Things to do in Pembrokeshire

Surrounded by sea on three sides and famed for its dramatic coastal scenery, Pembrokeshire curves from the Preseli Hills in the north to the shores of Tenby and Saundersfoot in the south. With 186 miles of coastline – ranked the second-best in the world by National Geographic – and more than 50 beaches ranging from vast golden sands to secluded cliff-backed bays, it’s also home to the UK’s only coastal national park.

Towering sea cliffs, wildlife-rich islands, sweeping beaches, and hidden coves shape Pembrokeshire’s character. Dolphins, seals, puffins, and countless seabirds thrive along its shores, while inland lies rolling countryside, pretty market towns, and a landscape steeped in history and dotted with castles and ancient sites.

A blend of breathtaking beaches, rugged coastal paths, charming seaside villages, and rich heritage make Pembrokeshire a dream destination. Stroll the pastel-coloured streets of Tenby, soak up the tranquillity of St Davids, or explore mighty Pembroke Castle. 

Here’s our selection of favourite things to do in Pembrokeshire.

WALKS & HIKES

Pembrokeshire offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK, alongside peaceful inland trails, wildlife-rich estuaries, and family-friendly countryside routes. For more information and inspiration click here.

Here is a selection of suggested walking routes.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britain’s most celebrated long-distance walks. Stretching for 186 miles from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north, it forms part of the Wales Coast Path and showcases the rugged beauty of this stretch of coastline. Expect towering cliffs, sheltered coves, sweeping sandy beaches, and some of the best wildlife spotting anywhere in Wales – including seals, porpoises, seabirds, and (in summer) dolphins.

The path is divided into manageable sections, with full day walks, shorter circular or linear options. Suggested routes, maps, and FAQ can be found on the Pembroke Coast website.

St Davids Peninsula Coastal Walk

The area around St Davids offers a spectacular range of walks combining dramatic coastlines, intriguing history, and thriving wildlife habitats. Popular trails include the loop from St Justinians to St Non’s, which offers clifftop views towards Ramsey Island and the chance to spot choughs and peregrines. Shorter, family-friendly routes explore the area around St Davids Cathedral and the surrounding countryside, making this area a great choice for mixed-ability groups.

Saint Govan’s Chapel and the Green Bridge of Wales

St Govan’s chapel is a tiny hermit’s cell built into the cliffs near Bosherton. Said to have been the hiding place of St Govan, a hermit who was pursued by pirates, this enchanting little chapel sits on a wild stretch of the South Pembrokeshire coastline and is believed to be around 800 years old.

This stretch of coastline provides tremendous sea views and an opportunity to seek out several interesting rock formations including The Cauldron and Stack Rocks, or Elegug Stacks and one of Wales’ best known coastal landmarks, The Green Bridge of Wales. This impressive limestone arch was carved into the cliffs over centuries and has become a much photographed feature of the Pembrokeshire coast. Combine with a visit to the Stackpole Estate and Bosherton Lily Ponds for a longer walk. 

Note: Access to St Govan’s passes through an MOD training base and can be closed to the public at certain times.

Stackpole Estate & Bosherston Lily Ponds

Managed by the National Trust, the Stackpole Estate is a 3000-acre estate and nature reserve, which includes a Grade 1 listed historic landscape. There are a variety of peaceful, scenic trails suitable for families and casual walkers. The circular walk around Bosherston Lakes is especially popular; an important habitat, in summer the lily ponds are carpeted with white and yellow flowers, and home to otters, dragonflies and a variety of water birds.

Trails from the lakes lead directly to the stunning sandy beach at Broad Haven South, the famous natural limestone arch at the Green Bridge of Wales, and the dramatic cliffs of Stack Rocks.

Cwm Gwaun / Gwaun Valley

The ancient, wooded Gwaun Valley offers a peaceful contrast to Pembrokeshire’s coastal hot spots. Lying between Fishguard and the Preseli Hills, the valley is criss-crossed with footpaths that wind through oak woodland, alongside rivers, and past traditional farms. This is an ideal destination for walkers seeking tranquillity, wildlife encounters, and atmospheric landscapes steeped in local folklore. There are also a number of easily accessed short walking routes ideal for families. 

