
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
186 miles of dramatic coastline, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. A walker's paradise with charming villages and rich history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
186 miles of dramatic coastline, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. A walker's paradise with charming villages and rich history.
"The coastline easily matches any you might find abroad, offering peace, calm, and freedom."

🚶♀️ Walk the Coast Path
Explore sections of the 186-mile path for stunning views. Download offline maps!
🚗 Car is Key
A car is highly recommended for exploring the diverse areas of the park.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Entire coastline
186 miles of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming coves. A walker's paradise with breathtaking sea views.

St. Davids Cathedral
St. Davids
Magnificent medieval cathedral, a spiritual heart of the park and a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.

Barafundle Bay
Near Stackpole
Often cited as one of the UK's most beautiful beaches, accessible via a scenic coastal walk.

Tenby
South Pembrokeshire
A picturesque seaside town with colorful buildings, historic walls, and lovely beaches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Plan Your Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Coast Path
Explore sections of the 186-mile path for stunning views. Download offline maps!
🚗 Car is Key
A car is highly recommended for exploring the diverse areas of the park.
🌊 Beach Hopping
Visit gems like Barafundle Bay and Whitesands Beach for pristine sands.
📱 Patchy Signal
Be prepared for limited mobile reception in many areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Coast Path
Explore sections of the 186-mile path for stunning views. Download offline maps!
🚗 Car is Key
A car is highly recommended for exploring the diverse areas of the park.
🌊 Beach Hopping
Visit gems like Barafundle Bay and Whitesands Beach for pristine sands.
📱 Patchy Signal
Be prepared for limited mobile reception in many areas.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Coastal weather changes rapidly; layers and waterproofs are essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. The diverse landscapes, from dramatic cliffs to pristine beaches, offer a truly immersive outdoor experience. Some find the lack of constant entertainment and patchy mobile signal a drawback, but many see this as a positive, enhancing the sense of peace and escape.
"Absolutely stunning part of the country with so much beautiful scenery. We've really enjoyed exploring the section between Wooltack Point and St Justinian's. Some great walking, outstanding landscape and some really great places to eat. Obviously birdlife in abundance as well, I saw my first red-billed choughs today as well as plenty of stonechats and some redwings. Given the way that the starlings are gathering now I'd guess that you get some great murmurations here in winter.
Amazing dark skies at night too."
Matt Bunker
"If there is a place in Wales that scream for attention it the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. No good for people that require entertainment, constant or otherwise (or at times even a mobile connection), which in part is what makes it all the more enjoyable for those who simply revell in natute, and in outdoor pursuits. The coastline easily matches any you might find abroad, the only possible drawback being the 'warmth' of the crystal clear water, yet once submerged nothing quite compares. The heart of the park at least to my mind is St. Davids and it's magnificent cathedral, a vist should be on every self respecting hikers, bikers, cyclists, or petrol heads bucket list. The Higlands of Scotalnd (North of Inverness), and the Pembrokeshire Cost National Park, are two unspoiled places, in which I have found peace, calm, and freedom. From the Blue Lagoon to Whitesands Beach paradise surly couldnt be better formed."
William Jackson
"Freshwater East. Stunning clean beach with great coast path walks. Great food at Longhouse Jax. If your lucky and the guy in icecream van in car park stops talking you might get served. Had to walk away after waiting 5 min while he just talked. No way to run a business."
john
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is best accessed by car, offering flexibility to explore its diverse landscapes. Major routes include the A40. Train services run to towns like Haverfordwest and Tenby, but a car is recommended for onward travel within the park.
While public transport options exist, they can be limited, especially for reaching more remote coastal sections. Buses connect main towns, but services to smaller villages and trailheads may be infrequent.
A car is highly recommended for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park due to its sprawling nature and the desire to visit various beaches and viewpoints.
Some popular locations, like Tenby, may have park and ride facilities during peak season to alleviate congestion in town centers. Check local council websites for current information.
Yes, cycling is a great way to see the park, with designated cycle routes and quieter country lanes. However, some sections of the Coast Path are not suitable for cycling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is free to enter. You only pay for parking at specific car parks or for attractions within the park.
