Pembrokeshire, the only specific coastal National Park in the United Kingdom. Nearly 250 square miles of sandy bays, stunning cliffs and inland are the rolling hills scattered with splendid preserved history. A pure escape to take in a beautiful corner of Britain.
The walled coastal town of Tenby has been a popular start for many to explore. It does not take a distance from here to reach views and dramatic experiences for on foot. Car parks are strewn along the coast for those on a tight schedule or wanting to see more. Getting out on foot for a few miles though will open your eyes to sights that some cannot believe are abound on the British coastline. Sea stacks rising out dramatically from the swirling sea or hidden sandy beaches that cannot be driven to and thus the reserve of the true beauty hunter.
Barafundle Bay is one in particular. A good miles lovely cliff walk from the nearest car park, golden sand, surf rolling in, with dunes and trees lining behind framing it in wonder. Or just a few miles away down the steps and onto the wide open sands of Broad haven Bay. These places whatever the season bring a perfect non commercialised escape with fresh air, sea and natural rocky sculptures. The coast goes on for over 180 miles, incredible!
Venturing inland does not disappoint either. Castles? You can lose count of them and then signs for more. History hunters can have a field day. Within the town of Pembroke sits the remains of it’s castle. The birthplace of Henry VII. But is so much older and of course a visit there will take you not just on fantastic views over the area but through the ups and downs of the history.
Castles and buildings from the passage of time here remain proud to be explored. Manorbier Castle hidden since Norman times with cliff and sea views, or Carew Castle by the water popular with walkers, mill historians and nature lovers alike. The list does not stop there of course. So many to explore.
During my visit one place summed up a lot of the intrigue of this area, St Govan’s Chapel. You can be wandering high up on the clifftops then suddenly, down below near where the sea crashes the rocks sit a little old stone chapel. Why is it there and how? Of course there are now steps leading down for a peek, but, the fascinating story of how it got there can raise more questions than answers.
Tranquil is very apt for a stay in this gorgeous landscape. And staying in history can add to the whole experience. Celtic Haven, not far from Tenby, is a cottage holiday experience not to be forgotten. Self Catering comfort in buildings dating back to the Norman period, brought up to a gorgeous standard whilst keeping the structure and look of the period. Tranquil at its best, cliff top views, golf course, spa, indoor swimming pool and plenty more to lose yourself in. Relax? You cannot help yourself.
If You would like to see more of Paul Steele’s ramblings both in Britain and around the world you can follow him on Twitter @paul_steele, his Blog BaldHiker, Huffington Post and more VisitBritain posts
Thank you for posting this, Paul. It caught my attention because of a little town in western Virginia near where I live. It is called Pembroke, and I have always wondered where the name originated. Perhaps it is Pembrokeshire!
Lovely post and I am adding this to my places to visit in the UK.
Hi Allen thanks very much. Yes the name is Celtic in origin. I can assure you a visit you would not regret
Many years since I was in Tenby but the surrounds look as beautiful as ever. Can’t resist a Welsh castle.
Tis a lovely area, yes an untouched area to be revisited for sure
Johanna,
Was wondering if you’ve explored your family history in the U.K.
and what you’ve come up with. I’ve done a bit of research.
Sharon
This is so beautiful!! Amazing how many wonderful things there are to explore in just a few miles. Stunning coast and that Chapel is truly amazing. Love it
Thx Cindy, yes and I only showed such a small percentage. Lots more to show and see.
One of my favourite parts of the country, truly world-class coastline, loads of history, castles, wildlife. Anyone who hasn’t been there, go!
Totally agree Vicky, thank you
Seeing these marvellous photographs brought back happy memories of my two years spent at R.N.A.S Brawdy, near St Davids, Pembrokeshire, when swimming from the wonderful beach at Newgale (depicted in your photographs) in St Bride’s Bay. The Duke of Edinburgh pub, in Newgale, was the first place I was able to drink draft Strongbow, back in 1965 – 1966.