Preseli Hills (Mynydd Preseli)

With sweeping moorland views, ancient standing stones, and a sense of remote tranquillity, the Preseli Hills have a completely different atmosphere to Pembrokeshire’s coastline. This area is steeped in myth and history: the bluestones of Stonehenge are believed to have originated here, and walkers can trace ancient trackways used by shepherds, traders, and pilgrims.

Trails range from gentle ridge-top walks to the more challenging routes. For the best views of Pembrokeshire head to Foel Eryr to enjoy 360-degree views across the sea to Ireland and the mountains of Eryri.

For a longer stroll try The Golden Road, an 8 mile route along an ancient track said to date back to the Neolithic period. 

WATERSPORTS, BOAT TRIPS & WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

Pembrokeshire is a world-class destination for watersports thanks to its dramatic coastline, sheltered bays and clear waters. Whether you’re looking for saltwater thrills, serene paddling, wildlife encounters, or high-energy adventures, you’ll find plenty of options across the county.

The rugged coastline around St Davids and Fishguard is legendary for coasteering – in fact, Pembrokeshire is widely recognised as the birthplace of the sport. Expect to scramble across rocks, jump from cliffs (usually optional!), explore sea caves and swim through gullies – all guided by qualified instructors. 

Pioneers of coasteering, TYF Adventure offer a wide range of land and water-based adventures around St Davids, including surfing, rock climbing, sea kayaking and SUP. Their kayaking trips are a particular highlight, taking you beneath towering cliffs, around rocky headlands and into secret coves rich with marine life. They also offer rock climbing on the spectacular sea cliffs, providing high drama with unforgettable views. For families with young children, there’s the far more sedate rockpool safari!

Celtic Quest Coasteering is another of the best-known providers. Based at the striking Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy, they offer exhilarating sessions that include cliff jumping, wild swimming and cave exploration. Their family and mixed-ability sessions make it easy for everyone to get involved, while their ‘Adventure Swimming’ and ‘Sunset Sessions’ offer something a little different.

For a gentler experience, sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the coast, with routes through narrow channels, past seal colonies and beneath cathedral-like sea arches. 

Pembrokeshire is one of the best surf destinations in the UK. Surfing hotspots like Whitesands and Freshwater West offer consistent waves, suited to intermediate and experienced surfers, while calmer beaches such as Newgale, Saundersfoot and Tenby are ideal for paddleboarding, beginners’ sessions and family-friendly water play.

Local surf schools provide lessons, board hire, and wetsuits throughout the season, making it easy for newcomers and families to enjoy the waves safely. Try Outer Reef Surf School or Preseli Venture, for award-winning surfing, kayaking, coasteering and SUP sessions. 

For wildlife lovers, boat trips offer the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and a huge variety of seabirds. Fishing trips are also available, often with the same providers.
Trips range from gentle coastal cruises and seal-spotting tours to exhilarating RIB rides, and trips to the islands of Ramsey, Skomer, Skokholm and Caldey.

Celtic Deep specialise in conservation-friendly wildlife adventures on the open water, with trips departing from Fishguard.Expect to encounter dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins (in season), and a wide range of seabirds. In the summer months, they also offer blue shark snorkelling trips – an extraordinary opportunity for confident swimmers to experience Pembrokeshire’s marine life up close.

For a fast-paced wildlife experience, Falcon Boats operate RIB tours from St Justinians out around Ramsey Island and beyond, with the opportunity to spot seals, porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, a huge array of seabirds and even Minke whales. 

Inland, Llys-y-Frân offer activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and open-water swimming, along with land-based archery, climbing and mountain biking, all set against the scenic backdrop of Llys-y-Frân Country Park.

BEACHES 

With 186 miles of coastline there are plenty of scenic beaches to choose from. For a full list of beaches, location and accessibility information, take a look at Visit Pembrokeshire. 

Here are just a few of Pembrokeshire’s most popular beaches.

Barafundle Bay

Often compared to beaches in the Caribbean, this small bay is backed by dunes and pine trees, and accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park. Remote, quiet, and utterly idyllic. 

