Introduction
I am preparing information for my new website 'Come2Pembrokeshire.com'. While it is under construction I thought that it could be useful to make the information available here.
If you have any reviews, pictures or other activities and experiences that you would be willing to share please get in contact.
All this information is contained in a pack in the accommodation along with maps of the area.The text refers to leaflets that are also provided in the apartments. Most of the activities are in South Pembrokeshire.
Animal Fun . Art and Craft . Beaches . Beauty Spots . Castles and Heritage . Cycling . Family Fun . Fishing . Food and Drink . Gardens . Golf . Horseriding . Islands and Boat Trips . Motor Fun . Nature . Outdoor Adventure . Shopping . Towns and Villages . Walking .
Folly Farm – adventure park and zoo including bottlefeeding animals and traditional indoor fairground. (01834 812 731) – Begelly, Kilgetty, SA68 0XA
Clerkenhill Adventure Farm and Frizbee Golf Course (01437 751 227) – Slebech, Haverfordwest, SA62 4PE
Manor House Wildlife Park As featured on the BBC series ‘Wild Welsh Zoo’ with Anna Ryder Richardson (01646 651 201) – St Florence, Tenby, SA67 8DD
Silent World Aquarium and Reptile Collection - Aquarium with sea creatures from the Pembrokeshire coast and a collection of reptiles and amphibians from around the world (01834 844 498) – Slippery Back, Mayfield Drive, Narberth Road, Tenby, SA70 8HR
The Dragon Reptiles Experience – an exhibition of reptiles, insects, fish and amphibians (01646 685 363) – Pembroke Garden Village, Pembroke Dock, Cosherston, SA72 4SX
Pembrokeshire Falconry – private falconry experiences for individuals, families and groups of all ages (07833 921 421 or 01437 563321) – at Picton Castle, Blackpool Mill and Clerkenhill Adventure Farm
The Dinosaur Park – including dinosaur trail, adventure playground and indoor activity centre (01834 845 272) - Gumfreston, Tenby, SA70 8RB
Art and Craft in Pembrokeshire
Something about Pembrokeshire seems to attract artists and crafts people to settle here and much of their work is inspired by the sea and landscape.
Where to find Art and Craft in Pembrokeshire?
The Pembrokeshire Art and Craft Guide has a wealth of information about where to find local art and craft. Sections 2 and 3 are the closest to here.
The small town of Narberth has become something of a mecca for art and craft, but Pembroke, Tenby, St David’s and Haverfordwest also have studios, workshops, galleries and exhibitions where you can admire creative work and perhaps buy a piece to take back with you to remind you of your stay in Pembrokeshire.
Freshwater East has a resident potter and artists too such as Peter Martin and Rhoda Hodes.
Make your Own Pottery
If you feel like being creative yourselves, try making or decorating pottery at
- Pottery Shed in Pembroke or Tenby
- The Creative Cafe in Narberth
- Wolfcastle Pottery
Get Creative
Try an art workshop or go to the beach and create your own sand sculpture or piece of beach art out of sand, driftwood, seaweed, shells, pebbles etc.
Art classes/workshops include Annabel Greenhalgh (01834 831633) for pastels, Jean Duncan (01834 843531) for portrait art, traditional Chinese art and landscape art, and Adrian James (01646 621859) for water colours.
Pembrokeshire is renowned for its beautiful beaches and they are all different. Whether you want to explore rockpools, surf the waves, launch a boat, build sand castles or just relax there are great beaches waiting for you.
Pembrokeshire beaches were awarded 10 Blue Flags and 16 Green Coast Awards by Keep Wales Tidy - more than any other county in Wales!
Blue flag beaches include Tenby, Lydstep and Saundersfoot.
The Green Coast Award recognises rural beaches of highest environmental quality. Green Coast Award beaches in pembrokeshire include barafundle, Freshwater East, Manorbier and Broad Haven South.
The Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide 2009 identified 27 Pembrokeshire beaches with excellent water quality including Freshwater East, Manorbier, Barafundle, Swan Lake, Broad Haven South, and Freshwater West.
