Pembrokeshire
With the county surrounded on three sides by the sea, it’s not surprising that Pembrokeshire
is defined by its coastal areas. There are, after all, the 186 glorious miles of
the Pembrokeshire Coast Path; over 50 stunning beaches, including Barafundle Bay,
Whitesands and Poppit Sands - awarded 11 Blue Flags and 32 Seaside Awards between
them in 2005; a reputation for watersport and outdoor activities like coasteering
and then famous seaside resorts such as Tenby. But venture inland and there’s more
to discover - the Preseli hills, Gwaun valley and Daulgeddau, for starters.
Caldey Island
An intriguing journey to make from Tenby the short hop by boat will get you to Caldey
Island. With a religious history dating back over 1,500 years, there are are still
around 20 monks living here under the Rules of St Benedict - which include attending
a 3.15 am service. They produce herbal perfumes produced from this beautiful island’s
local flora.
Tenby
Busy in summer, Tenby is a delight waiting to be discovered off season. There are
two great beaches looking out to the islands in the distance, steep slopes leading
down to the sea from the town’s old heart and a picturesque harbour setting. There
is also the town’s history to explore, with a 15th century church, Tudor merchant’s
house and the Tenby Museum.
Bosherston and the Lily Ponds
Bosherton is a small village five miles to the south of Pembroke. Just outside Bosherton
are the romantic 18th century landscaped Stackpole Gardens. Nearby are the Bosherston
Lily Ponds, three landscaped fingers of water used for fishing, but lovely to visit.
It’s also a place of Arthurian legend, rumoured to be the last resting place of
Excalibur.
Pembroke Castle
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Pembroke Castle cuts a dramatic sight. Its
strategic importance was recognised early on, with a castle having stood at this
location since Roman times. Pembroke is a fine example of pre-Edwardian castles
and despite the damage it received after the Civil War is still worthy of a visit.
Narberth
This is a small, attractive town off the beaten track in the heart of rural Pembrokeshire.
A former home to the Welsh Princes, it has the remains of an ancient castle, but
also has a real community spirit with a great live venue in the Queens Hall in the
High Street. Depending on your interests you’ll find a wide variety of upmarket
shops or a number of activity centres from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
Picton Castle
You’ll find Picton Castle just outside Haverfordwest. Originally built in the 13th
century, it’s been in the same family virtually ever since. The building was updated
in the 18th century, but it is the gardens that are the real marvel.
Set in 40 acres of landscaped gardens, with stunning views of the surrounding area,
the Castle also boasts a Walled Garden containing a collection of medicinal herbs
and a maze.
Llys-y-Fran Reservoir and Country Park
Close to the Preseli Hills is the Llys-y-Fran Reservoir which was built in the 1960s.
It was constructed so as not to impose too much on the surrounding area and as a
result is well worth a visit. The country park around it teems with wildlife and
if you walk or ride the seven mile trail around the trout-stocked reservoir, look
out for badgers, mink and otters.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Of all Britain’s National Parks, Pembrokeshire’s is the only one that is predominantly
coastal. And of course it contains the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, 186 miles of
precarious walking that hugs the rugged cliffs and inlets of this stunning route.
Along the route you’ll be able to spot basking seals, colonies of sea birds and
beautiful flora, all close up. It’s time to put on your hiking boots.
Preseli Mountains
There’s more to Pembrokeshire than just the coast. The interior of the county is
stunning too. The Preseli Mountains in the north rise with lush green slopes through
a tranquil and mystical landscape. Villages are sparse and in many cases still very
traditional with standing stones, stone circles, hill forts and old churches. It’s
no surprise that the bluestones for Stonehenge came from here.
Newcastle Emlyn
Found on the meandering bends of the River Teifi, this is a charming little market
town that is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Renamed in the 13th
century after, unsurprisingly, the building of a new castle, the ruins of it are
still visible and the site itself is impressively situated on the banks of the river.
Skomer Island
A small 722 acre island just off the coast, Skomer crams a lot into a tiny space.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, there are the remains of ancient settlements with
stone circles, defensive ramparts and a standing stone. You’ll also find a sea bird
colony that is one the biggest in Europe. Not only are there 200,000 odd Manx
shearwater, but the island is also home to puffin, guillemots, buzzards, jackdaws
and peregrines.
Fishguard
Famously, Fishguard was the site of the last attempt at invading Britain where a
French force was defeated by local women. Lower Fishguard is the picturesque village
with narrow streets winding down to the harbour which was featured as Llareggub
in the film version of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood. The new harbour is
now a major ferry link to Ireland.
St Davids
Britain’s smallest city, St Davids is in reality the size of a large village but
blessed with the presence of St Davids cathedral. Founded by the Welsh patron saint
in 550, the cathedral is the focus of this beautifully desolate rocky peninsular
that is also a magnet for surfers and lovers of the outdoors. Nearby beauty spots
St Justinians and Ramsey Island are also well worth a visit.