PEMBROKESHIRE FROM

A To Z

Twenty-six letters to explain everything we think Pembrokeshire is and what it means to us. Twenty-six letters to explain why we love it so and why we think you should too. Twenty-six letters and still not enough!

is for adventures like no other.

There’s nowhere better suited for adventure. The spectacular coastline is perfect for watersports, beach activities and ramblers whilst the inland hills of the countryside are steeped in history. Visit unique landmarks, the UK’s smallest city, several castles and a whole host of fishing villages and coastal towns.

Cis for coast path, all 186 miles of it.

This National Trail is a national treasure and the number one reason we love it so? It’s accessible to all. Perhaps not every mile - it is a natural coastline after all so it’s rugged, to say the least! For families and dogs, new explorers and seasoned walkers, this is one of the best-loved attractions in the UK.

Dis for dog friendly.

Dogs from far and wide adore the Pembrokeshire landscape. Around every corner, there’s somewhere new to get those paws muddy and sandy plus there’s plenty of opportunity to get saltwater in the fur at all those beaches! Pubs, cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours across the land welcome our pups - some even have special dog menus.

Fis for family holidays.

There’s nowhere better suited for family holidays than Pembrokeshire. Expansive Blue Flag Beaches, watersports and walking, attractions like Heatherton, Castell Henllys & The Bug Farm - there’s so much to do! No boring days to be had here.

Bis for beaches , we've got stacks of them.

Small ones, big ones, sandy ones, shingle ones. Think world-famous beaches like Barafundle as well as beaches few have heard of, like Aberbach. Each bay varies in shape and size, with different activities suited to each. Some are hidden, some can’t be missed, but all are truly spectacular.

Eis for an events calendar to be rivalled.

Think quaint music festivals, celebrations of local food produce, outdoor theatre and world-class sporting events like Long Course Weekend. There’s something taking place every month with annual seasonal events growing each year. Christmas markets in Pembroke Castle, ten days of music at St Davids Cathedral and a county-wide Fish Week to name a few.

is for Green Bridge of Wales , a mustsee natural wonder.

One for the bucket list! Coastal weathering has created this remarkable landmark off the south coast but this is just one of many impressive sights to see in Pembrokeshire. Check out Pentre Ifan, St Govans Chapel, Stack Rocks and more on your travels.

His for history & heritage.

Wherever you turn in the county, you’ll be reminded of Pembrokeshire's fascinating history. Explore the old railway tunnels used during mining in Saundersfoot, take a guided tour at Carew Castle, learn how the Star Wars Millennium Falcon was built locally at Pembroke Dock Museum and sightsee the architecturally beautiful St Davids Cathedral.

Iis for islands and inspiration.

Skomer, Ramsey and Grassholm are all havens for wildlife and seabirds whilst Caldey is a fascinating isle inhabited by monks and yet, all have something overwhelming in common. All are incredible sources of inspiration with epic views of the coast and beyond.

That’s what you get when you holiday in Pembrokeshire. That’s the reason why so many return year after year to revisit their favourite spots and why they often bring extended families and new friends to share the experience. Unforgettable holidays always.

Did you know? Henry VII, one of the Tudor dynasty’s most famous kings, was actually born in Pembroke Castle. Father to the infamous Henry VIII with 6 wives, this monarch later fled to an escaping ship through the hidden tunnels of Tenby, so the legend says.

Did you know that Pembrokeshire is the place where Saint David was born? Upon a clifftop at St Nons where a holy well sprang up at the time of his birth, by all accounts. Historians claim that the Preseli Hills are where the Stonehenge bluestones originated, the same hills where King Arthur and the wizard Merlin are said to have once roamed.

Think freshly caught seafood, handreared Welsh lamb and beef, homegrown fruit and veg, handcrafted brews and carefully distilled spirits. All can be found across the land in restaurants, pubs, farm shops and independent stores, so make sure to pack your appetite.

Designated as the UK’s sole coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is of great significance. With an epic 186mile coastline, a wealth of immaculate beaches and quaint coves, a rich tapestry of history and culture plus a wonderland of wildlife, it’s no wonder it’s so special.

Naturists flock from across the world to get up close and personal with these comical birds in May & June when the breeding season is in full swing. Take a boat from Martin’s Haven to the nature reserve though be warned, trips fill up quickly so book in advance!

Plan a wild holiday and take the road less travelled to discover hidden beaches like Traeth Llyfn and Swanlake. Unfamiliar hamlets like Lochvane and Aberfforest are some of the best hidden gems to choose as your base, whilst the Preseli Hills often go unnoticed by many despite their intriguing history and beautiful rural views.

Qis for quarries , now flooded and perfect for wild swimming.

The most well-known abandoned quarry in Pembrokeshire is the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy; there is another lesserknown at Rosebush near the Preseli Hills. Both boast incredible green waters where locals and visitors can’t resist jumping in for a quick dip.

R

is for relaxing & restful retreats .

Let that sea breeze whip through your hair and the saltwater wash against your skin and then tell us you don’t feel rejuvenated. Choose leisurely days gazing across the water or adrenaline-fuelled moments diving in headfirst. Either way, the break will do you good.

Sis for sun, sea and sand.

Summer holidays are best enjoyed in Pembrokeshire where the sun shines bright, the sea sparkles and the sand can’t get any softer. Spend seven days at the beach, hike the Coast Path, take a boat trip, visit a castle, eat everything in sight and capture everything for the ‘gram.

Tis for Tenby, a world-famous summer paradise.

There’s an array of reasons why this quaint cobbled town is one of the UK’s most popular summertime resorts; four beaches, a picture-perfect harbour, a hustle and bustle of activities plus streets laden with one-off art galleries, gift stores and restaurants.

Take a boat trip to Caldey Island for the day, sign up for Long Course Weekend or travel here in the off-season for Blues Festivals, Arts Festivals and more.

is for underwater utopia.

Deep dive under the waves to discover a rich seascape of crabs, molluscs, octopus, jellyfish and bass. As well as fish and sea creatures, you may find a shipwreck or two; the most notable off the coasts of St Brides and Abercastle.

Wis for wildlife everywhere you look.

We’ve already mentioned the puffins at Skomer, but what about the gannets at Grassholm and the dolphins in Cardigan Bay? See choughs, peregrine falcons, guillemots and manx shearwaters. Sight porpoises and Atlantic grey seals in the waters, crabs and octopus in the shores and molluscs in rock pools to name but a few.

is for X marks the spot.

This peaceful county was once a haven for piracy with the famous Black Bart or Barti Ddu hailing from these hills. The offshore islands of Caldey, Skomer and Skokholm were used as a pitstop whilst now-holiday destinations like Solva, Fishguard and Angle were known hiding places for the likes of whiskey and salt.

Vis for views , views and more views.

Being bordered by the sea on three sides results in epic views across the land with a never-ending list of viewpoints to choose from. Head to high points like Carningli and Carn Llidi for elevated scenes, get up close and wade right into the water at Saundersfoot and Poppit Sands or take a boat trip to sightsee the mainland from the water.

One of the most popular family days out in the west, Folly Farm houses farmyard animals like pigs and goats with zoo animals such as lions, penguins and giraffes for a fantastic fun attraction. You’ll have a top time naming all the animals with added fun to be had at the vintage funfair and outside play area.

Yis for yesteryear.

Wherever you turn, you’ll find mementoes and reminders of the days gone by. Castles and chapels pay homage to saints and royalty from previous centuries, burial chambers hark back to the Neolithic era and the old mining industry can be seen at the Ironworks ruins in Stepaside and the brickworks ruins at Porthgain.