Pembrokeshire

The south west corner of Wales must contain some of the most remarkable landscapes and vistas the country has to offer. Pembrokeshire and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have much to show off: pristine beaches, excellent surf, lush rolling fields and farmlands and rugged coastlines. The park spans 240 square miles and is in close proximity to outlying islands that are home to rare wildlife seen on sparkling sea cruises.

One of the best ways to spend time in Pembrokeshire is walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which winds 186 miles along the stunning coastal cliffs. Along the path, you will see that the region is rich in wildlife, both on land and at sea. From the northern coast, visitors can try to spot harbour porpoises and grey seals, and Strumble Head provides a great location to see common dolphins. Other species that have been seen from the area are the fin, minke, orca and humpback whales. The coast also provides important habitats for migrating and breeding birds. The more adventurous can try their hands at kayaking, rock climbing, surfing or coasteering. The Presili hills in the eastern area of Pembrokeshire contain excellent terrain for mountain biking.

Islands off the coast of Pembrokeshire include Skomer, Skokholm, Caldey, Grassholm and Ramsey. Boats taking visitors to the islands leave from Tenby, St. David's or Martins Haven. The islands are well known for the wildlife and birds that inhabit them, such as the puffins, guillimots and manx shearwaters on Skomer Island and razorbills on Ramsey.

Heritage sites dot the park, one of the most striking of which is Pembroke Castle, located just south of Pembroke. Prehistoric monuments dominate the countryside in the Presili Hills area, which is also the source of the stones that sit in the stone circle at Stonehenge. Strumble Head Lighthouse, situated five miles west of Fishguard in northern Pembrokeshire, is also an interesting place to visit.

The region offers delightful towns and cities from which to venture. St David's, reputedly the smallest city in Britain, hosts the cathedral that is Wales's holiest site and was built in 1181. Tenby is a good base from which to visit Carew Castle, relax on its golden beaches or admire its medieval town walls and architecture. Smaller villages like Solva in the south of the region are set within the coast's rocky shores and more private beaches. Family-oriented holiday fun is found at the Blue Lagoon waterpark, Oakwood Theme Park in Narberth and Folly Farm near Saundersfoot. Spectacular wide beaches await visitors at Broad Haven, Marloes Sands and Newgale, and St Brides Haven beach is popular with divers.

Within the towns and across the countryside visitors can find accommodation to suit their holiday and interests, be it bed and breakfasts on a working farm, a bunkhouse near outdoor activities or a self-catering cottage. The area is primarily accessed from the A40 and sits approximately 2 hours drive from Cardiff. The ferry at Fishguard also travels regularly to Ireland.