The county of Pembrokeshire, Wales occupies the lower “foot” of the UK’s south-west coast with the county surrounded by sea on three sides. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only one of its kind in the country and the coastline is the main draw for tourists visiting this corner of the country. The breathtaking cliffs overlooking the sea and the rolling green hills and dales make this one of the most picturesque areas of the country.
You can reach Pembrokeshire by the extensive train and bus system which connects the county with the rest of the UK. Once in the county there are coastal bus services which can get you to anywhere along the 186 mile coastline. The Puffin Shuttle, Celtic Coaster, Coastal Cruiser, Stumble Shuttle and the cutely named Poppit Rocket are the coastal bus services. You can rent bikes and follow the National Cycle Routes 4 and 47 which travel from east to west across Pembrokeshire and Route 82 which goes north from Fishguard to Aberystwyth. Hike enthusiasts cat take the 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path which runs from Poppit to Amroth passing 58 beaches along the way. Within the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park there are over 200 walking routes.
Pembrokeshire has a wealth of rental cottages in all shapes and sizes, from ultra-luxury, to simple self-catering rentals. You can also find hotels, bed and breakfasts, camp grounds, caravan parks, holiday villages, hostels and guesthouses. In fact there are over 250 accommodation options in and around Pembrokeshire.
Once you’ve based yourself in one of the county’s communities you can explore Pembrokeshire see some of the many attractions and participate in some of the activities available. Along the coast you’ll find over 50 beaches many are Blue Flag beaches and Seaside Award winning beaches. Take a boat ride out to Caldey Island from Tenby Harbor, the island has been inhabited by monks since Celtic times and it offers pristine countryside and a rich heritage. If you’re with kids visit Great Wedlock to see 25 life size animated dinosaur figures in the Dinosaur Park; go to Clerkenhill Adventure Farm; see the mammoth skeleton at the Ocean Lab marine life exhibition or spend the day at Oakwood Theme Park in Canaston Bridge, Narberth. Nature lovers will enjoy the Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm Islands in St. Brides Bay. Here there are bird colonies, grey seals and even dolphins. Pembrokeshire has a number of beautiful historic buildings: visit the Holy Trinity Chapel at St. Davids; St. Mary’s Church in Tenby; the Bishop’s Palace in St. David’s; Norman Castle; Carew Castle; Cardigan Castle and Tudor Merchant’s House in Tenby.
Foodies will love the Cwm Deri vineyards and wine tasting in Pembrokeshire, as well as the food markets and the fresh locally sourced produce used to make the delicious traditional Welsh cuisine.
Perhaps the greatest thing about taking a holiday in Pembrokeshire is exploring the area on foot, following the many walks and hike paths and discovering small fishing villages and towns.