Barfundle Bay has been voted the most beautiful beach in Pembrokeshire and one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
So many! Here are two suggestions of beauty spots in Pembrokeshire.
Walk along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to get stunning views, for example 'The Green Bridge of Wales' probably the most spectacular natural arch in the UK.
Visit Bosherston Lily Ponds, a beautiful National Trust site with lots of wildlife including otters - with wheelchair accessible routes.
Castles and Heritage in Pembrokeshire
Carew Castle and Tidal Mill– this lovely spot has a Norman castle with Elizabethan conversion, an 11th Century Celtic Cross, a restored tidal mill, a 23 acre millpond, a causeway and picnic area. (01646 651 782) – Carew, Tenby, SA70 8SL
Lamphey Bishop’s Palace – a magnificent medieval palace where the bishops of St David’s would go for a country break. You can wander among the ruins and have a picnic in the palace grounds while you soak up the tranquil atmosphere. (01646 672 224)– Lamphey, Pembroke, SA71 5NT
Pembroke Castle – this large impressive Norman castle with well preserved walls and towers was the birthplace of King Henry VII. It was besieged by Cromwell in the Civil War and only fell after 7 weeks when the water supply was cut off. Excellent views from the top of the Keep. The large lawn in the centre of the castle is often used for displays and performances. Includes tableaux, a brass rubbing centre, a dungeon and a snack bar. (01646 684 585) – Pembroke, SA71 4LA
Manorbier Castle – a Norman castle in a splendid setting overlooking a beach. It was the birthplace of Gerald of Wales who described Manorbier in his renowned chronicles as ‘the pleasantest spot in Wales’. The castle includes large size wax figures, atmospheric music, beautiful gardens and a tea room, (01834 871394) – Manorbier, Tenby, SA70 7SY
St David’s Cathedral – a place of Christian pilgrimage, St David’s Cathedral was built in a hollow around the year 1200 on the site of a 6th century monastery founded by St David, the patron saint of Wales. (01437 720202) – The Close, St Davids, SA62 6RH
St Govan’s Chapel – Steep stone steps lead down to this tiny chapel nestled in the rocks. It dates from the thirteenth century and was built on the site of the cell of a sixth century Celtic monk. – St Govan’s Head, Nr Bosherston, SA71 5
Cycle along country lanes, woodland trails or traffic-free routes. try The Saundersfoot Tramway , The Brunel Trail , or Castle Dock Wood (Stackpole).
To hire bikes try Mikes Bikes in Haverfordwest
Heatherton Activity Park– enjoy lots of different sports and activities including Treetops Trail. Free admission just pay when you play. (01646 652 000) – St Florence, Tenby, SA70 8RJ
Oakwood Theme Park (01384 891 376) (01834 861 889) – Canaston Bridge, Narberth, SA67 8DE
Caneston Bowl – enjoy ten pin bowling and the Crystal Maze (01834 891 622) – Canaston Bridge, Narberth, SA67 8DD
Blue Lagoon – an indoor water park (01834 862 410) – Canaston Bridge, Narberth, SA67 8DE
Battlefield Live – a safe outdoor combat team game using gaming guns with infra-red (not paintball) (07777 671 301) – Amroth Road, Llanteg, SA67 8QJ
Ocean Commotion – a children’s indoor activity play centre for 0-2, 2-4, and 4-10 years (01834 845526) – Lower Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7HU
Kiddies Kingdom of Fun – indoor play centre for children 0-11 years 4’9” height restriction (01646 693 337) - Unit 5, London Road Shopping Mall, Kingswood Trading Estate, London Road, Pembroke Dock, SA72 4RS
Also look at the sections on Animal Fun, Outdoor Adventure Activities and Motorised Sport for many more fun activities.
At Tenby harbour there is information about mackerel fishing trips and a booking office. The fishing tackle is supplied and you can keep what you catch.
Pembrokeshire is famous for its Bass fishing and there are plenty of other species to be caught when sea fishing, game fishing and coarse fishing in Pembrokeshire.
