Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire - home to Britain's only coastal National Park.

South Western Wales’ coastal treasure is a county of rare beauty. It’s home to the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park (www.visitpembrokeshire.com/content.asp?nav=4) – the UK’s only predominantly sea-based National Park with 186 miles of winding coastal path connecting ragged coast, sweeping white beaches and unspoilt villages. Visit seaside Tenby with its meandering medieval centre and St David’s, Britain’s smallest city whose mottled cathedral and ruined Bishop’s Palace seal its reputation as one of Wales’ most magical spots. Mix in wild watersports, excellent local seafood and consistently astounding scenery and you’ve got a recipe for a truly special holiday.

Memory of Pembrokeshire

“What have I missed all these years? Words cannot describe the beauty and friendliness of the people. I will be returning next year, why don’t you try?”

Gary Townsend, England

Culture & heritage

Celtic legends, early Christian lore and a seafaring past lend Pembrokeshire a deep sense of history. Visit Pembroke Castle (www.pembroke-castle.co.uk/) and Carew Castle (www.carewcastle.com/), atmospheric ruins like the Bishop’s Palace (www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=120) in St David’s and out of the way gems such as the cliff-top chapel St Govan’s. Oriel y Parc (www.orielyparc.co.uk/default.asp?pid=9) National Park gallery in St David’s has an excellent collection of modern artworks.

Attractions

Pembrokeshire’s natural attractions are obvious for all to see and the simple pleasures of beach, coast and countryside are the main draw here. But you’ll find plenty more to do. Explore castles, churches and idyllic villages or take the kids to Oakwood Theme Park (www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk/home/default.asp) or Heatherton Activity Park (www.heatherton.co.uk/) with its treetop swings and zip wires.

Sport

Adventure activities and watery pleasures rule on this rugged stretch of coast. Skip over waves on a Zap Cat, surf off Blue Flag Beaches or try coasteering (www.visitwales.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.6908) or sea fishing. If you’d rather stay on dry land the area has walks for all levels of fitness, cycle and horse-riding trails and some great golf courses.

Food & drink

Seafood is the obvious choice and local crab, lobster, sea bass and mackerel are abundant. For ultimate freshness buy seafood where it’s landed or catch your own! Haverfordwest Farmers’ Market is widely recognised as one of the best in Britain or try the Thursday market in the revamped, Old Town Hall in Fishguard. Pembrokeshire Fish Week (www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=103,123,177&parent_directory_id=646) holds tastings, demos and celebrates all things fishy.

Buy before you fly

To make your trip to Pembrokeshire easier, you can buy tickets to attractions, travel passes, and much more at our online shop, and avoid the queues! The BritRail GB Flexi Pass allows you to explore the country at your own pace, and the Great British Heritage Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-HK/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tp1) gives you free entry to nearly 600 of Britain’s finest historic houses, gardens and monuments. For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com).