The unspoilt village of Dale is just four miles south of St Brides, in the heart of the National Park. Traditionally an agricultural and fishing community, there's plenty of wildlife including birds, seals, dolphins and porpoise. Located on the National Park's long-distance path, the village is popular with walkers.
It has safe beaches where there are plenty of opportunities for water sports. The West Wales Wind, Surf and Sailing company offers training and equipment hire for a range of activities. There are also pony trekking and riding facilities nearby.
Britain's smallest city, St David's, is also within easy driving distance along the coast. This beautiful city has been a favourite with artists, travellers and pilgrims for centuries. Visit its lovely 12th-century cathedral, which is built on the site of a 6th-century monastery and still serves the local community.
Festivals and events
While you will probably be spoilt for choice with all the attractions in and around Pembrokeshire, it is especially worth visiting when one of the big festivals or events is taking place. Whether you're into music, sport or food, these gatherings are not to be missed:
Sporting events
With so much great scenery, Pembrokeshire is the ideal spot for participating and watching sporting events of all kinds. This is one that's not to be missed:
Ironman Wales
For the ultimate in sporting events, look no further than Ironman Wales. An extremely tough course, this triathlon takes competitors on a legendary journey through Pembrokeshire's sights, visiting castles, rugged coastlines and breath-taking scenery.
For the ultimate in sporting events, look no further than Ironman Wales. An extremely tough course, this triathlon takes competitors on a legendary journey through Pembrokeshire's sights, visiting castles, rugged coastlines and breath-taking scenery.
Although this is a challenge for any seasoned athlete, those not taking part will be treated to an amazing spectator event which celebrates everything great about human endurance.
Usually occurring in the middle of September, Ironman Wales starts on the beaches of Tenby and terminates once competitors have swum, cycled and run their way through the challenging course back to the town.
Spectators, on the other hand, will surely have a much more relaxing time.
Food festivals
We love our food in Pembrokeshire and every year there are a range of festivals for individuals to really get their teeth into. Here are some favourites:
Really Wild Food Festival
This amazing festival celebrates everything rural about Pembrokeshire. Although there are usually around 80 stalls selling wild foods, drinks, and crafts, you can never be entirely sure what you'll discover. For example, 2015's event based in St Davids had additional events such as pig racing, archery, falconry and mud runs.
Typically taking place in the start of summer, head on down if you fancy a truly 'wild' experience.
Narberth Food Festival
An award-winning event, the Narberth Food Festival is a renowned celebration famous for its treats and local delicacies. Taking place towards the end of September, the event prides itself on allowing local businesses to show off their wares and has a range of stalls and attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Pembrokeshire Fish Week
Often regarded as one of Britain's best food festivals, Pembrokeshire Fish Week is a celebration of everything the region has to offer. With hundreds of businesses taking part, this summer festival has numerous activities on the coasts and waterways, while budding chefs can learn a thing or two from celebrity cooking demonstrations.
With plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the freshest produce you can imagine, this event is not to be missed.
Music festivals
Who doesn't like a good music festival? In Pembrokeshire, we have just about every genre you could imagine – ranging from the blues to classical treats. Here are some of the highlights:
-
The Fishguard Folk Festival
– A mostly free festival showcasing local artists in the region. Located on the Pembrokeshire coast, this event is fun for the whole family and typically occurs around May.
-
Fishguard International Music Festival
– A classical music event set in various locations throughout Pembrokeshire. Takes place towards the end of July.
-
St Davids Cathedral Festival
– A classical music festival typically taking place towards the end of May, it's an event which is a must-see for anyone looking to experience a bit of culture.
-
Tenby Blues Festival
– Taking place towards the end of the year, this celebration of live music is definitely worth seeing.
-
Fishguard Jazz and Blues Festival
– While this popular festival takes place in August, the build up to this event starts with Aberjazz; an event to celebrate International Jazz Day. Originally started as a local gathering, this festival is now an established part of Pembrokeshire's music scene.
If none of these are your thing, then there is always something interesting being played in one of the many pubs, clubs, and bars throughout the region. To discover what our local musicians are up to, take a look at the Visit Pembrokeshire website.