Take a look in the Fishing Pembrokeshire guide for information on beach and rock fishing, charter boats, game fishing, coarse fishing, tackle shops and licences. The Guide is published by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Food and Drink in Pembrokeshire
Eating - Try local seasonal delicacies such as Welsh Lamb, Welsh Black Beef, fresh caught Bass, Lobster or Mackerel, Lava bread, Pembrokeshire New Potatoes or local grown vegetables in pubs, restaurants and cafes listed in the Pembrokeshire Food Guide .
Local Produce
Pembrokeshire has lots of local food producers, farm shops and farmers markets.
The Pembrokeshire Produce logo shows that food is local. There is a farm shop and fish shop at Milton.
Sections 2 and 3 of the Pembrokeshire Food Guide provide information on some of the places in this area where you can buy or eat local food.
Nearest Places to Eat Out.
In Freshwater East:
- The Longhouse (01646 672727) – on-site
- The Freshwater East Inn (01646-672828) – SA71 5LE
In Stackpole:
- The Stackpole Inn (01646 672 324) – SA71 5DF
- The Boat House Tearoom (01646 672058) – SA71 5DE
In Lamphey:
-
-
The Dial Inn (01646 672426)
- The Lantern (01646 672574) also does takeaway service
- Lamphey Hall Hotel 01646 672394
- Lamphey Court Hotel (01646 672273)
Drinking - There are so many good pubs to choose from in Pembrokeshire - waterside pubs with specatular views, pubs steeped in history, traditional country pubs and popular drinking venues in town.
Pubs
Here are some pubs in Pembrokshire that have made it into the "2010 Good Pub Guide":
Stackpole Inn at Stackpole - XVII Century Inn with restaurant and beautiful garden. Serves Double Dragon, Felinfoel Best Bitter, Reverend James and guest ales - 01646 672324 - recommended by the Good Pub Guide and others.
Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay - waterside rustic pub with Worthington and guest beer - 01646 651210 - recommended by the Good Pub Guide.
St Brides Inn at Little Haven - on Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Banks and Marstons Pedigree, pretty garden, bar meals - 01437 781266 - recommended by Good Pub Guide.
Carew Inn at Carew - food with reasonable prices, live music, beer garden, Worthington and Reverend James - 01646 651267 - recommended by the Good Pub Guide.
Jolly Sailor at Burton - waterside pub and restaurant with garden and dramatic views over Cleddau estuary, serves Speckled Hen and Bass - 01646 600378.
Old Point House Inn at Angle - XV Century waterside Inn with local food, Felinfoel and Double Dragon - can get cut off by the spring tides - 01646 641205
Dail Inn at Lamphey - Victorian pub with real ales and restaurant - 01646 672426
Ferry Inn at Pembroke Ferry - views over Cleddau estuary, Bass, Felinfoel Double Dragon and guest ale, food, terrace tables - 01646 682947
Amroth Arms at Amroth - by the beach, sea views from pavement tables, Felinfoel, Cambrian or Double Dragon, food in restaurant is reasonably priced - 01834 812480
Druidstone Hotel at Broad Haven - spectacular see views, live folk music, cask ales, attractive wild garden - 01437 781221
Swan at Little Haven - trendy seaside pub with sea views, restaurant Brains - 01437 781256
Castle at Little Haven - sea views, food, picnic tables in front, Marstons ales - 01437 781445
Sloop at Porthgain - Harbour pub, bar meals, Brains Rev James, Felinfoel Double Dragon and Greene King IPA - 01348 831449
Tafarn Sinc at Rosebush - this character pub is a reconditioned railway halt, a beer brewed for the pub and guest ale, basic food, garden - 01437 532214
Hope and Anchor at Tenby - cask ales, food, terrace tables - 01834 842131
Several pubs are accessible by train - Pembrokeshire Coast Real Ale Train Trail - or bus.
National Botanic Garden of Wales – including award winning largest single span glasshouse designed by Lord Foster, tropical house, double walled garden, Japanese garden, bee garden, plants for health exhibition, (01558 668 768) – Llanarthe, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG
Aberglasne Gardens – the restoration of Aberglasne, abandoned for 50 years, a remarkable project, including formal gardens & a unique indoor garden filled with exotics (01558 668 998) – Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8QH.
