With a spectacular coastline, vibrant towns and a whole host of family attractions, Pembrokeshire is up there on our list of best UK staycations. We have spent time here in summer, autumn and even at Christmas and love it! With many more beaches and towns still to visit, here are some of our highlights so far.
Tenby
Tenby manages to pull off typical seaside town without feeling tacky. It is full of souvenir and sweet shops but it still retains plenty of charm. Within the old town walls, it is a maze of narrow streets with trendy coffee shops as well as traditional tearooms and alongside the usual seaside souvenirs, there are some great local artisan shops. The cobbled streets lead down to the harbour and also several beaches on both sides of the town. All are lovely, clean, sandy beaches and perfect if you want to be close to the action. With so many to choose from along the coastline, we prefer to find somewhere more remote though. If you’re visiting Tenby in summer, definitely get there early to enjoy it before the crowds arrive.
Taking a boat trip from Tenby harbour
We were lucky to have a sunny day perfect for getting out on the open water. We opted for an island cruise which first took us to St Margaret’s Island. This protected bird reserve with towering limestone caverns is home to puffins, razorbills, cormorants and gannets. Stopping at Paul Jones Bay on Caldey Island, the turquoise waters in this peaceful bay were so clear, it could be mistaken for somewhere abroad. We pulled up and watched the seals basking in the sun and diving into the water to play. As we sailed back, we had views of Tenby’s colourful terraced houses that line the shore. There are various companies in the harbour offering tours. We booked ours with Tenby Boat Trips and the 1hr 15minute Island cruise was £38 for a family ticket.
Pembroke Castle
This well-preserved medieval castle is an interesting place to spend an hour or two and is situated in a wonderful setting surrounded by water. We visited in winter but in warmer months, you can hire a rowing boat on the mill pond and enjoy it from another perspective. Paddle West offer 30 minutes hire for £10. Both the castle and boat hire are dog friendly too!
Beaches
Broad Haven South Beach
Probably my favourite beach in Pembrokeshire! Starting with a stroll along the boardwalks around the beautiful Bosherton lily ponds to then be met by golden sands, it has a truly unique setting. You can also head up on to the coastal path for breath-taking views. The waves were gentle but had enough power for some fun body boarding.
Barafundle Bay
A half mile clifftop walk from the car park and you come to this unspoilt bay. In winter, we only saw a few other people and had the beach pretty much to ourselves but visiting in the height of summer, the car park was already full after lunch. Be sure to get there early!
Manorbier beach
We stopped here for one last dip in the sea before heading home. A small but pleasant beach with the impressive Manorbier Castle standing on the clifftop above. The beach is a mixture of pebble and shingle and it’s ideal for exploring rockpools. At low tide there is plenty of sandy beach to enjoy though and the waves were pretty calm.
Freshwater West
Visiting the area in December, we had a bracing walk on this wide stretch of sand on Christmas Day. The children loved climbing up the huge sand dunes. Plenty of space to roam free and play on the beach but the currents are for experienced surfers only. From April to September, Café Mor is open. This converted fishing boat sells interesting street food.
Penbryn beach, Ceredigion
We visited in July whilst staying at the Three Wells B&B in Llandissilio (lovely accommodation with awesome breakfasts) as it was only 30 minutes away. Arriving at the car park after travelling through heavy rain, we stopped for coffee and amazing cakes from the Plwmp Tart Café situated in the National Trust car park and waited for the downpour to subside. Then getting our waterproofs on, we ventured up through the beautiful woodland and onto the coastal path to Tresaith (around 1.5 miles away). The sea views are stunning! The skies soon cleared and we had warm sunshine. We stopped in the small town of Tresaith which has a nice little beach with a few places to grab a drink or snack. Then heading back over to Penbryn, we spent the afternoon in this sandy cove. You can get back to the carpark on the main track but the woodland trail is a much prettier route.
Folly Farm
We’ve had many fun days out at Folly farm from when our children were toddlers up to more recently. There is so much to do and all ages will enjoy it. With an indoor petting barn, zoo animals, vintage fairground and huge indoor and outdoor play areas, you’ve easily got a full day of entertainment.
Heatherton World of Activities
A pretty cool place for kids of all ages with a whole range of activities to choose from. Rather than purchasing an entry ticket you buy tokens which can then be used on your preferred activities. Most of our tokens went on the dragon slide, pistol shooting and bumper boats. Check it out here.
Foodie heaven
Casual choice – The Cowshed Pizzeria and ice cream parlour
The Cowshed Pizzeria and ice cream parlour is fantastic on a warm summer’s evening. Set in rolling countryside on the Cowpots Campsite, this family run place serves amazing woodfired pizzas and homemade ice cream for dessert. We sat on the benches outside and enjoyed it with a pint of local beer but you can also have it to takeaway.
Gastro pub – The Stackpole Inn
We’ve eaten here in summer in the beer garden as well as in winter by the log fire. Excellent pub grub, good choice of fish dishes and high quality but generous portions. Close to Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven South.
A real treat – Penally Abbey Hotel
We treated ourselves to the Christmas afternoon tea at this charming boutique hotel just outside Tenby. The beautifully decorated, candle lit restaurant was so cosy. Would love to go back in summer and sit in the beautiful garden with views of the coast.
Fam Full of Wanderlust 