Where to go and what to do on a spa break in Pembrokeshire

Things to do in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire offers plenty of attractions for visitors with different ideas of what it means to go on holiday, but in particular it's a treat for those who delight in admiring the great outdoors. Beautiful beaches, dramatic coastlines, and an abundance of wildlife are all part of the experience, as well as intriguing histories.

Go to Pembrokeshire's beaches

From the Victorian seaside town of Tenby to the wide, sandy beach, Freshwater West, the beaches in Pembrokeshire are movie worthy in their beauty and charm. Freshwater West, for example, starred in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, while Barafundle Bay is praised for its almost tropical appearance in the sunshine, and Saundersfoot is popular for swimming.

Hike along The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail

Spanning 186 miles of mind-blowing coastline, The Pembrokeshire Coast Path twists and turns, giving you a magical view of the landscape. Choose your stretch according to whether you want a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, with loops stretching from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south.

Visit The Preseli Hills

It's not just the Coast Path National Trail that's worth exploring. With so much natural beauty, it's always worth bringing your walking shoes. Head to the Preseli Hills for views as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, as well as Neolithic burial chambers, stone circles and Iron Age forts. You can even visit Tafarn Sinc, the highest licensed pub in Pembrokeshire.

Adrenaline adventures

For those with a more adventurous spirit, there are more adrenaline-fuelled ways to explore the Pembrokeshire landscape. Try coasteering, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, with a wealth of local specialists waiting to guide you.

Whale and dolphin watching

With natural beauty comes a wealth of wildlife, and who can help but love an opportunity to see harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales? Boat trips in the UK’s only coastal National Park are an absolute must if the weather allows.

Walk through Welsh history

Pembrokeshire has a wealth of history to learn about, and with that comes a lot of castles. Pembroke Castle itself is a good place to start. Dating to 1093, its formidable walls house a wealth of stories spanning 900 years, from the birth of the first Tudor King to a battle that changed the course of the English Civil War. That's not the only one however, Carew Castle with its interactive Horrid Histories talks, Ghost Tours, Open Air Theatre, and Knight School is eternally popular; Picton Castle, dating to 1280, has beautiful gardens; and then there's the dramatic Manorbier Castle - site of battles, power struggles and tales of smugglers - to name a few.

Heritage hotspots

History dates back thousands of years in Pembrokeshire, and the National Park is a treasure trove of opportunities to explore. Brimming with archaeological finds, the National Park Authority manages two important heritage sites which are open to the public – Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. Exhibitions at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre often feature ancient artefacts and items from Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales’ natural history collections. In addition, one of Wales’ most famous monuments is the Pentre Ifan burial chamber, dating back to the Neolithic era.

A creative community

Pembrokeshire is an opportunity to let your creative side out as well. A community of artisans from pottery to jewellery making, there are lots of things for artists at heart to enjoy. A particularly good idea to have in your back pocket for wet weather, towns and villages are rich in things to do. The Solva Woollen Mill, the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire, is definitely worth a visit, take part in Natural Dye Craft Courses, and visit Wolfscastle Pottery to throw your own pots or buy the ones made by the pros.

Spas and spa hotels in and around Pembrokeshire

Hospitality is an integral part of Pembrokeshire's personality, with hotels and spas close by providing the ideal accompaniment to the region's sites and attractions.