Picton Castle and Woodland Gardens – a stately home with 40 acres of woodlands & walled garden (01437 751326) -Rhos, Haverfordwest, SA62 4AS
Hilton Court Gardens and Craft Centre – 8 acres of woodland gardens, island beds and borders with unusual plants, water and ponds, wild areas, a stream and waterfall, sculpture trail, working pottery and photographic gallery celebrating Pembrokeshire (01437 710 262) Roch, Haverfordwest, SA62 6AE
Mencap Garden – Set up to work with people with learning disabilities to provide horticultural training and work experience. This 5 acre garden was the walled garden of the former Stackpole Court. Buy plants or vegetables or just stroll around the garden, admission free (01646 661 442) - Stackpole Estate, Stackpole, Pembroke, SA71 5DJ
Upton Castle Gardens – 35 acres of delightful grounds including a mature Arboretum, formal rose garden, herbaceous borders, Victorian walled garden and Medieval Chapel. (01646 689996) Upton Castle, Cosheston, SA72 4SE
Colby Woodland Garden – National Trust informal garden (01834 811 885) – Amroth, SA67 8PP
Golf clubs:
Tenby Golf Club at Tenby - Links 18 holes Par 70 length 6613 yards
Trefloyne Manor Golf Club at Penally, Tenby- Parkland 18 holes Par 71 length 6632 yards
Haverfordwest Golf Club at Haverfordwest - Parkland 18 holes Par 70 length 6005 yards
Priskilly Forest at Castlemorris, Haverfordwest- Parkland 9 holes Par 70 length 5900 yards
South Pembrokeshire Golf Club at Pembroke Dock - Parkland 18 holes Par 72 length 6158 yards
Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, at Rosemarket, Milford Haven - Parkland 9 Holes Par 73 length 6300 yards
Milford Haven Golf Club at Hubberston, Milford Haven - Parkland 18 holes Par 71 length 6035 yards
Mayfield Golf Club and Range at Freystrop, Haverfordwest - Woodland 9 holes Par 30 length 3120 yards
More Golf Courses.........
Heatherton World of Activities at St Florence, Tenby has a popular pitch and putt golf course - 18 hole, Par 63, drives averaging 125 yards, 18 acres, 15 sand traps, 2 lakes - and a 300 yard 12 bay driving range. For the children there is Pirates of the Caribbean Adventure Golf.
Herons Brook Golf and Fishing Retreat at Narberth has a short course - 18 holes, Par 64, length 3040 yards, 30 acres.
Marros Riding Centre – pony rides, treks for all levels, tuition, beach rides, combination sessions, hat and boot hire (01994 453 777) – Marros, Pendine, Carmarthenshire, SA33 4PN
Sycamore Ranch – USA Western style riding, trail rides and tuition (01437 541 298) – Llawhaden, Narberth, SA67 8DP
Beach Riding Nolton Stables – (01437 710 360) – Nolton, Haverfordwest SA62 3NW.
Dunes Riding Centre – (01834 891398) -Cott Lane, Martletwy, Narberth, SA67 8AB
Pembrokeshire Riding Centre - (01646 682513) Pennybridge Farm, Hundleton, Pembroke, SA71 5RD
Sea Cruises Tenby – Seal safaris (jet boat), Island Cruises (cruise boat) and Sail safaris (sailing yacht) around Caldey Island, St Margaret’s island bird reserve and Cathedral Caverns with seal and wild life spotting. Also evening cruises and private boat charters. (07980 864 509) – Booking Office, Castle Square, Tenby, SA70 7BN
Caldey Island – a short boat trip from Tenby harbour takes you to the monastic island of Caldey where there are pleasant walks, a beautiful beach, religious buildings, a post office, museum, tea gardens and the Abbey gift shop which sells shortbread, chocolate and perfume made on the island. There is an atmosphere of timeless peace away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. (01834 844 453) – tickets can be obtained from the Caldey Island Kiosk at Tenby Harbour, SA70 7BN.
