Pembrokeshire is one of my favourite places in Wales to visit. Not only is it totally stunning, but there’s also a heap of historic and dramatic spots to see all across (and just outside) Pembrokeshire itself. Now, with a pretty big area to cover, it can be a little mind-boggling when it comes to finding all the best places in Pembrokeshire to visit. This is exactly why I wanted to share my favourite spots.
Now, it’s likely you’ll be travelling around Pembrokeshire by car? And, to be honest, it’s probably the easiest way to navigate this area of Wales. Although there are limited train lines and rural bus links, they can be few and far between. This can be especially when looking to visit more isolated or countryside spots.
That being said, it’s kinda a benefit to exploring some of the best places in Pembrokeshire by car. This way, you’re totally travelling at your own pace but you can also include some gems that are perched just outside Pembrokshire itself.
That’s the thing about exploring the stunning spots in West Wales, you’ll be totally spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring.
Take a little gander, below, at some of my very favourite and best places in Pembrokeshire that I’m hoping you’ll love. Have the best time on your trip to Wales; and fingers crossed for some lovely, sunny, weather!
1.) St David’s
Being one of the smallest cities in all of the UK, St David’s is a perfect place to stop for a day trip whilst exploring Pembrokeshire.
Truth be told, the city is tiny but it packs a hunger punch when it comes to the incredible spots to see.
You see, right within St David’s itself is the cathedral, which has stood here for centuries and has been considered a holy spot since William the Conqueror visited almost 1,000 years ago.
It’s totally gorgeous and pretty imposing too. In fact, it towers over the rest of St David’s and is easily the tallest building in the city.
Once here, make sure to take a stroll around the grounds, head inside and see the renovated cloisters and stunning organ that sits proudly inside the cathedral itself. It’s got so much history that dates back almost 700 years.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Bishops Palace that’s right next door.
Afterwards, take a little wander around the city and stop off at the most gorgeous St David’s Bookshop that’s tiny and so quaint.
Also, if you get a rumbling tummy, stop off at The Bishops that serves up one of the tastiest pub lunches in the city.
Also, for a tasty evening meal, pop over to St Davids Gin & Kitchen that serves up some tasty seasonal dishes that are so good.
We loved it here! St David’s is easily one of the best places in Pembrokeshire that you can’t miss.
Read more: Best things to do in Wales
2.) Green Bridge
Perched on the south coast, around a 25-minute drive from Pembroke, the Green Bridge is a must-see if you love natural history. It’s one of those spots that’s almost hidden away but totally worth visiting, especially in the early evening.
Created by thousands of years of erosion, the Green Bridge is very similar to Durdle Door (in Dorset) and the, now collapsed, Azure Window in Malta.
In fact, the whole coastal route around the Green Bridge is so lovely, too. Just be sure not to venture too close to the cliff edge; it’s high!
Now, to get to the Green Bridge, you will need to drive through a Ministry of Defense area which has signs like ‘tank crossing’ and shooting ranges. Don’t worry though, this is a through-road that is public access (even if it does feel a little strange).
Also, just in case you need some guidance, this is the parking area we used to park up and walk the area around the Green Bridge, Elegug Stacks and the Cauldron. They’re all close by and really easy to visit for a few hours stroll.
Read more: Best places to see in South Wales
3.) Blue Lagoon
Perched on the Pembrokshire coastline, the Blue Lagoon is a lovely little stop to make when driving the coastal route. Nestled within Abereiddy, it’s an old slate mine that is connected to the seawater. The colour itself comes from the minerals in the Slate and is a lovely place to go for a dip.
Now, the lagoon itself can be very deep so make sure you know how to swim, wear wet-suits in the colder months and always tell people where you are.
After all, no one likes a reckless swimmer.
Also, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to pay around £4-5 to park on private land here. Which, although might seem steep for the area, is probably worth it if you really want to see the Blue Lagoon.
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4.) Saint Govan’s Chapel
Perched on the cliffs of St Govan’s Head, Saint Govan’s Chapel is one of the best places in Pembrokeshire to visit whilst on the coast. Not only that, but it’s also relatively easy to visit (by car) if you’re heading east from the Green Bridge and heading across to Tenby.
Now, although it’s relatively easy to access, there are a few steps to get to the ruined chapel. These can also get quite slippy on wetter days, so make sure to tread carefully.
Make sure to take in the views around the area, pop in the tiny little chapel and don’t forget to count the steps up and down. Local folklore states that there are actually more steps going up than going down. I’ll let you decide on that one!
Read more: Best places to see in West Wales
5.) Marloes Sands
Not too far from St Anne’s Head, Marloes Sands is a lovely coastline area to stroll if the tide is low. You see, at high-tide, the beach can totally disappear, so make sure to check local tide tables before visiting.
Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, pop over to Albion Sands where you might even see the shipwreck that still lies on the seabed (at low tide).
6.) Broadhaven Beach
Perched within Pembrokeshire National Park itself, Broadhaven Beach is one of the best places in Pembrokeshire to visit for a proper beach day.
You see, at low tide, Broadhaven Beach is totally huge with lots of sandy stretches to chill out and relax. Best of all, there’s a few car parks and lifeguards that patrol the beach in the summer months. After some time in the surf, pop into the Ocean Cafe and Bar that’ll fill ya up for sure.
