Exploring this alluring Mediterranean island
St Davids is the United Kingdom's smallest city in terms of population (the smallest city by local authority boundary area is the City of London). A magical destination dominated by its spectacular cathedral, St Davids is an ideal base from which to explore Pembrokeshire.
Before you do though, be sure to visit St Davids Cathedral. Consecrated in 1131, the building exudes great antiquity and is forever associated with Wales' patron saint.
The ruined Chapel of St Non is held by tradition to be the birthplace of St David (c. 500–c. 589). It's located close to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, not far from the city of St Davids.
St Davids itself can be easily explored on foot. Notable visitor attractions include the 14th-century Tower Gate, the Celtic Old Cross, a number of art galleries, and quite a few pubs. Pictured is colorful Nun Street by Cross Square.
The walled seaside town of Tenby is what picture postcards were designed for. Through both the Georgian and Victorian eras, Tenby was renowned as a health resort. Today its colorful collection of townhouses, old castle walls, sandy beaches, and the quaint harbor remain equally alluring.
Linked to Tenby by a small beach and accessible at low tide is St Catherine's Island. It's crowned by a squat, 19th-century fort that can be visited at certain times of the day.
Pictured: the traditional stone exterior of Llys Meddyg Hotel and Restaurant in Newport, one of many such venues that serve the town.
Standing 4.8 km (3 mi) east of Newport is Pentre Ifan, the largest and best-preserved neolithic dolmen in Wales. The dolmen dates from around 3500 BCE, and has traditionally been identified as a communal burial chamber. Arrive at sunset for a particularly evocative perspective.
Surrounded by a marine nature reserve and managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, Skomer Island is a national nature reserve of considerable international repute. Boats sail to Skomer and visits are permitted, though the number of people allowed to disembark is limited.
There are around 10,000 breeding pairs of puffins on Skomer Island and neighboring Skokholm Island, making them one of the most important puffin colonies in Britain.
Around half the world's population of Manx shearwaters nest on Skomer Island, which is also home to the endemic Skomer vole, a tiny rodent.
Lying west of Skomer is Grassholm Island, which has one of the largest gannet colonies in the Northern Hemisphere, with 39,000 breeding pairs.
Elsewhere, a more unusual leisure option is a visit to the Castell Henllys archaeological site in north Pembrokeshire. Here, four roundhouses and a granary have been reconstructed on their original Iron Age foundations, some 2,000 years old. During the summer, the site also provides training for young archaeologists. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Barafundle's soft carpet of golden sand is regularly cited as the best beach in Britain. See for yourself by heading for Stackpole Quay, which offers direct access to this stunning location.
Freshwater West near Castlemartin is one of Wales' top surfing locations. It's easily reached by road, and is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Curiously, the town name Fishguard derives from Old Norse Fiskigarðr, meaning "fish catching enclosure." These days this scenic port is more associated with tourism. Its 80 or so listed heritage buildings have made the destination a favorite location for filmmakers: Lower Fishguard was used as "Llareggub" in the film of Dylan Thomas' 'Under Milk Wood' (1971), starring Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Peter O'Toole.
Abereiddy is the location of the Blue Lagoon, a small flooded slate quarry set on the coast that served as the 2016 location for a stage of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 4.0).
Another favorite section is that from Whitesands Bay to Porthgain. It's within easy reach of St Davids, which makes it a great family group walking option.
At its highest point—Pen yr afr, on Cemaes Head—the path reaches a height of 175 m (574 ft). (Photo: Wikimedia/CC B-SA 2.0)
The northern end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is often regarded as being at Poppit Sands, near St. Dogmaels. Here, tired hikers can admire the ruins of St Dogmaels Abbey. It is named after Dogmael, a 6th-century saint and reputedly the cousin of St David.
See also: Discover the wonder of Wales.
This same section affords splendid views of the rocky headland known as Strumble Head. The lighthouse dates back to 1908. Illumination was updated from paraffin to electricity in 1949.
Without doubt, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most spectacular long-distance routes in Britain. At 299 km (186 mi) long, mostly at cliff-top level, the route tests even the most seasoned of hikers. The southern end of the walk is at Amroth. One of the most scenic sections is from Marloes Sands to Broad Haven. Pictured is Broad Haven Beach and Church Rock.
An exhilarating hike is guaranteed from Porthgain to Pwll Deri, where the path snakes over the top of sheer cliffs and passes pinnacles, bays, islets, and beaches.
As you make your way along the coast, make sure to pause at Solva. Lying in a deep valley at the mouth of the River Solva, this wonderfully located village affords sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean.
One of over 40 Welsh Blue Flag beaches, which means its environmental credentials are second to none, Newgale is situated right on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Founded in the 11th century, Manorbier is Norman in origin. Rectangular in shape with curtain walls and round and square towers, this impressive stronghold is open to the public together with the gardens. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Newport lies at the mouth of the River Nevern and is another popular tourist destination. The old port area is blessed with two beaches, a golf course, windsurfing and sailing facilities, and a wealth of good hotels. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)
A fantastic photo-op awaits those who make it to this natural limestone arch located at Stack Rocks beside the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. But don't leave it too long. With each Atlantic storm, another chunk of this natural wonder topples into the sea.
In fact, Tenby is one of the most rewarding Pembrokeshire towns to spend time in. Exuding a relaxed and welcoming vibe, the town has plenty of enticing pubs and restaurants that tempt tourists with some inspired menus.
Pembrokeshire, a county in the southwest of Wales, is home to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, most of which comprises dramatic and pristine coastline. The park encloses the 299-km (186-mi) long Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of the most spectacular long-distance routes in Britain. These two stunning visitor attractions are enough to entice anyone to this part of the country. But add to the itinerary a collection of golden beaches, ancient monuments, and picturesque towns and villages, and you have all the reasons in the world to discover this wild and wonderful corner of the British Isles.
Already packed? Then click through the following gallery for inspiration on where to go and what to see.
How perfect is Pembrokeshire?
Welcome to one of the most beautiful destinations in the British Isles
TRAVEL British isles
Pembrokeshire, a county in the southwest of Wales, is home to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, most of which comprises dramatic and pristine coastline. The park encloses the 299-km (186-mi) long Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of the most spectacular long-distance routes in Britain. These two stunning visitor attractions are enough to entice anyone to this part of the country. But add to the itinerary a collection of golden beaches, ancient monuments, and picturesque towns and villages, and you have all the reasons in the world to discover this wild and wonderful corner of the British Isles.
Already packed? Then click through the following gallery for inspiration on where to go and what to see.