Dale Sea Safari – safaris from Martin’s Haven (SA62 3BJ) or Dale Village (SA62 3RB) by rigid inflatable boat (RIB) around the wildlife islands of Skomer, Skockholm and Grassholm (0800 028 4090 or 01646 603 109)
Voyages of Discovery – Wildlife voyages to Ramsey and other North Pembrokeshire islands and offshore Whale and Dolphin watching using jet boats and traditional boats (0800 854 367) – booking office 1 High Street, St Davids, SA62 6SA, boats depart from St Justinians (SA62 6PY)
Venture Jet – New Zealand style water propelled jet powered RIB ventures around Ramsey Island, Grassholm island and the Smalls. Departures from Whitesands beach (SA62 6PS) or St Justinians (SA62 6PY). Both relaxing wildlife ventures and exhilarating fun ventures (you will get wet) are offered.
Thousand Island Expeditions/Wildlife Adventure Boat Trips – Exciting Jet Boat Trips and leisurely Cruises on a traditional boat to Ramsey Island and beyond. Some trips land on Ramsey island. This company has sole landing rights to Ramsey Island RSPB Nature Reserve. Whale and Dolphin Watching, water propelled jet boat trips and fishing trips also offered. (01437 721721) - Cross Square, St. Davids, SA62 6SL - boats depart from St Justinians (SA62 6PY)
Ramsey Island Cruises – sightseeing cruises around Grassholm and Ramsey islands by traditional cruise boat or faster RIB . Fishing trips also offered. (0800 028 6212 or 01437 721423) - 4 Winds Lower Moor, St David’s, SA62 6RP, SA62 6SL –boats depart from St Justinians (SA62 6PY)
Solva Boat Trips – coastal sightseeing, evening voyages and sea fishing trips between Ramsey and Skomer islands on a traditional 12 person vessel departing from Solva. (01437 720053) – Trinity Quay, The Harbour, Solva, SA62 6UT
Shearwater Safaris –provide trips to the islands by RIB of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm as well as Boat Trips which explore the inland Milford Haven waterway (Cleddau estuary) and trips to St. Ann's Head. (08081 445529 or 01646 602941) Departures and the booking office are at Neyland Marina, Neyland, SA62 3UQ
Aquaphobia Ramsey Island Power Boats–provide trips to Ramsey Island by RIB. The boat trips are one and a half hours including exhilarating high-speed sprints across open water and plenty of opportunity to see wildlife at very close quarters on the cliffs and in caves on the west side of Ramsey Island.
(01437 720471) Departures are from St Justinians (SA62 6PY). - Grove Hotel, High Street, St Davids, SA62 6SB
Big Blue Experience – provides Zap Cat tasters and river cruises. The Zap Cat taster is an adrenaline fuelled blast around the bay taking in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park from the sea. The manoeuvrability of the boats allows them to explore deep within caves and through narrow gullies (maximum 3 people). The river cruises take place on the wooded Cleddau Estuary which is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The landing craft takes a maximum of 12 people and due to its shallow draft, can access the creeks which lead to two good country pubs. (07816 169359) - c/o Newsurf, Newgale, Haverfordwest, SA62 6AS
Ritec Valley Quad Bikes - Trail riding and quad parks (01834 843 390) – Trefloyne Lane, Penally, Tenby, SA70 8NF
Carew Karting – Race 13 bhp Thunder Karts on 500m outdoor high speed tarmac circuit, for beginners or experts. Also Cadet Karts for 8-15 years, minimum height 1.35 metres (07974 540 689) – Carew Airfield, Sageston, SA70 8SY
BP Karting – Race BIZ karts on 280m indoor track. Junior karts, 8yrs+, with Honda 160 engines. Senior karts have Honda 200 engines. (01437 769 555) – County Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest SA62 4BP Note: restricted service during County Show week in mid August.
Wood Park Off Road – 4 X 4 and JCB driving experience, recreational and training days for adults. Off road junior taster sessions from age 13 with dual controlled vehicle.(01437 532 234) – new Moat, Clarbeston Road, SA63 4RD
Pembrokeshire Raceway – indoor 8 lane slot car racing track (01834 861 606) – Unit 10, West Wales Industrial Park, Redstone Road, Narberth, SA67 7ES
Pembrokeshire is renowned for its wild flowers in the hedgerows and along the coastal path. Visit Pembrokeshire's islandsto see Puffins and seals. Or take a Whale and Dolphin watching boat trip. Explore the Nature Reserves in Pembrokeshire including Stackpole and Freshwater East.