North Beach & Harbour Beach, Tenby 

Tenby’s North beach is a sheltered, sandy beach that’s a real sun trap, even on windy days. Popular with families, this lovely beach overlooks harbour beach and Tenby’s iconic pastel-coloured seafront houses. 

Harbour Beach

Lies at the end of North Beach, nestled between Castle Hill and the colourful seafront, it’s perfect for very young children.

Whitesands Bay, St Davids

One of the best surfing beaches in the country, on busy days Whitesands buzzes with canoists, surfers and bodyboarders.A great spot to watch the sun set.

Newgale Beach

This enormous stretch of sand on Pembrokeshire’s west coast is a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing. Walk to the southern end of the beach to discover ‘Maidenhall Cave’, an impressive walk-through sea cave, along with other smaller caves and a string of sheltered bays. 

Freshwater West

Another popular surf spot, this southwesterly facing beach has some of the best waves in the county, but be warned – its strong currents make it suitable for experienced surfers only!

Known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Pembrokeshire, this beach was used as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and features a memorial to the much loved character Dobby.

Broadhaven South & Little Haven

Broadhaven South is a beautiful, soft sand beach backed by grassy dunes that lead from The National Trust owned Bosherston Lakes. Neighbouring Little Haven is a small rocky inlet with a slipway for boat access. A path leads up from the beach to the ‘The Point’, a vantage point from which to enjoy superb views of the coastline. From here you can access ‘The Sheep Wash’, a small pebbled beach formerly used by farmers to wash their sheep ready for shearing, now a safe and sheltered swim spot. 

Goodwick Sands

A small, sand and shingle beach in the north of Pembrokeshire. You can occasionally spot seals, dolphins and basking sharks here as they swim around the harbour. The waters are quite shallow and it’s often possible to spot mussels and other shellfish in the wet sand. A good spot for fishing in the early evenings.

Marloes Sands

A large, wild beach that disappears at high tide, featuring dramatic rock formations and coves. Great for birdwatching and rockpooling. At low tide, you can see the remains of a shipwreck poking out of the sand. 

Manorbier Beach

A wide, sandy beach backed by dunes, and overlooked by the ruins of Manorbier Castle. with a stream at the northern end. Another popular surfing beach, the waters here can be tricky – beware of powerful waves, currents, and riptides. 

A  beautiful and atmospheric beach, it’s also a great spot for rockpooling at low tide. 

Saundersfoot Beach

Large, flat, sandy beach known for its shallow waters. Full seaside charm, with a pretty harbour, and plenty of shops and cafes nearby. Easy access – a popular choice for families. 

Poppit Sands

At the mouth of the Teifi Estuary, Poppit Sands is a sheltered, Blue Flag beach backed by dunes. Popular for windsurfing, kayaking, surfing and wildlife watching.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLING

Pembrokeshire’s mix of rolling countryside, forest trails, coastal lanes, and rugged uplands makes it an excellent destination for both casual cyclists and mountain bikers. Whether you prefer peaceful family rides or more technical off-road challenges, the county offers plenty of varied terrain to explore. 

The Brunel Trail – Neyland to Haverfordwest

One of Pembrokeshire’s best-known leisure routes, the Brunel Trail is a 9-mile, largely traffic-free path following a disused railway line. Its gentle gradients make it ideal for families, new cyclists, and relaxed riders. The trail winds through woodland and open countryside, with views across the Western Cleddau estuary. Picnic spots and wildlife-rich areas such as Westfield Pill make this a calm, scenic ride for all abilities.

The Celtic Trail – National Cycle Network Route 4

Part of the wider Celtic Trail across South Wales, the Pembrokeshire section offers coastal viewpoints, quiet lanes, and attractive villages. Popular stretches include the Fishguard to St Davids section and routes around Tenby and Saundersfoot. This is a great choice for cyclists wanting a mix of seaside scenery and rolling countryside without overly demanding terrain.

