Things to do in Pembrokeshire

Planning a fun holiday? Whether you’re heading to Pembrokeshire with your family, your partner or friends, there are so many things to do in Pembrokeshire including walking trails, ancient sites, fantastic towns (Saundersfoot's a favourite of ours), a castle, a steam railway, and a birdlife centre. 

Pembrokeshire, in West Wales, feels like a separate country altogether with its stunning clifftops, sandy beaches like Broad Haven Beach, Broad Haven South Beach, Saundersfoot Beach (where there are plenty of places to eat), and Barafundle Bay, hidden coves, gorse and heather cover hillsides, and one of the prettiest stretches of protected rural coast in the British Isles. Lovers of the great outdoors head here, using it as an alternative to the sunny South West shores of Devon and Cornwall.

If you’re planning a Welsh holiday, take a look at our self-catering holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire which are perfectly placed to take advantage of whichever of these outdoor activities takes your fancy. From cosy cottages for couples nestled in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to welcoming coastal escapes where you can watch the sea from your window, whatever type of holiday you’re planning, you’ll find a comfortable base within our collection.

Holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park defines this part of Wales like Sydney Opera House defines Sydney, and the Eiffel Tower defines Paris. It is one of the best places to visit in Pembrokeshire, packed with places to go. Covering a total area of 243 square miles, the national park has a dynamic and unique coastline full of interesting habitats and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The park isn’t entirely coastal though; it has many varied habitats and landscapes like moorlands, marshes and forests.

It’s home to much of the 186-mile-long Pembrokeshire Coast Path that runs between Amroth and St Dogmæls. For most of its length, the trail follows the cliff edge linking up with other coastal paths along the way and eventually becoming part of the Wales Coast Path. Voted in National Geographic in 2011 as the second-best coastal destination in the world, it’s not hard to see why this coastline continues to enthral so many visitors year after year.

Discover Wales' national parks

Photo credit @mr_d_hughes

The Dinosaur Park, Tenby

A real fun day out in Pembrokeshire awaits at Tenby Dinosaur Park. Giants rule the Earth once more, or at least they do in Tenby. Outgoing kids will love the awesome displays of larger-than-life fanged-face reptiles. 

If you are looking for a light-hearted, educational day to entertain the kids, then this is perfect for you. Little ones can also enjoy a bit of rough and tumble at the indoor play centre where you are able to take the weight off your feet and relax. After one visit to the Dinosaur Park, even mum and dad will want to come back a second time! For young families, this is one of the best places to visit in Pembrokeshire.

Read our guide to even more great places to take the kids on your holiday in Wales.

Days out with the kids

Pembroke Castle

Looking for some historic things to see in Pembrokeshire? This majestic Grade I-listed castle is most famous for being the birthplace of Henry VII making it a must for your holiday itinerary. Pembroke Castle is situated just outside Milford Haven, overlooking the Cleddau Estuary. A visit to the castle is a real treat for royal history enthusiasts and lively kids as it offers activities galore and a good insight into its fascinating history.

Built as a wooden fort to protect the Pembroke Peninsula from the Norman invasion in the 11^th century, it became a stone edifice in the 12^th century. Restored in the 1950s, you can now embark on guided tours, interactive displays, kids’ workshops and exhibitions. Eagle-eyed film fans may recognise the castle from Terry Gilliam’s Jabberwocky and the recent romantic drama, Me Before You starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.

Read our guide to the best castles to visit on your holiday to Wales.

Top castles in Wales

Gwili Steam Railway

Before Thomas the Tank Engine ruled children’s TV, there was Ivor the Engine: a cartoon about an intrepid Welsh steam train. Step back in time and climb aboard the Gwili Steam Railway, which probably served as the real-life inspiration to the makers of the show in the 1950s and ‘70s. 

For avid train aficionados, Gwili Steam Railway is an ideal day out for visitors of all ages. It’s a great opportunity to experience the picturesque landscapes of Pembrokeshire as they roll past your window while you lounge in comfort and style. This is one of the gentlest ways to pass your time as far as things to do in Pembrokeshire are concerned.

Read our guide to things to do on your holiday in Wales if the weather's not on your side. 

Things to do with kids on a rainy day

Pentre Ifan

One of the most interesting places to go in Pembrokeshire is Pentre Ifan. If you love Stonehenge and Avebury Circle, head to the ancient rock formations of Pentre Ifan. Dating back to 4,000BC, Pentre Ifan is arguably the finest Neolithic site in Wales. Historians have speculated that the stones were originally assembled to be a burial chamber. 

Many people visit the area to learn why and how these stones were erected and to take a journey back through time to get a feel for Neolithic life, so unspoiled is the surrounding countryside. Pentre Ifan stands tall against the attractive Welsh scenery and offers beautiful views of Fishguard Bay. It's both a historic and beautiful day out in Pembrokeshire.

Fishguard - a day by the sea

Fishguard, with its lovely harbour, is home to hordes of tearooms, restaurants and pubs to while away the time in. Also visit the Last Invasion Tapestry, which has been compared to the Bayeux Tapestry. For enthusiastic walkers, join the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and explore east towards Dinas Head, or west towards the delightful town of Newport and beyond to Newport Sands, with the opportunity to watch dolphins and seals. 

Newport Links Golf Course is also situated nearby, with stunning views across the bay. The beautiful Preseli Hills are just a short drive away, and St Davids, the smallest city in the UK, with its magnificent cathedral and Bishop's Palace is also close by. Take a look at our lovely collection of holiday cottages in St Davids and visit this historic city for some delicious food. Our guide to the best things to do in St Davids will give you even more inspiration, as will our round-up of 5 of the best beaches in St Davids. There are also nearby family attractions such as Castell Henllys, and the town of Solva offers plenty of things to do. A wealth of festivals throughout the year also take place in Fishguard, including the Fishguard Folk Festival each May, the International Music Festival in July and the Aberjazz Jazz and Blues Festival in August, making this one of the best places to stay in Wales.

Holiday cottages in Fishguard

Self-catering Pembrokeshire holidays

For even more choice, be sure to visit our collection of Pembrokeshire holiday cottages. If you'd like to try these fun family days out for yourself, take your pick from our self-catering accommodation in Pembrokeshire for the perfect place to stay. We have cosy cottages for couples and larger properties for family groups and friend reunions. 

Find your perfect Pembrokeshire holiday