Outdoor Adventure in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is one of the best venues in the UK for surfing, sea cliff climbing, sea kayaking, kite surfing, diving and coasteering. Several businesses in the area provide outdoor activity sessions and equipment. Here is a selection:
Outer Reef Surf School (01646 680070 or 07769 903653) SURFING – usually Freshwater West or Manorbier beaches
Pembrokeshire Activity Centre (01646 622013) PADDLE SPORTS, CLIMBING and ABSEILING, COASTEERING, SURFING, SAILING – Princes Trust, Cleddau Reach, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UJ
Sealyham Activity Centre (01384 840763) PADDLE SPORTS, CLIMBING and ABSEILING, HIGH ROPES, COASTEERING, SURFING, SAILING, ARCHERY, ASSAULT COURSES, ORIENTEERING – Wolfcastle, Haverfordwest, SA62 5NF
TYF (01437 721 611) COASTEERING, PADDLE SPORTS, CLIMBING, SURFING – 1 High Street, St Davids, SA62 6SA
West Wales Windsurf and Sailing (01646 636 642) SAILING, WINDSURFING, SURFING, PADDLE SPORTS, POWER BOATING – Dale, Haverfordwest, SA62 3RB
Celtic Quest Coasteering (01384 873197) COASTEERING – sections of coastline throughout the county
Master Class Surf School (07972 532 917) SURFING – Pebbles cafe, Newgale Beach, Haverfordwest, SA62 6BD
Pembrokeshire Footsteps (07973 442 402 or 07791543688) WALKING – Pembroke
The Big Blue Experience (07816 169 359) STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING, KITE BOARDING, KITE SURFING, POWER KITING, POWER BOATING – Newgale, Haverfordwest, SA62 6AS
Walk on Water Sports (01834 811237) KITE SURFING, POWER KITING, KITE BOARDING - 1 Cambrian Terrace, Saunderfoot, SA69 9ER
Pembrokeshire has lots of unique shops, galleries, craft shops, specialist food shops, cottage industries, and shops with unusual and original gifts.
Discover thriving Farm Shops in the Countryside.
Shop in the market town of Narberth, the traditional seaside town of Tenby, the historic town of Pembroke, the small cathedral city of St Davids or the county town of Haverfordwest.
Visit the sunday market or car boot sales at Carew.
And there are many shopping outlets catering for outdoor activites.
Towns and Villages in Pembrokeshire
Tenby. This traditional seaside resort has medieval town walls, a harbour, colourful georgian architecture, gift shops, unspoilt beaches and plenty of places to eat.
Narberth, a quaint market town in the heart of Pembrokeshire with several exclusive boutique shops, cafes and art galleries.
Pembroke town has a well preserved Norman castle, millpond, shops, pubs and eating places.
St Davids is the smallest city in Britain with a 12th Century cathedral, narrow streets, Oriel y Parc landscape gallery and an Oceanarium.
Manorbier is a village with a Norman castle and Norman church, shop/post office and cafe. Manorbier was called the pleasantest spot in Wales,' by the famous 12th century chronicler, Gerard Cambrensis, better known as Gerald of Wales. Manorbier beach is popular for rock pooling and surfing and is overlooked by a Neolithic burial chamber.
The 186 miles of Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is a National Trail with stunning scenery. You can use the coastal bus to access different sections.
Here is a link to 200 shorter circular walks in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park including maps and information on public transport and accessibility. Some are suitable for wheelchairs.
A series of short walks from Pembrokeshire towns.
A series of walking leaflets by Planed for circular walks, long distance walks and "Walk and Ride" - walks linked to bus stops and train stations.
For Guided walks try walkalongway.com or take a guided Ghost Walk or Pirate Walk in Tenby.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Rangers offer informative guided walks in the National Park. Details are published in the Coast to Coast paper.
