The Pembrokeshire Travel Guide looks at interesting local attractions, places of interest, entertainment and offers useful tourist information for visitors. Located in the west of Wales this region is known for its scenic beauty and many natural attractions. It area is a history lovers dream with historical monuments and relics of past industries evident. The area is famed as being the source of the bluestone that was used to help build Stonehenge.
Overview and Attractions
There are plenty of family attractions here not least the great coastline that offers visitors some wonderful views and some highly acclaimed beaches where the whole family can enjoy themselves. Add the numerous water sports facilities, activity centres, golfing facilities and one of the most scenic coastal paths for walkers in the UK means Pembrokeshire is an area with wide ranging appeal.
Little Haven is a lovely small village that has a few shops, pubs and is not commercialised so is great if you wish to go somewhere quaint with its own distinct character. Little Haven is popular place for families with its clean sands and rocks on the beach. Newport is a town of Norman origin and has a castle; however there are signs of settlements going back to Mesolithic times. The ancient Preseli Mountains are situated close by and give some truly wonderful views from their summit and are to many the most captivating part of Pembrokeshire. There is evidence that Neolithic man lived here, and his places of worship are still here including the stone circles such as Gors Fawr near Mynachlogddu and the burial mounds, such as Pentre Ifan. It is believed that it was from the Preseli Mountains that the renowned bluestones were taken to Stonehenge, an extraordinary feat at the time.
Pembroke has a wonderful castle that ranks among the best in Wales. The medieval town Pembroke and its castle host events that celebrate the town's historic past such as Shakespearean productions and medieval banquets among others. Pembroke Dock boasts great boating and water sports facilities and is an important ferry port, operating daily services to Ireland. St. David’s is an attractive village that attracts many visitors due to the Cathedral that is still the major reason for the visitor numbers. The Cathedral is a testament to great medieval architecture and there is the annual St David's Cathedral Festival held in May each year as a celebration of classical music.
Tenby is a historic harbour that dates back to the 14th century, it is one of the most photographed locations in Wales. It is now a lively activity centre, with water and leisure activities are catered such as fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and cruises to the nearby Islands of Caldey and St Margaret’s, that are known for their wildlife. The resort of Tenby boasts the North Beach that has been awarded the European Blue Flag in recognition of the good water quality, visitor facilities and beach management. There are a couple of quality golf courses for golfing aficionados and a leisure centre and museum making it a nice town to visit.
Pembroke Castle is wonderfully located on the banks of the Pembroke River close to the wonderful scenery on show at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The castle is the birthplace of King Henry VII, and contains a huge amount of history in its many exhibitions, displays and videos. The castle is among the biggest and most complete Norman castles in Wales. There are guided tours available during the summer months that tell visitors more about the castle and its colourful history. On site is a brass rubbing centre, snack bar and gift shop. Currently Pembroke Castle is owned and managed by a Private Charitable Trust. Over recent years there has been a big effort to bring the castle to life and the exhibits now reflect this.
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill is situated in the town of Carew, close by to Pembroke and the scenic coastline. Historic Carew Castle was built over 2,000 years ago and has evolved from a Norman fortification to a splendid Elizabethan country house. Visitors are able to view an impressive 11th century Celtic cross, the only restored Tidal Mill in Wales, as well as a medieval bridge and there is a picnic area. Guided tours of the castle are available that allow visitors to learn more about the castle's great history. There is parking, shops and refreshment facilities here.
Colby Woodland Garden are located in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. The gardens are around 8 acres in size and benefit from displays of colour during spring with rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and camellias, in the summer the highlights include hydrangeas and autumn foliage. There are both open and wooded pathways that offer lovely walks where you can take a leisurely stroll whilst admiring the gardens and relaxing. The tranquil location makes for a relaxing experience.
The Celtic Images Gallery is situated in the beautiful restored barns of Hilton Court and displays thought provoking photography and paintings by several photographers and artists. There is an on going programme of exhibitions by both established and up and coming artists and photographers. There are also gift ideas here such as cards, postcards and books on sale, that all take their inspiration from Pembrokeshire. Celtic Images have developed a buoyant market in greetings cards, produced locally and sold to suit different budgets. The majority of the products and services are sourced within Pembrokeshire; this is in keeping with the Gallery's policy of supporting the local economy wherever this is possible.
Visitors with an appreciation for the arts can visit the Torch Theatre located in Milford Haven. There is an auditorium and provides the public with a programme of both in-house and touring work that includes drama, comedy, children's shows, dance, opera and musicals. The venue also shows the latest film releases, whilst the Joanna Field gallery shows regular exhibitions from amateur and professional artists throughout the year. There is also a bar where visitors can enjoy a beverage both prior to and after the shows. The Torch Theatre is a not-for-profit, registered charity that was founded back in 1977 and is one of the very few building-based producing theatres in Wales.
Recognised as one of the best known and premier theme parks in Wales Oakwood Theme Park contains over 40 rides and attractions. The main centre piece is the exciting roller coaster Megaphobia, perfect for thrill seekers. Other notable rides include Vertigo, a free fall experience, The Bounce - a hair raising vertical drop and Hydro, a big water ride with an 85 degree drop. There is also Snake River Falls, one of Europe's largest water coasters. There are also rides for children too ensuring there are rides for the whole family to enjoy. In the summer there is evening entertainment provided too at this exciting theme park.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a path that is some 168 miles long and has viewpoints all along its length. One of main attractions of the path is that it follows much of the winding coastline, ensuring that there are many places where you can start from and finish and know that you will be treated to some great scenery during your walk.
The tourist information centre can provide walkers with a guide book to ensure walkers are aware of all the attractions on route and they do not miss anything along the way. There are some truly wonderful coastline to see along with the rugged cliffs, great beaches and every type of coastal landform. A quarter of the trail is within designated conservation sites whilst well over three quarters if the path is within the national park.
The Stackpole Inn is located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and offers a friendly welcome for visitors. There is a selection of the best in real ales and a fine range of quality wines from all around the world to enjoy. The laid back atmosphere makes it a welcoming retreat for walkers, cyclists and others including tourists to the area. The Inn is famous for the quality of its food and has been featured in some top guides. There are traditional roasts and specials board dishes at lunchtime and, during season a dinner menu in the evening.
Tides Restaurant is located at Llangloffan within the cheese centre. The restaurant has a relaxed, informal atmosphere where diners can enjoy their food and drink. The dishes are freshly prepared using organic local produce whenever possible. The menu features fresh Pembrokeshire seafood such as lobster, crab and sea bass and there is a wide selection of desserts and cakes to try.
Tides Restaurant is in a converted stone barn and boasts a contemporary interior. The restaurant opened in 2003 and within a relatively short time span the restaurant has gained a fine reputation for good food and service. Bookings are advised for this popular restaurant to avoid disappointment. Address: Llangloffan Farm, Castle Morris, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA62 5ET and Telephone: +44 (0) 1348 891383.
Pembrokeshire offers visitors a number of places of interest and an area steeped in history with visitor attractions such as castles, stately homes, the Pembrokeshire coastal path and outdoor activities. The area combines natural and historic attractions with more modern ones such as the Oakwood Theme Park, meaning there is plenty to do for the whole family.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.