Things To Do and See in Pembrokeshire

Local Area

Pembrokeshire is a popular tourist destination and has much to satisfy a diverse range of tastes. Lots of information on events, attractions, walking routes and boat trips can be found at the Pembrokeshire Tourist Information Centres, the nearest ones being at Fishguard Library and St David’s Oriel Y Parc.

For local information have a look at the Visit Fishguard website.

For information on Pembrokeshire, head to the Visit Pembrokeshire website.

Below are a few of our favourite things to see and do in the area:

• The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Pembrokeshire boasts one of the most spectacular coastal walks in the country, and one of the most dramatic sections is just a 30-minute walk from the cottage.
• Wild flower and Bird Watching. With its national park and conservation areas, stunning coastlines, and offshore islands (teeming with puffins, razorbills, shearwaters, storm petrels and choughs) the area is a popular destination for nature lovers. Foxgloves, pink campion, snowdrops, gorse, heather and woodland carpets of bluebells are but a few of the many flower species gracing the landscape. The coastline is also a hunting ground for buzzards, red kites, peregrine falcons and even the occasional marsh harrier which inhabit the area.
• Seal Watching. September and October are the best months to see the seal pups. A nice, early evening walk from the cottages takes you to one of the best seal watching spots in the UK, where you can also pause to observe the sun set into the sea on the way back from Garn Fawr. You may even see dolphins, porpoises, whales or basking sharks.
• Beaches. Walk, cycle or drive to the beautiful pebble beaches of Aberbach and Abermawr (3.5 miles from the cottages), take a BBQ, go for a swim, walk in the bluebell woods or fish for mackerel. Sandy beaches can be easily found a little further away. The beautiful beaches of Whitesands and Newgale are good for bathing, building sand castles and surfing.
• Cycling. Explore the surrounding lanes, beaches and villages by following the national cycle routes or for off-road fun visit the nearby Preseli Hills or Llys-y-Frân reservoir.
• Island Wildlife Visits. Take a boat trip to one of the many islands that surround the Pembrokeshire coast. Ramsey and Skomer Islands are great destinations to see an abundance of wildlife.
• Eating Out and Local Pubs. The surrounding area has a high number of very good restaurants and takeaways. There are numerous local cafés and traditional pubs to enjoy, many featuring live music and local bands.
• Castles. Pembrokeshire has 12 major castles and another 18 castle sites, with historic remains ranging from well-preserved buildings, to picturesque ruins. Some of the best preserved include Pembroke Castle (birthplace of Henry VII), Carew Castle with its Norman tower and Elizabethan manor and the beautiful Manorbier Castle, overlooking the beach, but many others are well worth a drive to see. Visit the unusual 13th century castle at Picton or view Cardigan Castle, as featured on the BBC’s Restoration programme. There are also the ruins of Narberth Castle or Fishguard Fort to amble around, and for true history enthusiasts, the rare, surviving early motte and bailey castle of Wiston, and the imposing remains of Llawhaden Castle, once a fortified bishop’s palace, will be quite a treat. 
• Crafts and Galleries. Pembrokeshire has long been a haven for artists. The large number of quality galleries and craft centres testifies this. Visit some of the local galleries and sculpture gardens, spend a day learning how to throw pots or bring your paints or camera and find out why so many artists have drifted to this part of the world. Some of our favourites include Bakers @70 and Peppers in Fishguard, The Lighthouse Gallery at Goodwick seafront, Harbour Lights at Porthgain, and Oriel y Parc Gallery at St David’s. You can also follow a local art trail of sculptures as well as interactive pieces around Fishguard and Goodwick https://artafoot.co.uk/
• Coed Tŷ Canol National Nature Reserve. One of the last areas of rare temperate Welsh rainforest still remaining, the nature reserve is made up of beautiful oak woodland and wood pasture. Featured on Springwatch and a particular favourite of many nature enthusiasts, there are good walking paths taking intrepid wanderers on a journey through a magical landscape of twisted, gnarled oaks, ancient stone walls and even the remains of an Iron Age fort.
• Goodwick Moor Nature Reserve. A haven for many local bird species as well as otters, Goodwick Moor is a wonderful place to visit, and has a raised walkway which takes you through the marshes where you may also catch sight of sculptures from the local art trail. 
• Pentre Ifan Chambered Tomb. The largest, best preserved neolithic dolmen or chambered tomb in Wales, Pentre Ifan is easily reached by car and stands at the bottom of the Preseli Hills.
• St David’s Cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace. St David’s is the smallest city in the UK and one of the prettiest, boasting a magnificent Cathedral and the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, as well as many great, local shops and pubs.
• Melin Tregwynt. In operation since 1841, and still employing 40 people today, this traditional, working woollen mill is a fascinating place to visit. It has a wonderful shop full of local products and textiles made at the mill as well as a café serving delicious food. At Christmas the mill also hosts a delightful Christmas market. 
• Outdoor Pursuits. Pembrokeshire is a haven for those who love the outdoors. Head out for adventures on the sea with companies such as Board Games Surfing and Paddle Boarding  take to a kayak or climb aboard for an organised boat trip to view hidden coves and glorious wildlife, or simply get out the maps and stride out onto the coastal path. Wonderful adventures await you in Wales! 

A birds eye view

Pembrokeshire is the perfect place for wildlife watching!

Looking out to sea near Stones Cottages.

Sitting on the dock of the bay, Pembrokeshire style.

Dragonfly Sculpture on the Fishguard and Goodwick Art Trail

Abermawr from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Water Rail on the lawn at Stones Cottages

A sunny Sunday morning in June spotting wild flowers and bugs in the flower meadows at Stones Cottages

The stunning Pembrokehire views

Resting on Aberbach beach

A view from the coastal path on Strumble Head

A captivating coastline

Aberbach beach is great for dog walking

Walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

What is your Favourite Place in Pembrokeshire?

Maybe you have been to or live in Pembrokeshire, perhaps you have even stayed in one of the cottages. Are there some hidden gems that you would like to share, such as your favourite places, where you like to go, or what you like to see?

Please feel free to share your experiences using the comments form below.