Pembroke is a lovely town, located in the wild, windswept West Wales county of Pembrokeshire. It lies at the bottom of a deep valley, near the estuary of the River Cleddau. Surrounded by farmland and woods, Pembroke offers all the benefits of a thriving town, with some of the region’s most impressive countryside on its doorstep.
Pembroke Castle
In the heart of the town is Main Street, the only thoroughfare located within the original town walls. Here, you’ll find a nice selection of independent shops and eateries, and many of the town’s finest architecture.
Pembroke hosts regular events including a fortnightly farmers’ market, where some of the area’s best producers sell fresh vegetables, meat and cheese. Also worth looking out for is the annual carnival, when the town is filled with art, music, food and activities.
If you’re in the area in August, don’t miss the excellent Pembroke Arts Festival , featuring outdoor concerts, food stalls, artists’ demonstrations and children’s activities.
Within a short distance of Pembroke, you’ll discover some of Wales’ most beautiful sandy beaches. Just to the east of the town is Manorbier Beach, a dramatic stretch of sand backed by dunes. A stream trickles through the middle of the bay to the sea and a magnificent castle looms over the beach. Swimming and sunbathing are popular, although currents can be strong.
The imposing Pembroke Castle is undoubtedly one of Wales’ most impressive historical buildings. Towering over a sweeping river estuary, this colossal structure is famous for being the birthplace of Henry VII. Pembroke Castle was home to a succession of barons and has played an important role in British history. Visitors can explore its labyrinth of towers and alleys, enjoy spectacular views from the 75ft high Great Keep and venture into the remarkable Wogan Cave. There’s also a lovely café and gallery within the castle’s grounds.
"This ancient town is best known for its imposing medieval castle, which was the birthplace of Henry VII."
If you’re looking for a bite to eat in Pembroke, try the award-winning Waterman’s Arms, a welcoming old pub by Mill Pond, with views across the water to the castle. Expect delicious, reasonably priced dishes including Welsh lamb shank, steak and ale pie and fish and chips. If you’re after a good coffee or a slice of homemade cake, check out the Quayside Café at the Corn Store.
Our Pembroke cottages are an ideal base for exploring the spectacular coastline and countryside of Pembrokeshire with dog-friendly cottages available. The town is a stone’s throw from many of the county’s best sandy beaches, where you can swim, sunbathe and enjoy water-sports such as surfing and kayaking. Some of the region’s most pleasant coastal towns can also be easily reached from Pembroke, including St Davids, Saundersfoot and Tenby.