Spend a day in historical Pembroke
Head half an hour south east to the beautiful and ancient town of Pembroke, the birthplace of Henry VII. Its history can be traced to 1093, when the Normans built a wooden fortress, although the present castle was built in the latter end of the 12th century.
Pembroke Castle is largely intact and sits on the banks of the estuary. Its keep has a 'massive cylindrical tower with an unusual stone dome'. The castle's passages, tunnels and exhibitions of medieval life will keep everyone occupied for hours, and a visit to the Brass Rubbing Centre will create a unique souvenir.
Afterwards, enjoy a stroll or a picnic in the castle grounds, followed by a walk around the medieval town walls and millpond. Pembroke has many other attractions, including a popular town trail, a museum, a daily indoor market and plenty of craft and gift shops.
Explore Pembrokeshire's islands
Cruises are available from Milford Haven, on the Daugleddau waterways and upriver into unspoilt Pembrokeshire. Boats also depart regularly from Milford Haven to visit the local island bird sanctuaries of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm.
Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips offers 15-minute outings that take visitors to see 'puffins, guillemots, razorbills, short-eared owls, Manx shearwaters and a host of other birds'. Grey seals can also be spotted throughout the year, along with their white furry pups from September.
The island of Skomer has 'Britain's largest undisturbed prehistoric Iron Age settlement with hut circles, cemeteries and field systems from 2000BC'. There's also a farmhouse that describes farming methods through the ages.
Find adventure in Haverfordwest
Haverfordwest, a short drive north east, is a bustling medieval market town with narrow streets. The oldest part of the town is near the 12th-century castle, which is now a shell and home to the museum. There are several churches, many splendid Regency and Victorian buildings, and plenty of galleries, shops and places to eat.
Just outside Haverfordwest at Wolfscastle, the Sealyham Activity Centre offers adventure on both land and water. The centre's qualified instructors turn the coastline into a playground for kayaking, surfing, climbing, biking and other exciting sports.
Theme parks galore
Heading 26 miles east from St Brides to the medieval town of Tenby on Wales' south coast, you'll encounter two theme parks (both of which cater for dogs).
Oakwood Theme Park has 30 rides and attractions, with something for everyone, and any hunger pangs can be satisfied at a number of food outlets. Dogs aren't allowed in the park, but it offers free holding kennels.
Heatherton Activity Theme Park, which sits on the outskirts of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, has lots of activities for all the family. It has free entry with a 'pay when you play' approach and a dog-friendly Sports Park.
Closest to Tenby is the 200-acre Folly Farm park, which has six zones that range from the Jolly Farm to the Zoo. Originally a dairy farm, it's now Wales' top paid-for tourist attraction.
Tenby itself is a popular tourist destination, with lovely sandy beaches, 13th-century medieval town walls, the Tudor Merchant's House (National Trust) and Tenby Castle, which has a museum and art gallery. There's also plenty of wildlife along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and on Caldey Island.
Milford Haven activities
With a history deeply rooted in maritime activity due to it being the home of the largest estuary in Wales this is possibly the sea goer's haven. There's plenty of water based activities with sailing being a popular activity here. Alongside this there's plenty of evidence of the huge fishing fleet which used to be housed here including the area's oldest building which used to keep whale oil in storage.
This building is now home to a local museum. The museum is genuinely fascinating covering all aspects of Milford Haven's sea faring history which not only includes fishing but whaling and petrol too. Today that history of petroleum importing is prevalent with the local oil and gas refineries.
Once you're finished there you can visit the numerous cafes, restaurants and small pubs that dot the town near the harbour.
Things to do in St. Brides Bay
Within the bay there's an eclectic mix of activities. From horse riding over the sand to surfing in the fresh water that was used in a Harry Potter film to walking the Pembrokeshire coast path. The coast path is highly recommended being The National Geographic's second best walk in the world! Taking the time to stroll the long path will have you seeing some incredible views and wildlife; an ideal activity for all the family even if you don't experience the full length of the walk.
If you're feeling more adventurous or have an out-going family with you there's also the very exciting option of coasteering on the north side of the bay. Depending on exactly how adventurous you're feeling you can take part in scrambling, swell-riding and even cliff jumping!
More information
Pembrokeshire National Park and the County Council provide lots of information booklets on the wide variety of activities and crafts available in the area. Maps, guides and other tourist information are also available at St. Brides reception.