Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire's coastal scenery makes it a popular area of Wales. Walkers flock to the 180 mile (290 km) long Pembrokeshire National Park Coast Path. It traverses a variety of terrain-dramatic clifftops, isolated sandy beaches, spectacular seascapes and wide-open views. The entire route includes 35,000 feet (10668 metres) of ascent and descent, quite a challenge for even the most experienced walkers.

Castle ruins and ancient burial sites offer fascinating historical architecture. Small villages and seaside towns dot the dramatic landscape. Many of the sheltered bays and inlets were once home to pirates, smugglers and ship wreckers. The offshore island of Skomer, a national nature reserve, offers sanctuary for birds.

The Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve, outside the village of Cilgerran, is a 265 acre (107ha) wildlife habitat There is a Visitor Centre with information panels. Trails lead to a spectacular gorge, water meadows, woodlands and the banks of the River Teifi. Over 130 species of birds, including the red kite, and over 20 mammals-otters, badgers, deer, water vole,water buffalo and others-call this area home.

Perched on the cliffside down a flight of stairs near one favourite pirate landing spot is a 6th century hermit's chapel, St Govan's. No one knows for sure why he came from Ireland to Pembrokeshire to preach and worship. The Church celebrated his life by marking March 26th as St. Govan's Day. The chapel was built by his followers.


The Preseli Hills section of the National Park provides far reaching views across to the sea. This area of high bleak hills was once the home of the ancient Celts. Today it is dotted with isolated farms and grazing sheep. One of the most spectacular megalithic monuments in the UK, Pentre Ifan, dominates a hilltop.

Tenby, popular since Victorian times, is a busy seaside resort with large sandy beaches and medieval walls. Here you can visit the 15th century Tudor Merchant's House, run by the National Trust. The house belonged to a middle class merchant. He would not only have lived in it with his family and servants but also conducted business from ground floor rooms. The town's museum, sited on Castle Hill by the beach, tells the history of the area.

Tenby’s 15th century St Mary's Parish Church is reputed to be the largest medieval church in Wales. It began as a rebuilding of an earlier church from the 13th century. There are several elaborate tombs and memorials inside. The plain tower is located on one side of the chancel.

From Tenby take a boat to Caldey Island, home to monks for over a thousand years.

Although the Benedictine monastery is closed to visitors, you can walk around the island and view a film on the abbey and visit the Parish Church of St David's. The ruins of an old church lie on the road to the lighthouse. There's a large "village" green with an assortment of touristy shops. The beach is safe for swimming.

13th century Carew Castle, set beside the tidal flats near Milford Haven, has extensive and scenic ruins. The remains of the castle include three towers, a chapel, a gatehouse, a north range, and Tudor windows. The castle was the site of the last medieval tournament in Wales.

In the grounds is Carew Cross, (used as the symbol of Cadw) that commemorates Maredydd, an 11th century ruler of the Kingdom of Deheubarth in southwest Wales. The 13 ft (4 metre) high cross is considered one of the three finest in Wales.

The 17th century Carew tidal mill, the only intact one in Wales, is one of only four in Britain. It is set within view of the castle. Water spills over a causeway at high tide, then gates would be opened to let the water out, turning the 16ft. (4.87 metres) wheel. Inside the mill is an interesting display and a recorded commentary explaining how the machinery worked. The mill ceased operation in 1937.

The rugged ruins of 13th century Cilgerran Castle stand on a high crag. There are fragments of an outer bailey, a curtain wall, a cross-wall, two round towers, a gate tower, and east and west towers. The castle was made famous as the subject of a painting by J.M. Turner.

The busy town of Pembroke is home to a large castle, medieval town walls, and the Museum of the Home, a privately run museum across from the castle. Over 3000 fascinating historical items are on display, including medieval lovespoons. The castle was built by Roger de Montgomery in 1093 and rebuilt by the Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal, in 1189-1219. Its large stone keep dominates the skyline. There are interesting displays on the history of the castle and the times in some of the rooms. After the town's surrender to Oliver Cromwell, the townspeople plundered the castle's stones to rebuild their own houses.

The lively hillside town of St. David's is famous for its St. David's Cathedral, considered Wales finest church. Next to the cathedral is the ruined Bishop's Palace built between 1328-47. It has an arcaded parapet and great hall porch with decorated corbels.

Fishguard was the scene of the last French invasion of British soil. On February 22, 1797, a small group of convicts landed nearby, proposing to conquer England. Legend states that they surrendered to a group of Welsh women dressed in black hats and red cloaks. A tapestry, completed in 1997, on display at St Mary's Church, tells the story.

The Scolton House, north of Haverfordwest, is an 1842 manor house of a country squire. There are 11 period rooms furnished in the period. A woodland centre, children’s play area, picnic area and a museum with artifacts relating to Pembrokeshire country life make for an interesting visit.

Follow a twisty, narrow country road to Strumble Head lighthouse on a rocky coastline. The 1908 lighthouse, situated at a site of special scientific interest, is on an islet connected to the mainland by a footbridge. It provides unrivaled views over the water and dramatic coastline.

The Stackpole Estate, owned by the National Trust and managed with the help of the Countryside Council for Wales, lies five miles south of Pembroke in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Much of the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one quarter is a National Nature Reserve. There is much of interest to see, and many walks on offer.