In more recent times, before my first wife was tragically taken from me by cancer, whilst on holiday near the lovely town of Tenby, I returned to the site of R.N.A.S Brawdy to find that the airfield had been given over to agriculture and the Naval Air Station itself it had passed through the hands of the RAF, to end up as an outpost of the US Air Force having shrunk to 1/100th of its size when I was stationed there as an Armourer in the Fleet Air Arm. Still, I will always have the happy memories…
What happy memories, thank you for sharing Glyn
I recently stayed in the lovely town of Tenby in the fall. I saw the castle at Pembroke and other places of beauty. I hope to return again soon to walk the beautiful cliffs in Pembrokeshire.
Hi Ann, yes I will be returning often. Great cliff walks
What a wonderful part of England you have shared Paul. The history and geography are amazing. I am now planning a visit to England. What would be the best way to get around and explore these areas and more?
Hi Sandra, great to hear you want to visit our countryside. Would love to help you
Oh sacrilege !
Pembroke ist not in England, but in Wales !!!
As we have friends in Henllan, near Newcastle-Emlyn, we have visited Pembroke a couple of times. Beautiful region. I now miss the Gipsy Museum.
Love from rainy Zurich.
Sacrilage? Where do I say england?
Hello Zurich
Great coast. Can you continue uninterrupted ? i mean can you camp and continue along the 160 miles? We have walked the Camino de Santiago and are looking for along walk in the UK.
A great distance walk with cliffs and bays galore. As it is a national park wild camping could be difficult but I can assure you there are campsites all the way
I was there for 6 month in 1983 in a GB / German military camp near pembroke.
The country and the cost were very nice.The photographs remember me very well.
I met friends there and we still have a very good contact since 1983
i visited GB for more than 6 times and its allways good to be there.
Thank you for this.
Thanks Stefan, sounds like you have great memories
sounds great .. I”d love to go there
have you any adresses for simple guest house/B.B kind of cheap ones ?
thank you
best regards
isabelle from Bordeaux
Hi Isabelle, The place I mentioned in the post is very reasonable actually. But just a couple miles away is tenby and they have hundreds of guest houses
thx
Hi Paul, how wonderful it all sounds! I’m from The Netherlands but will be visiting Pembrokeshire this summer, staying in a holiday park near Tenby for two weeks. Lots to see and do, I read! Looking forward to it!
Yes Tenby is a wonderful base with lots of history and sights in itself too!
enjoy
Great to see photos of all these lovely places. I have spent many, many holidays in Pembrokeshire started to go in 1968 and my last holiday there was in 2003. Great coastline and wonderful people. I always staid in Dale. Hope to go there again one day.
Thanks for the lovely comment Karin, yes I will be back soon too!
I thought I had some nice pictures, but you have more.
Thanks paul
Hi Paul, where can I find information and maps about walking path in Pembrokeshire? I wish I will come sometimes for a trek. Greetings from Italy.
Hi Leonardo, There is lots of info here http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/ but I can assure you that wherever you stay they will have so much information with maps for you
Gorgeous pictures and writing. I wish I could’ve been there too! I’ll keep your recommendations in mind for my next trip to the UK
Thx so much. Yes you must experience it
Hi Paul
I spent a few days last September visiting alot of places along the coast and I hope I can come back this year. I loved Tenby.
Hi Kristi, yes there is so much more to come back and enjoy isn’t there?
A fantastic article about our wonderful county and some lovely photos to go with it. Barafundle is one of the best beaches in the area and it’s well worth the short walk to get to it
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has just celebrated its 60th anniversary and from May this year the Pembrokeshire Coast Path will link in to the Wales Coastal Path, the world’s first National Trail!
As lifetime locals, we strongly recommend visiting the area outside of peak periods, when the coast path and the narrow country lanes are quiet
Our holiday cottages are perfectly situated for exploring Pembrokeshire. We’re just a few miles outside Tenby in a peaceful countryside setting, a short walk from the village of St. Florence. If you’re looking for a 5-star-rated base (Visit Wales), please have a browse of our website!
Great pictures as always Paul. Can’t wait to visit Britain hopefully soon.
ooh this pulls the heart strings – I miss Pembrokeshire. a piece of me lives there. thanks!