Generally, no tickets are needed for general access to the park or its beaches. However, for specific attractions or boat trips, advance booking might be advisable, especially during peak season.
The park is open 24/7, but visitor centers and specific attractions will have their own operating hours. Always check in advance for facilities you plan to use.
Yes, most car parks within the national park, especially those near popular beaches and trailheads, will have parking fees. These vary by location and season.
These passes typically cover specific properties or sites, not general access to national parks. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is free to enter, so these passes are not required for park access itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is the star, offering 186 miles of diverse scenery. Popular sections include those around St. Davids, Barafundle Bay, and the Marloes Peninsula.
Absolutely! The park is rich in birdlife, with opportunities to see seals, dolphins, and porpoises. St. Davids Head and Ramsey Island are excellent for birdwatching.
Watersports like kayaking, coasteering, and surfing are popular. Boat trips to islands like Skomer and Ramsey offer unique wildlife encounters.
Yes, many beaches have gentle slopes and calm waters, perfect for families. Shorter, accessible sections of the Coast Path are also available.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, waterproofs, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks. Binoculars are great for wildlife spotting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a range of options from traditional pubs and cafes in towns like Tenby and St. Davids to seafood restaurants and beachside eateries.
Most eateries are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan choices. It's always a good idea to check menus online or call ahead if you have specific dietary needs.
Yes, picnics are highly encouraged! There are numerous scenic spots along the coast path and on beaches perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
Look out for fresh seafood, Welsh lamb, and local cheeses. Many pubs offer hearty, traditional British fare.
Many coastal towns and villages boast restaurants and cafes with stunning sea views, particularly in areas like Tenby and along the main coastal road.
📸 📸 Photography
Dramatic cliffs like Stack Rocks, picturesque beaches such as Barafundle Bay, charming villages like Tenby, and the rugged coastline offer endless photographic opportunities.
Golden hours (sunrise and sunset) provide beautiful light for coastal landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant blues of the sea.
Drone usage is generally permitted but subject to regulations and responsible flying practices. Always check local bylaws and avoid disturbing wildlife or private property.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant wildlife. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions and long exposures.
Lookouts near St. Davids Head, the area around the Green Bridge of Wales, and various points along the Coast Path offer spectacular vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities can be spread out. Look for family-friendly pubs and cafes in towns like Tenby. The sheer open space and natural beauty provide endless opportunities for children to explore and burn energy.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Consider basing yourself in towns like St. Davids or Newport for access to different parts of the path. Many walkers recommend booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as popular spots fill up quickly.
🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Many visitors choose to hike specific sections of the path, tailoring their experience to their fitness levels and interests. Popular day hikes include the stretch around Barafundle Bay, known for its pristine sands, and the dramatic cliffs near Stack Rocks. For those seeking a more immersive experience, multi-day treks are common, with the full 15-day itinerary being a popular challenge.
Remember to check tide times if you plan to walk across beaches, and always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Downloading offline maps is highly recommended as mobile signal can be unreliable in remote areas.
Wildlife and Nature
The marine environment is equally rich. Seals are a common sight along the coast, and with luck, you might spot dolphins or porpoises playing in the waves. The park's commitment to conservation ensures these natural wonders can be enjoyed for generations to come. The dark skies at night are also a significant draw, offering incredible stargazing opportunities away from light pollution.
When exploring, always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Avoid disturbing nesting birds or seals, and follow any guidelines provided by local conservation bodies.
Charming Towns and Villages
St. Davids, the smallest city in the UK, is dominated by its magnificent cathedral and the ruins of the Bishop's Palace. It exudes a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere and is a key point of interest for many visitors. Other delightful villages include Solva, with its picturesque harbor, and Newport, a bustling market town with a rich maritime history.
These settlements provide excellent bases for exploring the park, offering amenities, accommodation, and a chance to soak up the local culture. They are perfect for a relaxed evening after a day of coastal adventures.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit