Out and About Around Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire has a varied range of things to see, do and visit during your stay - whatever the weather!! Come rain or shine.

Boat Trips and Islands

There are many islands to visit off the Pembrokeshire coast:

Skomer - home to thousands of seabirds, noteably Manx Shearwaters, Puffins, and a colony of seals.

Skokholm - houses the oldest bird observatory in the UK.

Ramsey - off St Davids Peninsula has the largest colony of grey seals in Southern UK.

Grassholm - has a 60,000 population of Gannets.

Caldey Island - is off the coast of Tenby and has the historic monastery inhabited by Cistercian Monks.

Many boat trips are available from St Davids, Tenby, St Martins, Solva and Dale to visit these wonderful islands or you can just take a trip around the coastline to see the sites.

Search for whales, Dolphins, Porpoise, Atlantic Grey Seals and hundreds of Sea Birds along the coast.

Castles and Heritage

St David's Cathedral - Set in a grassy hollow on St David's peninsula, not far from the coast and hidden from pirates, St David's Cathedral is a must visit. It is 900 years old and is full of history and mystery. St David founded his monastery in the 6th Century which makes it one of the most significant Christian sites in the world. In 1181 restoration began but it suffered earthquakes, collapse of the tower in 1220 and then destroyed by parliamentary soldiers.

St David's was one of the most important shrines in all of medieval Christianity; in the Middle Ages two pilgrimages to St David's was declared by the Church to be equal to one to Rome.  William The Conqueror even paid a visit.

There is also St David's Bishops Palace to visit

Picton Castle and Woodland Gardens - The original four round towers of the building date from the 1300's and were extended in the early 19th Century. There is an art gallery there and beautiful gardens too.

Manorbier Castle - This castle was described as the "most pleasantest spot in Wales" by Gerald A Wiles, who was born here. The original towers have hardly altered since the middle ages. Manorbier has it's own sandy cove and nearby is St James's 12th Century Church.

Tenby Walled Town and Castle - Tenby is a fantastic place to visit and has two beaches and a wonderful walled town where you can be taken round in a horse and cart. There are many lovely eating places and many trips you can venture out on, including a boat trip to the historic Caldey Island with its working monastery. The Island can be seen from Tenby.

Other places of interest include: Pembroke Castle, Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Lamphey Bishops Palace, Upton Castle Gardens and many many more, 50 plus so you won't run out of castles to visit!!

Walks and Coastal Path

There are many varied and wonderful walks along the Pembrokeshire coast and inland waters, you can have a bracing walk from Newgale to Solva along the cliff tops and then enjoy a light lunch in the cafe there with freshly caught crab and lobster. There are sandwiches and ice creams too! There are miles of coastline to explore.

National Trust Stackpole Estate, Bosherston Lily Ponds

An extensive network of footpaths run through this woodland and past the Bosherston Lily Ponds, flooded valleys that are covered with lilies during June and July but still lovely to visit anytime.

Preseli Hills

The historic Preseli Hills which are almost on our doorstep full of magic and mystery. You can wander through the stone circles, cromlechs and iron age forts. If you are feeling extra energetic scale the height of Carn Meini to discover the famous bluestones which were transported to Stonehenge

Golf Courses

We have many golf courses in this part of Pembrokeshire with beautiful views of our local countryside. The Ryder Cup is coming to Wales this year (2010), and will attract alot of golfing interest.  We have a local course at Haverfordwest - about 5 miles away;   Priskilly is 10 miles, and Milford Haven is just 15.

Beaches

Visit the spectacular beaches and varied coastline Pembrokeshire has to offer. From the sandy beaches of Broad Haven and Newgale to the secluded coves of Porthgain and Abereiddy. The quaint village of Solva, leading onto St Davids can take you to the Whitesands Bay where you feel like time has stood still. The pace can be as fast or as slow as you like. Pembrokeshire has an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, from Puffins to Seals, and Buzzards to Dolphins.