by the Sunday Times.

The monastery on Caldey Island, just a short boat ride from Tenby, is also well worth a visit.

What makes your perfect day out at the beach? Plenty of space to run about, rockpools to discover mysterious sea creatures, sandcastle building heaven? With it's wide, sandy beach, Freshwater West ticks all the boxes.

Plus, if you're looking for some action on the waves, it's also popular with experienced surfers due to the strong currents. If it all seems a bit familiar, the beach has also starred in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Shell Cottage was built here as the home of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. Foodies will love the award-winning Cafe Môr beach food shack, a short drive away in Angle.

Freshwater West is a dog-friendly beach. Read more about Dog-friendly Pembrokeshire: perfect for adventures on land and sea

With miles of coast, hills and plenty of places to enjoy nature, there are some fantastic walks in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only national park in the UK to be focused primarily along dramatic coastline. Yes it's a feast for the eyes, abundant in wildlife and rare flora and fauna, but it also has numerous monuments and sites of historic interest. There's never a dull moment here.

Read more: Things to see and do on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Clear days in the Preseli Hills offer views as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. Stones from the area are believed to have been transported 180 miles to Stonehenge and new research also suggests that people from West Wales may have helped in its construction. Numerous Neolithic burial chambers, stone circles and Iron Age forts offer an intriguing insight to the great history of these hills. Follow the ancient Golden Road high in the hills to see them for yourself.

While you're there, step back in time with a visit to Tafarn Sinc, the highest licensed pub in Pembrokeshire. The pub has a fascinating history and continues to uphold traditions of the area to this day. And their Sunday lunch is pretty good too! 

Stackpole nature reserve is a beautiful stretch of coastline offering varied attractions including stunning beaches like Barafundle Bay, contrasting with the picturesque Bosherston Lakes near Stackpole Court. There are many activities including kayaking and coasteering, as well as plenty of delicious local produce to sample in the tea rooms.

If you're looking for what to do in Pembrokeshire, you won't be disappointed. There are many activities to enjoy in this beautiful part of Wales. There's a good range of Pembrokeshire attractions too. Here are some of the highlights.

When you need a short break from the wonders of the natural world, Oakwood is the place to go. There is a broad range of attractions to suit all the family, but special mention must go to the Megafobia roller coaster, a wondrous wooden structure voted the best ride in Britain and the third best in the world.

With a population of less than 2,000, St Davids is more than a record-holder as Britain's smallest city. St Davids Cathedral is a magnificent cathedral that has been a place of pilgrimage since the 12th century and there are several other attractions of artistic and culinary kinds.

According to those in the know, coasteering was first practiced along the coast of Pembrokeshire, the craggy rocks providing the perfect playground for leaping into the clean blue waters. It's great fun too, but should only be carried out with experienced and knowledgeable local activity operators.

Read more: Coastal activity adventures in Pembrokeshire

There's a unique feel to Carew Castle. Its unusual setting has something to do with it, overlooking a millpond measuring more than 23 acres. Its subsequent gentrification as a rather splendid Elizabethan country house demonstrates the rich and colourful heritage of the castle, which has recently undergone major renovation.

Harbour porpoises are easily spotted from the coast of Pembrokeshire, while there are several boat trips into the deep waters nearby, where you can come across the bottlenose dolphins that live in these waters, as well as thousands of visiting dolphins in the summer months. Huge fin whales and smaller minke whales can also be seen. Search for more boat trips in Pembrokeshire.

Ramsey Island near St Davids is a natural haven featuring dramatic 120 metre high cliffs, where guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars nest. Peregrine falcons cruise along the cliffs, families of choughs zip in and out of the numerous caves, while the distinctive 'kronk' of the raven can also be heard.

If you're looking for a fun day out for all the family, look no further than Folly Farm! The zoo boasts an array of animals including lions and penguins, or for a more hands-on experience there's plenty of options in the barn area. And, if that's not enough, you can experience all the fun of the fairground or let your children run wild with their imagination in the themed play areas.