Llys-y-Frân Reservoir Trails

Llys-y-Frân is Pembrokeshire’s premier mountain bike hub, featuring 14km of graded trails, a pump track, bike hire, and a café. Family-friendly blue trails provide gentle riding around the reservoir, while other trails offer longer sections, moderate climbs, sharp bends and more varied terrain for intermediate and advanced riders. A dedicated skills area helps riders fine-tune jumps, drops, and cornering techniques.

Canaston Woods

For traffic free trails and a variety of colour-graded routes head to Canaston Woods. Shaded glades, rooty sections, and gentle gradients make this a great choice for cyclists who prefer natural, rather than purpose built, trails.  

The Preseli Hills Road Climbs

For road cyclists looking for a challenge, the Preseli Hills offer some of Wales’s most rewarding climbs. These winding upland roads rise steeply through rugged moorland, past standing stones, ancient trackways, and sweeping hilltop viewpoints. Popular climbs include the routes over Bwlch Gwynt and Rosebush, both offering exhilarating descents and panoramic views across the county. 

For more information visit Pembrokeshire Cycle Routes, Cycle Pembrokeshire, or MTB Wales.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Pembrokeshire is known for its impressive coastline and beautiful beaches, but there’s much more to this striking corner of Wales. From castles and cathedrals to Iron Age settlements and ancient burial chambers, there’s a wealth of historical sites waiting to be explored – along with plenty to delight wildlife lovers and families looking for unforgettable days out.

Pembroke Castle, Pembroke

Built by the Normans in the 11th and 12th Century, Pembroke Castle was once one of Wales’ most formidable fortresses. As the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty, it has become one of the most historically significant castles in Wales and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The castle boasts an impressive gatehouse, several towers, a huge round keep, dungeons and a large underground cavern. Walk the walls and enjoy impressive views over the River Cleddau. 

St.David’s Cathedral, St David’s

St David’s Cathedral is one of the most remarkable medieval buildings in Britain and has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for centuries. Serene and atmospheric, this breathtaking building is located in a tranquil valley just below the ‘city’ of St David’s. Described as ‘one of the great shrines of Christendom’ this beautiful cathedral is a must-see.

Bishop’s Palace, St David’s 

Located alongside St. David’s impressive cathedral, in a serene spot next to the river Alun, lie the remains of the Bishop’s Palace. These beautiful ruins are said to have been the finest buildings in Wales during the medieval period. 

St. Catherine’s Island & Fort, Tenby

St Catherine’s island is a tidal island located at the foot of Tenby’s Castle Beach. This tiny island has an impressive history, having been home to a 13th Century chapel, an imposing Napoleonic fortress, a luxury Edwardian home, wartime garrison and even a zoo. Today this limestone outcrop is a seasonal visitor attraction, open when the tides and weather allow. Visit to explore the island’s unique history, appreciate the wildlife, and take in the wonderful 360-degree views of the Pembrokeshire coast. 

Carew Castle

Beautifully photogenic and steeped in Welsh medieval history.

Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, Crymych

Enjoy a visit to Castell Henllys and immerse yourself in the only Iron Age village in Britain where the roundhouses have been reconstructed on the very spot they would have stood 2,000 years ago.

Tenby Castle, Tenby

Perched dramatically on a craggy outcrop known as ‘Castle Hill’, now almost entirely surrounded by the sea, just one small tower remains of Tenby Castle. Its stunning location however, makes it worth a visit. While most of the castle has been lost, Tenby’s Grade I listed town walls are some of the best preserved in the UK, containing a maze of narrow streets that make up the picturesque old town of Tenby. Walk the walls and imagine what the castle and town may once have looked like. 

Tudor Merchant’s House, Tenby

Step into the world of a successful Tudor merchant at this National Trust property in the heart of Tenby’s old town. Tucked away on Quay Hill, above the harbour, the Tudor Merchant’s House is a museum of the life of a wealthy merchant and his family at the turn of the 16th century. Discover the merchant’s shop, working kitchen and living room, furnished with colourful wall hangings and replica Tudor furniture. 

Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber, Newport

The remains of a Neolithic burial chamber, Pentre Ifan was built using the same Pembrokeshire bluestone used on the inner sanctum at Stonehenge. This ancient site is a fine example of a cromlech, with an impressive 15 ton capstone still perfectly positioned, and is said to be even older than Stonehenge. Visit at sunrise or sunset to experience Pentre Ifan at its most atmospheric.

Colby Woodland Garden, Amroth

Set in a tranquil secret valley this National Trust woodland garden has a rich industrial past, and is full of surprises. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, followed by hydrangeas and summer wildflowers. In summer, visit the colourful walled garden and wildflower meadow or enjoy shady woodland walks, and the marvellous colours of acers and dogwoods in autumn. Explore the meadow with its lovely stream, stepping stones, log bridge and abundant dragonflies and butterflies. A wonderful place to while away a few hours. 

Ocean Lab, Goodwick

Visit The Ocean Lab to join a seashore safari, or explore Sea Môr Aquarium on an aquarium tour. Tours and safaris are hosted by Sea Trust’s marine biologists and packed full of fun facts, creating an eye-opening experience for all ages. Visit the Discovery Room, learn to ID Pembrokeshire’s awesome rockpool life, discover a world of tiny creatures using microscopes, or play in the ocean-themed children’s corner!

The Lovespoon Workshop, Tenby

The 17th century Welsh lovespoon tradition continues at The Lovespoon Workshop. Thomas the woodcarber has been making hand carved authentic Welsh loves spoons on site since 1975. Visitors are invited to view the lovespoons on show and listen to Thomas talking about his collection.

Broadhaven Dark Sky reserve

For a celestial treat head to Broadhaven South Car Park, a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, for a spot of stargazing

DAYS OUT

Spend the Day in Tenby

Spend a day in the picture-perfect town of Tenby, with its pastel-coloured buildings, beautiful sandy beaches, charming harbour, and traditional seaside atmosphere. Tenby has long been a favourite holiday destination – and it’s not hard to see why. Its historic town, breathtaking coastline, and iconic candy-coloured seafront front make it one of the most picturesque coastal spots in Wales.

Whether you’re wandering through the old town’s narrow, cobbled streets, exploring quaint alleyways and discovering museums and galleries, simply relaxing on one of its four beaches, or enjoying a boat trip to nearby island’s, there is something here for everyone. End the day with classic fish and chips on the seafront.

Walk on the Wild Manor Wildlife Park

Wales’s only walking safari, Manor Wildlife Park plays host to exotic and endangered animals from across the globe. The park’s innovative walkthrough exhibits allow visitors to come face to face with many of its animals. You can feed a wallaby, share a bench with a lemur, come face to face with red pandas and meet gibbons, giant rabbits, Cameroon sheep and pygmy goats.

But that’s not all, with a giant bouncy castle, an indoor play area and cafe serving homemade pizzas, there’s something for everyone at Manor Wildlife Park!

Try Coastal Foraging with Craig Evans

For something a bit different join Craig Evans, and his faithful Golden Retriever Llew, on a foraging experience along the Pembrokeshire coast. Craig has a life-long passion for sealife and its environment and makes sure his foraging days are both informative and enjoyable. Once you’ve gathered your edible goodies you’ll get to cook them on a hand-made Solva Stove.

Visit The Bug Farm, St David’s 

The Bug Farm is a one-of-a-kind research and visitor centre set within 100 acres of beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside. Part farm, part nature reserve, and part discovery hub, it offers a fascinating blend of science, wildlife, and hands-on fun.

With a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, ‘Up-Close Meet the Bugs’ sessions, craft workshops and more, it’s a brilliant day out for families. Adults with an interest in farming, food production, sustainability, or the natural world will find plenty to enjoy too.

Spend the Day at Heatherton World of Activities, Tenby

Enjoy a fun-filled day out at Heathertons with a range of activities that will keep the whole family entertained. From a 400m kart track, to the rush of the high ropes trails, the mental challenge of an escape room, archery, zip lines, crazy golf and much more. Dog-friendly.

Enjoy a Day of Family Fun at Folly Farm

Four big attractions all in one location – Folly farm has been voted the best day out in Pembrokeshire, not once, but twice! Families with younger children will find plenty to do here; zoo animals, the ‘Jolly Barn and Farm’, a vintage fairground and all weather play areas.

