Local Attractions in Pembrokeshire
Tenby
Tenby is Pembrokeshire's main holiday resort, and its beaches reflect this. They provide plenty of facilities, are winners of various environmental awards, and are often crowded especially during the main holiday periods. North Beach consists of a sweep of golden sand, with occasional rocks, including the prominent Goscar Rock, dotting the beach. The harbour and castle are at the southern end of the beach which is well sheltered from the prevailing winds. Access to the beach is good, but parking close to North Beach especially during peak times can be difficult.
Tenby Harbour beach is small, picturesque and brightly coloured by the neat painted cottages and spectrum of summer sail, which gives it a magnetic attraction to all. To sit on the harbour wall watching fishermen cast their lines and the boats sailing to and from Caldey Island is a pleasurable way of whiling away the time.
Tenby Castle beach lies in the cove between Castle Hill and the East Cliff. At low tides it is possible to walk out to St. Catherine's Island, but people will need to take care that the tide does not cut them off. Castle beach is only a short walk from town but the slipway sports a café, hire facility, deck chair rental and toilets. The beach is patrolled by a Lifeguard between the hours of 10am and 6pm during the summer season and boat trips to Caldey Island run from the beach at low tide.
Tenby South beach consists of a mile long stretch of sand but it is much larger and quieter than Tenby North beach. It is also more exposed and therefore offers better conditions for those wishing to partake in watersports such as surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing. Tenby's south beach is a firm favourite with holidaymakers. The beach, which is backed by cliffs on which the town stands, offers unlimited views of Caldey Island which is inhabited by monks. Facilities are very good.
Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot is a large, south east facing beach of golden sand and is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in Pembrokeshire. Bathing here is generally safe, and Saundersfoot is very popular with families. Being a lively tourist beach, all the expected amenities can be found close to the beach, including shops, cafes and ice cream parlours. There is disabled access to the beach, with disabled toilet facilities nearby. Dog restrictions are in place between 1 May and 30 September, and lifeguards are on duty from the end of June to the end of September.
Caldey Island
Caldey Island lies cradled in the magnificent South Pembrokeshire coastline on the western fringes of Wales. It is one of Britain's Holy islands. The Cistercian monks of Caldey continue a tradition which began there in Celtic times - www.caldey-island.co.uk.
Amroth
Amroth is a charming coastal village where time seems to have stood still. The beach is punctuated by a series of groynes that help protect the village from winter storms and rough seas. This beach and village mark the easterly end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which winds its way for 186 miles past all the coves, beaches and cliffs.
Wisemans Bridge
Wisemans Bridge is wide and mostly sandy with some rocky stretches. Its claim to fame is that it was used in 1944 for rehearsals of the D-Day landings under the watchful eye of Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill himself. At low tide it is possible to walk to neighbouring Saundersfoot. Very limited parking which is in demand in busy summer months.
Colby Woodland Gardens
Colby Woodland Gardens is set in a hidden valley and is a charming garden with stunning displays of daffodils and bluebells in spring and one of the best collections of rhododendrons and azaleas in Wales, including magnificent summer hydrangeas. Gentle strolls and extensive walks lead through the estate, with plenty of seats enroute for the less energetic. There is much of interest for gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Oakwood Leisure Park
Oakwood Leisure Park is one of the UK's top ten theme parks and one of Wales' largest tourist attractions with over 400,000 visitors each year. Boasting over 40 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone, which includes the world-class white knuckle ride, Hydro, Europe's fastest and wettest water coaster, Megafobia, the acclaimed wooden rollercoaster; Vertigo, a 50m sky coaster and The Bounce, the UK's only shot and drop tower coaster. With rides for all the family you can be sure of a great day out - whatever the weather. www.oakwood-leisure.co.uk.
Folly Farm
Folly Farm is situated in the heart of Pembrokeshire and is one of the largest family attractions in Pembrokeshire and offers a host of fun activities from hundreds of friendly animals, an amazing vintage funfair, exotic children's zoo, shows, entertainment, refreshments and more. www.folly-farm.co.uk.
Blue Lagoon – Bluestone
Blue Lagoon is a place where carefree summers and cold winter nights come alive with breathtaking rides, rapid rivers and flumes, relaxing pools and special places
just for children. It‘s a fun-filled, sub-tropical water park that guarantees thrilling aqua-adventures.
Heatherton Leisure Park
Heatherton Leisure Park is an amazing day out for all the family. Located near Tenby, Pembrokeshire it features many activities, attractions and sports. www.heatherton.co.uk.
Manor House Wild Animal Park
Manor House Wild Animal Park is situated by the unique and beautiful coastal resort town of Tenby in the county of Pembrokeshire. The park is set in landscaped wooded grounds and floral gardens which surround the 18th century Manor House. The Park houses a collection of mammals, birds and reptiles throughout the 35 acre park. You can see zebras, camels, bison, antelope, reindeer, tapir and llamas wander in large enclosures with wallabies, mara, muntjac deer, ostrich, emus and rhea all too eager to greet any visitors walking around the paths. A tractor & trailer ride is available to take you around the large animal exhibits together with an educational commentary about the animals.
Carew Castle
Carew Castle and Mill is justly celebrated as one of the most magnificent castles of South Wales. Its position is low-lying, but still prominent in the flat land around the tidal reaches of the Carew River. The castle stands at the end of a ridge at a strategically excellent site commanding a crossing point of the still navigable river.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is situated within minutes of beaches and the breathtaking scenery of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This mighty fortress is the birthplace of Henry VII, father to the infamous Henry VIII and grandfather to Elizabeth I. Explore from the top of the lofty towers to the cavern deep beneath. A fascinating castle to visit with stunning exhibitions relating to the castle's history, that will captivate all ages. Enjoy a picnic in the beautifully kept grounds, or on the roof of St. Anne’s Bastion and take in the views along the estuary. A visit to Pembroke Castle is not complete without a stroll around its tranquil waterway setting, and then on into the medieval walled town of Pembroke with its old buildings many of them housing, restaurants and speciality shops. Events are held every weekend throughout the summer months - for more information see www.pembrokecastle.co.uk.