Pembrokeshire: Wales’ Coastline of Colour, Charm & Coastal Wonder
There’s a moment, usually halfway down the hill into Tenby, or when Saundersfoot harbour glimmers in the sun, where you realise Pembrokeshire isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. The kind that sneaks into your heart, sits down, pops its feet up, and says, “We’ll be staying a while, thanks.”
This little corner of West Wales has a gift for the spectacular. Wide sandy beaches, rugged coastal paths, pastel seaside towns, all wrapped in a warmth only the Welsh could master. It’s as if nature and friendliness shook hands here and agreed to overachieve.
Town by Town, Village by Village: A County Full of Characters
Take Tenby. A postcard brought to life. Pastel houses hugging the harbour, boats bobbing like contented ducks, and that glorious sweep of North Beach curling into the sea.
A short way along and Saundersfoot greets you, a village that somehow manages to feel both lively and leisurely. The waves lap gently, the restaurants bustle, and there’s always someone getting very excited about spotting a dolphin.
Then there’s St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, where grand cathedral meets cliff-top views. Narberth, with its boutique shops, Welsh cakes and irresistible “I only came for milk and now I own artisan cheese” charm. Pembroke, standing proud with its mighty castle, whispering history behind every stone. Solva, Newport, Manorbier, Angle, Carew, and so many more, each with its own gentle magic.
Every community in Pembrokeshire feels like it’s been lovingly hand-stitched. People here greet you like a neighbour, even if they’ve only known you for three minutes.
Beaches, Waves & That World-Famous Coastal Path
Oh, the beaches. If you haven’t stood on Barafundle Bay and thought, “Honestly, this could be the Mediterranean,” then book your holiday immediately.
From Freshwater West, dramatic and wild, to the sheltered sands of Broad Haven and the surfer’s delight at Whitesands, Pembrokeshire doesn’t do second-best where coastlines are concerned.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path winds its way along the cliffs like a ribbon tied around the county. Walk a little or walk a lot, either way, you’ll leave with cheeks glowing and a camera full of views so good you’ll question whether you need to take up landscape painting.
Adventure, Wildlife & That Bit of Welsh Magic
Coasteering? Absolutely.
Boat trips to see seals and puffins? Of course.
A gentle paddleboard at sunset? Perfect.
And for the brave, a winter dip. You’ll walk in confidently, emerge squeaking like a startled seagull, and feel fantastic afterwards. Eventually.
Then there are the castles, the gardens, the farms and wildlife parks. There’s always something to explore, discover or cheerfully bumble into while smiling at strangers, or friends, as they soon become.
Food That Hugs the Soul
Fresh seafood by the shore. A cosy pub fire on a rainy day. Ice cream along Tenby’s esplanade.
And Welsh cakes, always Welsh cakes.
Here, your meals come with something special. A view, a memory, a moment you’ll talk about weeks later. “Do you remember that crab sandwich in Saundersfoot?” Yes. Yes, you will.
Why Pembrokeshire Stays With You
It’s the warmth.
The colours.
The coastline that feels like it was designed by nature in a particularly generous mood.
It’s knowing you can come here and breathe.
Laugh.
Slow down.
And whether you’re visiting for a weekend or dreaming up a little cottage by the sea, Pembrokeshire has a way of saying:
“Croeso, welcome. You’re one of us now.”
Pack your walking shoes. Pack your appetite.
Most importantly, pack extra time.
Because leaving? That’s the hardest part.