Venture to The Dinosaur Park, Tenby

Travel back to the age of dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Park Tenby! Discover over 90 lifelike dinosaurs, 40+ rides and attractions, including go-karts, Dino-golf, and the epic Dinosaur Trail! A fun day out for younger children. 

Take a Day Trip to Skomer Island

Located less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer Island is a National Nature Reserve, famous for its natural beauty and rich wildlife. An internationally important seabird nesting site, the island plays host to almost 350,000 breeding pairs of Manx Shearwaters, over 40,000 Puffins, and thousands of Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes. The waters surrounding Skomer are home to a variety of sea life including crowd-pleasing dolphins, harbour porpoises and Atlantic grey seals, and delightfully coloured sea slugs.

It’s a wild and beautiful place to visit and a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, walkers and families. Day trips run from April from September, bookable through Pembrokeshire Island Boat Trips who also offer trips to the islands of Skokholm and Grassholm.

FOOD & DRINK

Pembrokeshire is known for its seafood, with local favourites including crab, lobster, mackerel and sea bass.

There are so many great places to eat, we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Instead, here is a selection of some of the most popular cafes, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants in the area – enjoy!

The Shed Fish & Chip Bistro, Porthgain

The Shed is an informal fish & chip bistro located right on the seafront in the fishing village of Porthgain. Famous for its incredible fish and shellfish, locally caught by owner Rob and his son Jack, and landed on the quay right in front of the bistro – it doesn’t get much fresher than that!

The Sloop Inn, Porthgain

Dating back to 1743, The Sloop Inn is a charming and characterful pub/restaurant located on the harbourside. Known for its excellent seafood – there is nearly always fresh fish on the specials and in the season locally sourced lobster, crab and mackerel.

Chapel Chocolates, St. David’s

A little gem of a shop selling handmade and handcrafted Welsh chocolates and truffles, homemade ice cream, and a wide selection of sweets, caramels, and biscuits. The perfect place to grab a sweet treat.

Plantagenet House, Tenby

Fine dining in the oldest building in Tenby! Tucked away on Quay Hill, next to the Tudor Merchant’s House, nestles the oldest building in Tenby – with some parts dating back to the 10th Century. Historic setting, unique decor, friendly staff and well regarded food.

The Qube, Tenby 

Award winning, stylish and relaxed gastrobar in Tenby – the perfect place to enjoy everything from breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner to a few glasses of fine wine with tapas-style bar snacks.

Il Caminetto, Tenby

Authentic Italian with an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, and seafood.

Stackpole Inn, Bosherton

Award winning Gastropub with a strong emphasis on local, seasonal produce and supporting local producers.

St Govan’s Inn, Bosherton

A warm and welcoming country inn, serving traditional pub food. Located next to the Bosherton Lily Ponds. 

Lan y Môr, Saundersfoot

Highly regarded, sleek, modern restaurant overlooking Coppet Hall Beach, Saundersfoot. 

According to the MICHELIN Guide ‘the menu offers something for everyone, whether you’re after ‘Sea’, ‘Pasture’ or ‘Land’, but in this location your eye is sure to be drawn to the oysters, ‘frockles’ (fried cockles) and fish of the day.’

Blas at Fronlas, Newport

Cosy licenced cafe serving freshly made quiches, salads, panini, soups and cakes, with a sunny garden for the warmer months.

The Canteen, Newport

Specialising in stone baked pizzas, burgers and salads to eat in or take away.

The Stone Crab, Saundersfoot

The Stone Crab is a small, casual restaurant overlooking Saundersfoot harbour. This place has a cool, relaxed atmosphere, and is known for its award-winning seafood.

The Griffin Pub, Dale

Another popular pub-restaurant offering award-winning, fresh seafood and stunning sea views. Tucked away in the small village of Dale in south Pembrokeshire.

PizzaTipi, Cardigan

Stonebaked pizzas, breads, delicious appetisers, ice cream, Welsh craft beers, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks served in a scenic outdoor courtyard on the river.

