Top Things to do in Pembrokeshire
What to do and see in Pembrokeshire, Wales: The Best Things to do
The diminutive Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a dramatic area of 225 square miles in southwest Wales, was set aside as a national park in 1952 and comprises a large portion of the Pembrokeshire coast and its islands and the moorland hills of Mynydd Preseli. Rugged cliffs and coastal rock formations are home to boisterous populations of seabirds, porpoises, whales, seals and dolphins. Cycle, hike or sea kayak around the spectacular coastline. Bird watching and rock climbing are also popular.
Restaurants in Pembrokeshire
1. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By DaveThomasLeicester
One of the most stunning parts of Wales with outstanding coastal walks - all well signed and marked.
2. Wales Coastal Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 734 reviews
The Welsh coastline has many contrasts and really does offer something for everyone. From cliff top strolls to estuarine wanders, picturesque fishing villages to vibrant cities, industrial heritage to unconquered castles, desolate windswept beaches to bustling seasides. The Wales Coast Path not only takes you through the Welsh landscape, it takes you through its heritage and its communities.The Pembrokeshire section is home to the iconic and world-class landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and wildlife rich islands. The Path (which has National Trail status here) passes through some of Britain's most spectacular and breathtaking scenery, including 58 beaches and 14 harbours and the UK's smallest city - St Davids.
Reviewed By andream419 - Kidderminster, United Kingdom
We hiked several sections of the path, all with staggering views and we saw seals and birds, azure waters and wild flowers. So lovely and special. The path from porth clais to porth y ffynnon is amazing.
3. St. Davids Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,434 reviews
Reviewed By Scooteraande - Bergen, Norway
This is the hidden treasure of st David’s and much bigger than initially thought when approaching - set in lovely grounds this cathedral surprises inside so much history and culture well worth a visit when on st David’s
4. Picton Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
PICTON CASTLE AND GARDENS A Magical Day Out for all the FamilySituated close to the Cleddau Estuary Picton Castle and Gardenscomprise 40 acres of some of the most beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the great 13th century castle. Much like the castle building itself, the gardens of Picton are a fusion over many centuries of different gardening styles and periods. The gardens are now acknowledged as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric in Wales and on the strength of the collections are a Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden.
Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Friday 23rd August 2019, My husband and I drove to Rhos to go to visit Picton Castle and gardens. The Castle was built by Sir John Wogan between 1295 and 1308. The plan is unusual as the castle has no internal courtyard, and originally the main block was protected by seven projecting circular towers: the two at the east end were linked to form a gatehouse, and the entrance led straight through a portcullis into the undercroft of the hall, a very unusual feature. There was a walled courtyard around the castle but with no moat. A 1740 print by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck showed slit windows with trefoil heads on the north-east tower which were characteristic of the period about 1300. In 1697 Sir John Philipps, 4th Bart., pulled down part of the curtain wall, built the terrace and created a main entrance at first-floor level. He also built an extra storey above the great hall, altered some windows and wainscoted some of the rooms. Sir John Philipps, 6th Bart., remodelled the interior of the castle in 1749-52. It was completely redecorated above basement level, and had new plasterwork, panelling and joinery floors, sash windows and four marbled fireplaces. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the Philippe’s of Picton Castle were the most powerful family in Pembrokeshire, exercising tremendous political, social and economic influence over all aspects of local life. They had vast estates, and were prominent philanthropists, lord’s lieutenants and members of Parliament. In later years the family due to financial constraints created the Picton Castle Trust, which runs and manages the castle. My husband and I mooched round this lovely castle with its grand drawing room and chapel and we took lots of very interesting photographs. Afterwards, my husband and I walked round the lovely walled gardens brimming with an eclectic and colorful collection of plants informally arranged in large beds. If you look beyond this and you will find the walls of the long vanished glasshouses that ran the length of the south facing wall. With the repeal of the glass tax in 1845 and the window tax in 1851, the range of glasshouses became the essential accessory for wealthy country society. These constructions were aided by technological advances brought about during the industrial revolution enabling more affordable glasshouses of cast iron and wood construction. At the time there was great interest in growing exotic plants that were flooding into Great Britain, particularly from collectors in Asia. There was a social status to be gained from their successful cultivation. Nearby are a series or partially derelict buildings that included the Head Gardeners office and a fruit storage room, above which is a rare surviving example of a grape store. Here bunches of grapes would be picked with a section of stem still attached which would be inserted into a sloping glass bottle containing water. The angled bottles would then be stored on purpose built racks. In the 1900’s the estate employed 23 gardeners – a great number of whom would have been employed in the intensive cultivation of plants within the glasshouses. The remaining outdoor areas of the walled garden were filled with a series of round beds containing formal bedding plants typical of the Victorian and Edwardian era. As it was such a lovely day, my husband and I spent some time sitting by the fountain in the garden soaking up the lovely sunshine. I found inspiration here, I wrote a poem called ‘What Gwyneth Found’ Afterwards, my husband and I strolled down The Peach Walk and then went for a walk in the Peach Wood with its lovely redwood trees growing very straight and very tall. At this point we were in need of refreshments so we slowly strolled in the lovely sunshine back to the tearoom. Maria’s tearoom had a Spanish theme to it. My husband had a nice pot of tea and a large slice of home-made frittata, which he said was very tasty. I had a nice hazelnut latte coffee and a large slice of lemon cream sponge, which was delicious. Afterwards, we looked round the local art exhibition, of paintings and ceramics done by local artists. We also looked round the gift shop and my husband purchased a book on Pembrokeshire legends and fairy tales for the book his is writing. We left here when the castle closed at 5.00pm. This castle is well worth visiting if you are in the area.
5. Hilton Court Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 397 reviews
Hilton Court is nestled in the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park. With 12 aches of beautiful gardens, woodlands and lakes its the perfect place to unwind. The victorian court yard houses the galley, gardens restaurant, pottery and the superb gift shop all offering local crafts and local produce from the surround area. The woodland cafe overlooks mature gardens and serves some of the best cake and coffee Pembrokeshire has to offer. Come and relax, recharge and rejuvenate at Hilton Court.
Reviewed By NeilHenson - Chepstow, United Kingdom
Take the trouble to find this gardens, tea room & workshops Great for the ids, plenty of play houses in the gardens & secret paths etc Large laker, Great just to sit & while away the day Very friendly & helpful staff Look out for the potter, great stuff
6. Tenby Castle Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 943 reviews
Reviewed By wendym071 - Bridgend, United Kingdom
We love Tenby and always walk along the beach and in the summer it is the only beach I will walk barefoot, love to walk in the shallow waves.
7. Tenby Lifeboat Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 628 reviews
Reviewed By alysond625 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Yes I would say it was very interesting seeing it close up and very informative with a lot of history on the life boats with a gift shop for a souvenir which goes to the life boat fund
8. Tenby South Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Cruiser812199
Sandy, caves, clean sea, clean beach, access to a lovely town with fine architecture and historic value. Perfect.
9. Saundersfoot Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Sallythewelshgirl - Cardiff, United Kingdom
This is a fabulous beach for families - peak time and still plenty of space for everyone. We took litter pickers but were hard pressed to find any litter - plenty of bins as you come off the beach and everyone seemed to be being responsible. Sea comes in slowly and is not too rough so even the little ones can enjoy it without being knocked over by the waves
10. The Dinosaur Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 987 reviews
Reviewed By nikkio778
Worth every penny, so much to do and plenty of action. Really impressed with the place. My son who is 3 loves dinosaurs so really made.his day will definitely be going back when we visit again.
