NATIONAL PARK

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of 15 National Parks within Britain but remains the only coastal National Park, making it a completely unique destination. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an adventurer or bookworm; there are so many reasons to visit, that it is hard to know where to start.

Established in 1952, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has been amazing people for over 70 years...

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was first designated a National Park on the 29th February 1952, the anniversary is often celebrated on the 28th. Within the Park, you will find several enchanting villages, magnificent beaches and charming harbours. Throughout the land, you will find Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Areas of Conservation and Special Area Nature Reserves including the UK’s only marine nature reserve at Skomer Island.

Wildlife is in abundance here with a wealth of seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, peregrine falcons and gannets with sea life including Atlantic grey seals, porpoise, dolphins, crabs, lobsters and more. Expect to find flora and fauna in the countryside and sea anemones, sponges and reefs under the shores.

Nowadays, approximately 80% of the entire Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is privately owned. Interestingly, only around 1% is owned by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA), an organisation whose role it is to protect and conserve the Park keeping it safe for those who visit, but also keeping it safe for the wildlife, habitats and industries which exist here.

So, where is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park?

It is set in the South West corner of Wales, just a couple of hours’ drive from the likes of London, Bristol and Manchester. It’s also just a hop, skip and a jump to Ireland via ferry, sail from Fishguard straight into Rosslare. Fly into Cardiff and just follow the motorway west until you reach that wonderful blue sea.

Pembrokeshire spans an area of 612 square kilometres, much of which is made up of rural farmland and small villages dispersed through the countryside. Put this together with a 186-mile coastline, and you have a hotspot for adventure. Water sports enthusiasts will want to try their hands at power kiting, coasteering or surfing in this Welsh wonderland, whilst ramblers will revel at the chance to explore the Coast Path or the inland woodlands. Find the highest point of Pembrokeshire at Foel Cwmcerwyn in the Preseli Hills or spend the day at Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire’s longest stretch of sand.

As a result of the rural nature here, Pembrokeshire is arguably one of the best locations in Britain for stargazing. The lights you’ll find in built-up areas like city centres cause light pollution which affects your view of the stars, meaning rural locations make perfect destinations for stargazing. In Pembrokeshire, you can spot all sorts of constellations and celestial planets, even the Northern Lights on some occasions.

National Geographic Traveller

Adventures

As we’ve already mentioned, the Pembrokeshire coastline is a hub for wildlife activity. Take a boat trip out towards the RSPB island of Ramsey, the nature reserve at Skomer Island or sail out to Caldey to explore a monk-inhabited island. Walk the Coast Path, hike the Preseli Hills or amble through the National Trust estates of Colby, Southwood and Stackpole.

If you’re planning an active holiday, make sure to pack your wetsuit as you’ll no doubt want to take to the seas and go coasteering, surfing or kayaking. Power kiters will want to pay a visit to Newgale Beach for a spot of kitesurfing or kiteboarding. If water sports are not your thing, try horse riding on the beach or plan a bicycle ride to the nearest beach.

Foodies will want to take a culinary journey through Pembrokeshire; enjoy fine dining at Coast restaurant in Saundersfoot, tuck into a lobster burger at Café Mor (now in Angle) or snack on freshly made pizza just over the border into Ceredigion at Pizzatipi. Drink handcrafted Tenby beer at many of the pubs in South Pembrokeshire, sample Ramsey Gin at St Davids Kitchen or sip a glass of Barti Ddi Rum in one of the many restaurants.

Hidden away down a private lane in the rural community of Trefin is Gwestyr Wennol, a recently refurbished holiday home, now with the added luxury of a hot tub. Nestled amongst the rolling countryside, your favourite spot will most certainly be sat amongst the hypnotizing bubbles with a blanket of stars above.

The entire scene here at Gwestyr Wennol is truly magical with a stylishly furnished interior accommodating up to six guests plus two dogs. Take advantage of two sitting rooms; one is a cosy snug with a woodburner and the other, a spacious retreat with a patio door opening out onto the enchanting outdoor terrace. It is here where you will find the hot tub along with quality garden furniture, a barbecue and a fire pit, plus a luscious green lawn with views of farmland beyond. Bedrooms fill out the remainder of the home; the master enjoys a scenic panorama from the windows.

When it comes to playing in the National Park, you couldn’t be better placed. The quaint inlet at Aberfelin Cove is within walking distance (as is the local pub), try rock pooling and open water swimming at this shingle shoreline. Join the Coast Path from here and explore the nearby fishing villages of Abercastle and Porthgain, the latter is popular amongst foodies because of the seafood on offer at The Sloop Inn and The Shed Bistro.

Further afield is the mesmerising turquoise water of Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon and the lesser-travelled bays of Abermawr and Aberbach. It is also recommended to visit the St Davids peninsula for a boat trip to the RSPB isle of Ramsey, a surf day at Whitesands Beach, a self-guided tour of the Cathedral and an insect education at The Bug Farm. A host of traditional country pubs and quaint oneof-a-kind shops litter the streets too.

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