Yr Hen Printworks, Cardigan 

MICHELIN accredited restaurant serving a menu of small plates in the beautifully renovated historic Old Hope Chapel.   

FOR MEDICAL HELP

Dial 999 to call for an ambulance if you require urgent medical attention.

You can find your nearest urgent care health services provider by searching the NHS online directory at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/

For non-urgent medical advice dial ‘111’ to speak to an operator at the NHS telephone advice service, or visit www.111.nhs.uk

WELSH LANGUAGE

Our top tips for learning Welsh? Start with the easy stuff. Everyone loves to be greeted in their own language, and you can’t go wrong with a please and thank you! 

The Welsh alphabet is phonetic, so once you know how to pronounce the letters, the theory is that reading the words is straightforward; you say what you see. A little time spent familiarising yourself with the alphabet will help no end when you’re trying to navigate your way around the area.

a short, as in ‘hat’, never as in ‘ball’

b as in ‘bag’. Although is there really any other way?

c always hard as in ‘cat’, never an s as in ‘precise’

ch like the ch in the Scottish word ‘loch’, but with more phlegm

d as in ‘dog’, never as in ‘djinn’

dd a buzzy ‘th’ sound, as in ‘this’. Think angry bees with a lisp

e short, as in pen

f v. This is very, very simple, and when you get really used to it, f will play hafock with your spelling

ff f. Equally, you can ffind yourselff getting too used to ff as well

g always hard as in ‘get’, never a ‘j’ sound as in the last g in garage

ng as in ‘song’, where the g isn’t hard, like in ‘gig’, but a soft glottal stop made in your throat

h as in hat, always sounded and never silent

i as in ‘pin’

j accepted now because of the loan words from English that use it, like ‘garej’

l a ‘luh’ as in ‘lava’, but never an ‘ul’ sound as in ‘milk’

ll not as hard a sound to make as some would have you think. Raise your tongue to the top of your mouth as if you were going to say ‘el’, then make the ‘ell’ sound by blowing air round the sides of your raised tongue, instead of by using your voice. You should sound like an annoyed cat

m as in ‘mithridatize’. Or as in ‘mum’, if you want to be boring

n as in ‘nanobot’

o short as in ‘hot’, not round as in ‘hotel’

p can I have a p please Bob?

ph an English f, or Welsh ff sound, as in ‘phase’

r rolled. Some people just can’t get a rolled ‘r’ – their tongues are unable to vibrate in the right way. It’s a genetic thing, apparently,

similar to being able to roll your tongue into a tube, or turn the end upside down. Honestly, some people can, but my tongue’s not that prehensile. Roll if you can, don’t if you can’t

rh hr. Make a huffy, breathy sound before your rolled ‘r’

s always soft as in ‘sit’, never a ‘z’ sound as in ‘juxtapose’

t as in ‘top’. Can it get any simpler?

th as in ‘think’, softer and less buzzy than dd

u If you had stepped in something disgusting and made a kind of ‘eugh’ noise, the vowel ‘eu’ sound would about approximate

w oooooo

y ok, y breaks the rule that Welsh is phonetic. As a single syllable word, y is like ‘uh’, on the last syllable of a multisyllabic word it’ an‘u’ or ‘ee’, and anywhere else it’s like the unstressed, indeterminate noise of the final e in ‘garden’ or ‘letter’. Ysbyty (hospital) is the perfect example.

USEFUL PHRASES

Check out some basic phrases below to get started, and maybe you can use them next time you holiday in Wales. Diolch yn fawr!

Welcome: Croeso

How are you? Sut mae / Ti’n iawn

Good morning: Bore da

Good afternoon: P.nawn da, prynhawn da

Good evening: Noswaith dda

Good night: Nos da

Cheers / Good Health! Iechyd da!

Do you speak Welsh? Ydych chi’n siarad Cymraeg?

How do you say…. in Welsh? Beth ydy….yn Cymraeg?

Thank you: Diolch yn fawr

I love you: Dw i’n dy garu di

Happy Birthday: Penblwdd Hapus

and a couple of funny ones….

Microwave: popty ping‘Might as well’: Man a man a mwnci