Things to do in Pembrokeshire

Undeniably one of the most picturesque areas of the UK, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, located on the rugged west coast of Britain, is our top place to visit in Pembrokeshire. There are 186 miles of coastline ripe for exploring on foot, trying out watersports, spotting wildlife and becoming immersed in Welsh history. 

The park with its coastal path are beautiful in all weathers, but late summer is best when the sea is warm and the days are still long, giving you plenty of hours of light to enjoy walking and swimming. The coast is equipped with car parks, many of which are National Trust, meaning that there’s great access to the area’s excellent beaches. Some of the beaches have dog-free periods over the summer but often this is limited to sections. By and large dogs are welcome not only on the beaches, but also in most pubs, so it’s a great area for those on holiday with their canine friends. Altogether, it’s an unmissable spot and well worth the 45-minute drive from any of our Tenby-based holiday parks.

Address: Bridge St, Tenby SA70 7BP

In total Pembrokeshire is home to 51 mighty strongholds, ruins and fully-fledged castles. It just so happens that one of these is on the doorstep of our three holiday parks in Tenby. 

Following the path up from the harbour to Castle Hill you'll arrive on a headland by Tenby’s Blue Flag Castle Beach. Here you will find Tenby Castle, originally built by the Normans in the 12th century. To this day, there still stands a ruined entrance gate in the form of a barbican, a single cylindrical tower with a four-sided communication turret and smaller fragments of the defensive wall. Entrance to the castle area is free and it is open all year round, making it a great option for anyone staying at one of our holiday parks.

Address: Lower Harglodd Farm, St Davids SA62 6BX

The Bug Farm is a quirky, innovative, and unique attraction that's sure to capture the imaginations of insect-loving kids and adults alike. Along with a farm and exhibition are tropical and British bug houses, a nature reserve, farm trails and a walled garden.  Whatever your age or interest, there's something for you, even for those with a fear of creepy-crawlies.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm is located in 100 acres of Pembrokeshire’s finest countryside that is yours to explore. There's lots to do outdoors, and there are also indoor exhibits for rainy days. The kids will learn about the wonders of bugs and what they do for us. The displays are so fascinating that even the most extreme of bug-phobics might just be converted into beetle nerds by the end of the day. The focus of the bug centre is wildlife conservation and sustainable farming and food so it makes sense that the on-site cafe “Grub Kitchen” is the UK’s first full-time edible insect restaurant. If you’re feeling brave, why not try the food of the future? Grubs! If you’re not quite ready yet, there are plenty of non-insect dishes on offer too.

Address: Castlemartin, Pembroke SA71 5DS

Pembrokeshire’s coast is some of the most impressive in the UK. There are numerous dramatic rock formations to be seen. For example: the beautifully named “Cauldron”, a large sink hole on the south coast near the Green Bridge Of Wales. It may not appear to be much as you approach from the car park, but as you get nearer the dramatic geology becomes visible along with the sound of the swelling tide.

In truth, it takes a lot of courage to look over the edge and into the sheer drop that seems to haven been burrowed into the depths of the earth. It’s deep, dark and mysterious, and the lack of people on the nearby beaches only adds to the atmosphere. Please do not let kids and dogs wander here alone and take ample care as you gape in awe the raw power of nature on display at The Cauldron.

Address: Rhos, Haverfordwest SA62 4AS

Picton Castle is one of Pembrokeshire’s finest stately homes. Surrounded by 60 acres of some of the most beautiful woodland gardens and grounds in West Wales, the 13th-century castle is an unusual ancient building. The fully fortified medieval castle was transformed into a stately home for the upper-classes in the 1700s and is now open to the public.

The castle's RHS partner gardens are the crowning glory of the estate and feature many rare trees and plants from around the world. There's plenty to enjoy in every season, from magnificent rhododendrons and shady woodlands to the exotic jungle garden. The Grade II-listed walled garden is home to an eclectic and colourful collection of plants, informally arranged in large beds. Fortunately, there’s something for the kids too! Visit the collection of owls and other exotic birds and enjoy flying displays in the summer months.

Address: Caldey Island, Tenby SA70 7UJ

Caldey Island is a beautiful and tranquil place, populated by an order of monks who honour a tradition of prayer and contemplation which began there in Celtic times. Small ferries leave Tenby Harbour every 15 minutes in the summer months and take 20-30 minutes to reach the island sanctuary, a world apart from the mainland.

On the island there is a monastery, perfumery and chocolate factory. However, our top thing to do in Pembrokeshire when on Caldey Island is the walk up from the beach to the lighthouse. This takes about 45 minutes, though you can extend it for a longer coastal walk. The lighthouse is the island’s highest point so it’s hard to miss and the high ground affords breathtaking views. Built in 1829 to guide coastal shipping past the St. Gowan Shoals and the Helwick Sands, the lighthouse itself is one for history lovers and makes for a great photo.

Address: Bethlehem, Haverfordwest SA62 5QL

Go back in time at Scolton Manor, a Victorian manor house built in 1840s that's authentically furnished with 11 period rooms on show near Haverfordwest. 

Not only is it an award-winning visitor centre, but the manor also has an eco-centre set in 60 acres of Country Park and woodland. There’s loads of space for kids to run around, with plenty to capture their imaginations such as the exciting adventure play areas, sculpture trail and woodland bike trail. If this isn’t enough to keep your family occupied, there’s a walled garden full of flowers, a beekeeping centre, and a newly restored steam engine, Margaret.

Be sure to check out the lovely tea room too with its range of hot and cold drinks, ice lollies and delicious homemade cakes as well as the gift shop and station farm shop selling delightful handmade local products.