Pembrokeshire Holiday Cottages
With its dramatic coastline, golden beaches, and rich heritage, Pembrokeshire is one of the UK’s most inspiring holiday destinations. Home to Britain’s only Coastal National Park and named the world’s second-best coastline by National Geographic, it’s a place where natural beauty and adventure come together. Stroll the pastel-coloured streets of Tenby, soak up the tranquillity of St Davids, or explore mighty Pembroke Castle. The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path promises unforgettable views, wildlife encounters, and endless opportunities for discovery. Food lovers will also feel at home here, with fresh seafood, local Welsh lamb, and artisan treats served in cosy pubs and stylish restaurants alike. Whether you’re seeking a family beach escape, a walking holiday, or a quiet retreat that feels wonderfully “away from it all,” Pembrokeshire is a destination that will capture your heart.
Pembrokeshire
It would be impossible to oversell this incredibly beautiful region of west Wales. Rated as the world’s ‘second best’coastline by National Geographic, and home to Britain’s only Coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is a place of truly outstanding natural beauty.
As well as some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, Pembrokeshire offers a wide array of family-friendly attractions. It’s the kind of place where you can spot dolphins from a clifftop walk in the morning, and go on to explore a medieval fortress or charming harbour town by the afternoon.
From pastel-coloured Tenby to the cathedral calm of St Davids, Pembrokeshire delivers history, heritage, and adventure at every turn. And if you like delicious local produce – including some of the UK’s best fresh-off-the-boat seafood – you’re in luck because Pembrokeshire is a foodie’s delight.
Whether you’re looking for a walking holiday, a relaxed family beach break, or just a quiet escape that feels properly ‘away from it all’, Pembrokeshire should be at the top of the list of possibilities for your next holiday break in Wales.
Things to do in Pembrokeshire
The iconic seaside town of Tenby has been one of Wales’s best-loved coastal destinations for generations – and for good reason: its pastel-coloured Georgian houses, cobbled streets and twin sandy beaches offer the perfect mix of seaside fun and historic charm. Explore independent galleries and pubs in the town, or take a short boat trip to Caldey Island, where you’ll find a peaceful monastery, nature trails and thriving seal colonies.
Around 20 miles east of Tenby, you can visit the peaceful village of Laugharne. Synonymous with the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, this is a wonderful place to stroll around. Visit the medieval castle – immortalised by one of Turner’s watercolours – and treat yourself to a delicious lunch or dinner at one of Laugharne’s many excellent eateries. Don’t miss a visit to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse overlooking the scenic Taf Estuary.
Heading west, Britain’s smallest city, St Davids, offers big appeal. Named after the patron saint of Wales, and home to a magnificent 12th-century cathedral nestled in a peaceful valley, it’s a place to soak up centuries of Welsh heritage. Next door to the cathedral, the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace are a striking reminder of medieval life. Nearby Whitesands Bay is one of the best surfing beaches in Wales, with consistent waves and a dramatic coastal backdrop.
Pembroke Castle is one of Wales’s most impressive medieval strongholds – and the birthplace of Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty. The Great Keep offers stunning panoramic views, while the castle’s maze of underground passages, tunnels and stairways reveal a fascinating history. The town of Pembroke also has a good selection of cafés and independent shops to explore.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path – part of the Wales Coast Path – winds for 186 miles through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Britain. It’s a nature lover’s dream: expect carpets of wildflowers and excellent birdwatching in spring and summer, whilst autumn offers dramatic skies, big swells, and fewer crowds. Look out for porpoises, seals and, if you’re lucky, dolphins playing around in the beautiful bays below.
Charming coastal villages such as Manorbier, Saundersfoot, and Broad Haven offer more peaceful places to stay and explore. Fishguard has a bustling harbour, with ferry links to Ireland (Rosslare), and a thriving local music scene. Solva, meanwhile, is ideal for a relaxed lunch by the lovely harbour in between browsing independent galleries and craft shops.
Off the beaten track ideas:
Discover Pentre Ifan, a mysterious 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber near Newport. With panoramic views over the Preseli Hills and out to sea, this atmospheric site is one of Wales’s most photographed ancient landmarks.
Explore the spectacular sea cliffs, caves, and blowholes at Huntsman’s Leap, near Bosherston Mere. Carved by centuries of west coast wave action, this dramatic chasm is particularly impressive in rough weather.
Wander around the Bosherston Lily Ponds, a series of peaceful lakes surrounded by woodland paths at the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate. In early summer the ponds are carpeted with flowering lilies, and the trails lead down to Broad Haven South, one of Pembrokeshire’s loveliest beaches.
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Pembrokeshire sits on the far southwestern tip of Wales. It’s bordered by the Irish Sea to the west and Cardigan Bay to the north. Key towns include Tenby, Pembroke, Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and St Davids.
Pembrokeshire is known for its outstanding local produce, particularly its seafood. Favourite local delicacies include crab, lobster, and sea bass as well as Welsh lamb, artisan cheeses, and craft ales. Some great places to eat include:
• The Shed Fish & Chip Bistro in Porthgain for fresh lobster, crab and incredible
• The Sloop Inn in Porthgain for excellent seafood and a seasonal menu
• Blas at Fronlas in Newport for seasonal fine dining
• The Stackpole Inn near Bosherston for local pub favourites
Head to the National Trust’s Tudor Merchant’s House in Tenby, a fully restored medieval townhouse where you can explore how a wealthy merchant family lived 500 years ago. Other options include:
• St David’s Cathedral, one of Christendom’s great historic shrines which reaches back to the 12th century
• Folly Farm, a family-friendly Adventure Park and Zoo near Tenby
• Ocean Lab in Goodwick, a family-friendly aquarium and discovery centre, including ‘catch and release’ aquarium
• Embrace the rain at your local beach: pull on your wellies and raincoat, and enjoy having the shoreline to yourself
