Pembrokeshire - a guide to a cottage holiday in this Welsh County

Pembrokeshire offers tourists a superb opportunity to enjoy a splendidly varied and healthy holiday in unspoilt and picturesque surroundings. 

Pembrokeshire Coast

Much of the Pembrokeshire coastline is within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.  If you are fond of the coast, and who isn’t, then miles of coastal beauty is on offer.  Towering cliffs with views of offshore islands which are famed for their numbers of seabirds can be enjoyed by all.
Pembrokeshire has many unspoiled sandy beaches which are popular in the summer with holiday makers.  There are small sheltered beaches in coves such as Porth Melgam as well as 7 miles of sandy expanse in Pendine.

Mild weather

Much of the attraction of Pembrokeshire is its mild climate.  It’s clear blue skies are much appreciated by photographers and artists alike. That combined with its historical buildings such as castles  and fortresses that date back to Norman times.  There are a line of castles built to protect the south of wales in locations such as Haverfordwest, Wiston and Narberth.  Beautiful welsh towns that are ideal bases for any self catering cottage holiday.

Holiday Centres

The main holiday centres in Pembrokeshire are detailed below:

Tenby

Tenby – a major and popular holiday resort is set on the western side of Carmarthen Bay.  The welsh name for Tenby is Dynbych-y-Pysgod.  Tenby’s tourism history started in the 19th century when Seaside holidays started to become popular.  Tenby’s clean air and scenic beauty attracted visitors from all over.  In the 1950’s Tenby became a popular location for weekend breaks with the increase in coach tours targeting the area.  With the M4 motorway and improved rail links drastically shortening the travel time from London, Tenby and Pembrokeshire became a great holiday location.
There are 4 fine beaches in and around Tenby making it an ideal for a cottage holiday in Tenby.

Saundersfoot

Saundersfoot is located just 3 miles north of Tenby.  Saundersfoot is a much newer town evolving from a small fishing village in the 1780s.  Nestling inside the magnificent curve of Saundersfoot Bay offers much for the holiday visitor.
All 3 of the beaches in and around Sandersfoot are great for swimming and water based activities.  A mix of sandy beaches and rocks offers plenty for everyone.  Saundersfoot is a great coastal location for any cottage holiday.

Pembroke

The ancient town of Pembroke has become an excellent holiday location to explore South Wales.  Historically it was, as the name suggests, the county town but this later moved to Haverforwest. Its vibrant shops and ancient architecture makes it well worth a visit.  Its location and abundance of holiday accommodation including cottages, hotels and B&Bs makes it a popular choice.  If you stay there Pembroke Castle on the river side is well worth a look.

Haverfordwest

Haverfordwest is the county town of Pembrokeshire.  The old town is dominated by a 12th Century Castle which is built high up on the Rocks. Haverforwest has history going back to the 8th Century when Viking Pirates settled in the area of Haver Fjord.  Arguably Haverfordwest has some of the best shopping areas in Pembrokeshire making it a popular location for holidays.

Smaller holiday locations

There are plenty of smaller locations in Pembrokeshire which are ideal for holidays.
Amroth – a small and pleasant village with sandy beaches
Manorbrier – contains a pleasant beach which is popular with surfers
Broadhaven – with its good access to the coastal path for lovely walks
Angle – a delightful quiet remote village with a strong fishing history