Read more: Best places to visit on a Welsh road trip
7.) Whitesands Bay
Not too far from the city of St. David’s, it’s really easy to pair up a visit to Whitesands Bay whilst exploring this area of Pembrokeshire. Now, this is a totally stunning beach to visit and with its white sands and lovely waters, it’s a great place to spend a hot sunny day.
Better still, Whitesands Bay has won lots of awards for its epic beach and is a “Blue Flag Beach”, too.
8.) Laugharne Castle
Now, remember I said that some of the benefits of exploring Pembrokshire are that there are some places just outside the county limits? Well, Laugharne Castle is one of these spots!
Perched within Carmarthenshire, it’s a totally stunning ruin to see whilst travelling east beyond Pembrokshire itself. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to stop off at Dylan Thomas Writing Shed, too.
After exploring the village area, pop into the Owl & The Pussycat for a tasty bite to eat. They make the best homemade cottage pies.
9.) Tenby
Probably one of my favourite spots in all of Wales, Tenby is a stunning and historic fishing village that you can’t miss. It’s the kind of place you can spend a good few days strolling around, visiting the gorgeous beaches and popping over to Caldey Island, too.
You see, in the summer months, Caldey Island has regular day trips where you can visit the monastic island where they make some of the tastiest Welsh chocolate. It’s a lovely day trip and well worth it on a dry day.
Also, don’t forget to pop into some of the ice cream shops, little pubs and restaurants that line the streets. There are a fair few choices of places to gorge but, for me, nothing quite beats a bag of fish and chips on the seafront.
It’s one of the best places in Pembrokeshire to base yourself, especially when exploring the coastal route around the Green Bridge and Carew Castle, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Tenby
10.) Carew Castle
Speaking of Carew Castle, this is one easy places In Pembrokshire to explore when driving.
Around 15-minutes from the centre of Tenby, it’s a totally gorgeous ruin to visit around sunset when the hues hit the stone. Obviously, at this point, the castle will be closed, so if you want to take a little wander inside, make sure to visit earlier in the day.
Oh, and pop over to this car parking area for some lovely views across the water.
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11.) Strumble Head
Not too far from Fishguard, Strumble Head is a lovely coastline on the west of Wales that’s beautiful to visit. Not only are the views over to Strumble Head Lighthouse totally lovely but you might also see some of the local wildlife, too.
There are lots of seals and gannets that call this area home and you’ll easily spot them on a calm, sunny day.
After a day on the coast, pop back in the car and drive (20-minutes) down to Porthgain for a tasty meal at the Shed Bistro. They have some of the freshest fish. It’s so welcoming and quaint and one of the best places in Pembrokshire to stop for a bite when around Porthgain.
12.) Pembroke
Not to be confused with Pembrokeshire, Pembroke is a town that sits midway between Milford Haven and Tenby and really easy to stop off at whilst heading further west.
Pembroke Castle is a must-see when strolling the town and is steeped in history. In fact, it’s where King Henry VII was born. After taking in the grounds and remains of the castle, make sure to stroll around Mill Pond and stop by some of the little vintage shops and pubs that line the streets. It’s pretty lovely, especially for a few hours visit.
Read more: Best places to see in West Wales
13.) Tresaith Beach
Around 5-miles north of Pembrokshire, Tresaith Beach is a must-visit spot (even if it’s technically not in Pembrokshire itself).
You see, on a calm day, the beach is totally sandy and even has an incredible waterfall that jets out into the sea itself. It’s such a beautiful and quaint spot. Plus, you can stop by the Ship Inn for a pint afterwards.
Now, there is limited parking here, so just consider this if you’re visiting in the holiday season. It doesn’t get overly busy, but there’ like 20 spaces in total.
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14.) Penbryn Beach
Another spot, around 7-miles north of the boundary limit of Pembrokshire, Penbryn Beach is a totally gorgeous spot to visit for a beach day on the west coast.
Not only does it have a huge stretch of white sandy beach, but it’s also a great place to watch the sunset as it faces directly west.
Oh, and be sure to pop in the Plwmp Tart Cafe for a tasty lunch when you’re heading to the beach. It’s right next to the car park and you can’t miss it.
15.) Pentre Ifan
The largest and best-preserved neolithic dolmen in all of Wales, Pentre Ifan is pretty incredible to see. Built around 5,000 years ago, it’s even older than the likes of Stonehenge, too.
Once a burial chamber, it’s now really easy to visit if you’ve got a car and totally free, too. To get here, follow our drop-pin on Google Maps. There’s a little layby (with space for around 10 cars) and a small wooden gate that’s a little unassuming. Go through the gate and within a minute you’ll have reached Petre Ifan.
Now, you’ll likely only spend 15-minutes, or so, here but it’s well worth visiting if you love ancient history.
16.) Cwm-yr-Eglwys
Just shy of Dinas Cross, Cwm-yr-Eglwys is a tiny little place where you can see the historic remains of the church that has been lost to the sea. Not only that, but it’s also got a really intimate little beach and a perfect little bay for paddleboarding, too.
Afterwards, take a ride up to Newport that’s a lovely little village filled with independent cafes and little pubs. It’s also got the cutest antique shop called, the Carningli Centre. We loved it.
Read more: Best things to do in Wales
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