Renowned for its glorious coastline, rich Welsh heritage and charming seaside towns, Pembrokeshire is a top UK holiday destination for good reason. The area is located along Wales’ rugged southwest coast and is home to the one-of-a-kind coastal National Park, providing endless adventures in the great outdoors.
There are so many reasons to love this little corner of the world and plenty to keep you busy while visiting! Check out some of our favourite places to go and things to do when exploring Pembrokeshire.
The Best Things to Do in Pembrokeshire
With miles of sandy beaches, historical locations and fun-filled family attractions, Pembrokeshire has something for everyone no matter what kind of adventure you’re after.
- Pembroke Castle
- Carew Castle
- St Davids Cathedral
- Boat Trips to Skomer Island
- Barafundle Bay Beach
- Freshwater West Beach
- Blue Lagoon
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path
- Colby Woodland Garden
- Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
- Scolton Manor
- Oakwood Theme Park
- Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo
1. Pembroke Castle
This mediaeval castle is an impressive Pembrokeshire fixture that’s a must-visit for lovers of history and grand buildings. Dating back to 1093, the castle has an interesting past and has seen many prominent figures walk its halls. One of the most significant was the first Tudor King Henry VII, who was born here.
Explore the castle with a guided tour and learn about the Great Keep, Dungeon Tower, Earls of years past and Wogan Cavern, which the castle is built upon. Pembroke Castle is also home to the world’s largest map of Wales – kids will love running across this to find other exciting nearby sites!
2. Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
For more castle adventures head to Carew Castle, which began life as an 11th-century Norman fortress before becoming an Elizabethan manor with later improvements and extensions. The riverside site also houses Wales’ only restored tidal mill, with the current building dating back to the early 19th century and the initial mill having even older origins.
The castle puts on an array of activities throughout the year, including archery, interactive talks, ghost tours and open-air theatre, offering something for all ages.
3. St Davids Cathedral
The picturesque little city of St Davids is Britain’s smallest city and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. St Davids Cathedral is one of the UK’s oldest cathedral settlements and boasts a rich, vibrant history. Immerse yourself in the cathedral’s past and soak up the city’s heritage with various artefact exhibitions and tours.
Nestled in a sheltered valley of green and just beside the River Alun, the surrounding area offers a stunning backdrop. Opposite the cathedral, you’ll also find the Gothic ruins of Bishop’s Palace, giving another glimpse into bygone times. The rest of the city and St Davids Peninsula is well worth exploring too, with various nearby beaches and charming places to eat.
4. Boat Trips to Skomer Island
A trip to Pembrokeshire just wouldn’t be complete without exploring the magnificent coast, and what better way to do so than by boat? There are a few islands around the Pembrokeshire coast that you can visit by boat, allowing you to enjoy incredible views from a new perspective and see some local wildlife up close.
Skomer is a particularly popular island and nature reserve less than a mile from the mainland. It’s especially famous for its colony of puffins, Manx shearwaters and bright bed of flowers in spring.
5. Barafundle Bay Beach
Pembrokeshire is home to a great many beautiful beaches, with gorgeous coastal spots showcasing rugged cliffs, golden sands and turquoise waters. While there are so many to choose from, Barafundle Bay Beach is often touted as one of the best!
Great for swimming, sunbathing and taking in the area’s natural beauty, the beach here is somewhat secluded and is only accessible by the Coastal Path. Over the years the beach, managed by the National Trust, has won several awards, including the Blue Flag, Green Coast and Seaside Award.
6. Freshwater West Beach
Along the coast from Barafundle, you’ll find another favourite coastal spot – Freshwater West Beach. As well as being abundant with breathtaking scenery, it’s also one of the best surfing beaches in the area, So, whether you want to take to the waves or just fancy a stroll among the dunes, it’s well worth a visit.
Plus, the beach also served as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where it set the scene for Shell Cottage. Although the cottage was dismantled after filming, you can still find Dobby’s final resting place atop the sand dunes.
7. Blue Lagoon
The former slate quarry turned lagoon in Abereiddi is another iconic Pembrokeshire spot. Surrounded by rugged cliff sides, remaining ruins and coastal walks, it is truly a picture-perfect location. The minerals in the surrounding rock give the water that inviting turquoise colour that’s just begging to be swum in!
During the summer, the lagoon is especially popular for a range of watersports like kayaking and coasteering, which you can do with various local companies.
8. Pembrokeshire Coast Path
If you’re not quite sure where to start on your Pembrokeshire adventure, why not take to the Coast Path and see where it leads you? With 186 miles of trail to explore, you’ll see some amazing sights along the path that meanders from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south.
Take in sweeping cliff-top views, stunning beaches and historic landmarks along the way before stopping off at one of the lovely coastal towns to recharge. There are lots of convenient places to join and exit the Coast Path. Take a look at our Pembrokeshire Coast Path walking guide to discover some popular routes and starting points.
9. Colby Woodland Garden
Pembrokeshire isn’t all beaches and coast, there are also plenty of lush green spaces to explore. Colby Woodland Garden, near Amroth, is set in a hidden valley bursting with flowers and serene woodland views.
While away an afternoon amidst the woodland trails, walled gardens and meadows to get fully immersed in the verdant Welsh countryside.
10. Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Tenby is a beloved seaside town with colourful streets and amazing beaches that are well worth visiting. It’s also home to the brilliant Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, Wales’ oldest independent museum.
The museum and gallery showcase a range of local artists and have various displays delving into the history of the area and its connection to the sea. Keep an eye out for the roster of family-friendly events, too.
11. Scolton Manor
Travel back to the Victorian period at Scolton Manor, a 19th-century manor house that paints a vivid picture of country life in Wales during this time. The museum showcases rooms as they would have been along with historical clothing and artefacts.
The Scolton estate, located northeast of Haverfordwest, now also offers a range of activities for the whole family, with the surrounding manor park providing plenty of space to roam and explore. Discover the toy museum, walled gardens, sculpture trail, railway gardens and various play parks for an action-packed and educational day out.
12. Oakwood Theme Park
The ultimate day out for families and thrill seekers, you’ll find there’s plenty of fun to be had at the biggest theme park in Wales. The 80-acre Oakwood Theme Park near Narberth boasts a fantastic range of attractions and rides with exciting options for all ages.
After a thrill? The park is home to several jaw-dropping roller coasters, including the Megaphobia, Speed and Drenched rides. For younger guests, there is a range of smaller, gentler rides to enjoy. In total, there are over 40 attractions across four categories including Family Adventure, Adrenaline Adventure, Neverland Rides and Spooky Street, ensuring you can fill your day with excitement at every turn!
13. Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo
Folly Farm, located in Begelly, offers another brilliant family day out. With over 750 zoo animals, barn animals, 18 vintage-style funfair rides and 8 adventure play areas, there really is something for everyone.
At the zoo, you’ll get the chance to see giraffes, lions, penguins, red pandas, rhinos and much more. The zoo provides some great resources for learning about these exotic animals and the site’s conservation efforts. The really keen animal lovers among us will love the additional paid experiences and animal encounters, where you get to go behind the scenes, feed different animals and learn more zoo secrets from the keepers.
Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire
Still looking for somewhere to stay on your Welsh adventure? We’re proud to offer a diverse range of holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire, so you’re never too far from the action. Choose from cosy cottages, breathtaking coastal spots and more to find your perfect stay!
If you’re after even more inspiration, check out our guide on things to do in Pembrokeshire for free and make your West Wales holiday one to remember.
