Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire: From Seaside Getaways to Rural Escapes

Encompassed by 300 kilometres of dazzling coastline, Pembrokeshire is the finest destination for a seaside holiday in Wales. Spanning the county's perimeter, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is home to countless beaches and spectacular natural beauty. The coastline may be its highlight, but head inland, and you’ll find sleepy villages and lively market towns nestled amongst idyllic countryside. One of the toughest decisions you’ll have to make is choosing where to stay in Pembrokeshire. Luckily, our travel experts at Plum Guide are here to help. We know the area like the back of our hand, so keep reading for our top ten Pembrokeshire picks.

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The pretty town of Tenby is one of Pembrokeshire’s most loved coastal escapes. Surrounded by an ancient stone wall, this charming town has something for everyone, from historic sights and sandy beaches to independent shops and restaurants serving up delicious dishes.

Begin your explorations at Tenby Harbour, where you can admire the pastel-coloured houses, take a boat trip to Caldey Island or simply unwind on the golden sands of Tenby Harbour Beach. For even more stretches of sand, check out Castle Beach, North Beach or South Beach – two of which have Blue Flags. Brush off the sand and wander through town, popping into the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, the Tudor Merchant’s House Museum, or take a walk up to the romantic ruins of Tenby Castle for views across the town. Want even better panoramas? At low tide, pad out to St. Catherine's Island and make the steep climb up to the hilltop fort – the views are stunning.

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Head inland to swap Pembrokeshire’s picturesque beaches for lush countryside. Set along the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the attractive market town of Narberth is a great place to stay for a mix of nature, shopping and foodie delights. The town centre is home to an eclectic collection of shops, be it antiques and fashion or homeware and artwork. When you get hungry, the town’s delis like Ultracomida and Wise Buys are stocked with gourmet bites. You’ll also find coffee shops, restaurants and pubs.

Narberth is a lovely holiday spot because the countryside is on your doorstep. Follow the many footpaths leading out from the town and wander through tranquil woodlands and along the banks of the Cleddau River.

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If castles are a priority on your itinerary, then the town of Pembroke is one of the top places to stay. The town’s impressive castle has stood on this spot since 1098, but was restored to its former glory in 1928. Today, it’s a popular attraction with fascinating exhibitions and events like re-enactments and falconry displays. Just a ten-minute drive away is Carew Castle, which also has a packed programme of family-friendly activities.

An alternative way to take in the views is via a rowing boat or canoe tour of the Cleddau estuary, where you can glide past Pembroke Castle and the town’s pretty houses – keep an eye out for herons, swans and moorhens. Take a break from sightseeing and relax on the idyllic Barafundle Beach, a wonderful spot with wide sands and calm, sheltered waters.

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Just a stone’s throw from Tenby is Saundersfoot, a small seaside resort perfect for families, couples or anyone looking for somewhere a little more low-key. It may be less known compared to its more popular sister, but Saundersfoot has a charm of its own. Most of your days here will be spent either on Saundersfoot Beach or Coppet Hall Beach, a Blue Flag-awarded shore a short walk away. The shallow waters are ideal for paddling, and the harbour has plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as opportunities for fishing and sightseeing trips along the stunning Pembrokeshire coast.

If you’re travelling with the kids and they do happen to get bored of the beach, there are several local attractions just a short drive away, such as Folly Farm, Heatherton Adventure Park and Tenby Dinosaur Park. Fancy a walk? Follow the coastal path from Saundersfoot towards Wisemans Bridge, passing through old railway tunnels along the way.

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To really get away from it all, head to Porthgain. A visit to this tiny hamlet is like stepping into a postcard with its verdant green hills and bright blue waters. It’s one of the quieter places on this list, with just a few restaurants and shops. Thanks to its gorgeous surroundings, it’s popular with walkers who can enjoy a variety of scenic rambles. One of our favourites is the walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Abereiddi Beach and back – the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi is a fantastic place for a swim. Porthgain is also popular with kayakers, and the harbour is a great launch pad for adventures along the coast.

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Looking for somewhere unique to stay in Pembrokeshire? How about Britain’s tiniest city? Thanks to its magnificent 12th-century cathedral, St Davids is the smallest city in Britain, despite being no larger than a village. The cathedral is one of Wales’ most iconic religious buildings, with its spectacular architecture and ornate interiors. On the opposite bank of the river is the Bishop’s Palace – dramatic Gothic ruins which host open-air theatre performances in the summer.

To get a feel for the city, wander down the High Street which is lined with galleries, boutiques, antique shops and coffee shops – we recommend The Bench ice cream parlour on hot summer days. Caerfai Beach is just a twenty-minute walk from the centre of St Davids, a small rocky cove tucked between soaring cliffs. For more outdoor activities in the area, take a boat trip to the offshore islands of Ramsey, Grassholm, Skomer and Skokholm to get up close and personal with wildlife like dolphins, whales and puffins.

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Perched on the banks of the River Teifi estuary where Pembrokeshire meets Ceredigion, the town of Cardigan is technically part of Ceredigion. However, it’s close enough to Pembrokeshire that we couldn’t resist putting it on the list. It’s well worth the visit, offering the best of ancient history and modern comforts. Looking out over the river is its 12th-century Norman castle, which hosts exciting music events in the summer. Stroll through the town centre and pop into the various vintage and antique shops, as well as the 19th-century Guildhall Market with its variety of independent traders selling local Welsh products.

A ten-minute drive from town is the Welsh Wildlife Centre, set on a hill with marvellous views of the town and river. There are plenty of activities for little ones, as well as nature trails which make the most of the blissful setting. On rainy days, the Theatre Mwldan has a packed schedule of drama, music, opera and visual art.

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When it comes to where to stay in Pembrokeshire for a peaceful coastal retreat, the town of Fishguard is our top choice. Set across two parts, the higher town is home to a collection of pubs and shops, while the lower town is where you’ll find the rather charming harbour and quayside. Soak up the scenery on a leisurely walk along the surrounding cliffs or through the Gwaun Valley.

Fishguard is also an ideal destination for culture vultures, hosting three festivals centred around folk music, classical music and jazz and blues. Catch a show at Theatr Gwaun, tap your feet to live music at the Royal Oak, or see what events are happening at the mini concert hall in the West Wales Art Centre.

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Not to be confused with Wales' other Newport (the country's third-largest city), this tiny town is a gem on the Pembrokeshire coast. Sure, it's small – there are really only two main streets – but the bustling atmosphere and scenic surroundings are a dream.

In the town centre, you can browse for antiques at The Carningli Centre, home to pre-loved books, furniture and pieces from local artists. Stroll down to the Parrog, the town's old port, where rowboats still bob in the harbour. Craving the sand between your toes? Just a bit further is Newport Sands (also called Traeth Mawr), a nearly mile-long beach stretching across the bay.

History buffs won't want to miss Newport's mythical countryside. First up is Carningli, a former volcano associated with St Brynach. According to legend, Brynach communicated with angels and animals here – today, skylarks, ravens and free-roaming sheep can be heard. Located in the Preseli Hills, Waun Mawn Standing Stones are believed to be the origin of Stonehenge's bluestones. Evidence also suggests that some parts of Stonehenge were originally built here, before being transported to Salisbury Plain. Pentre Ifan, just a ten-minute drive from town, is also worth a visit – it's a Neolithic burial chamber with one of the most complete stone dolmens in the world. The rolling scenery alone is worth the drive, even if you haven't brushed up on your New Stone Age history.

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The seaside village of Broad Haven is one of the more popular destinations in St Bride’s Bay. Its beach is its main draw, a huge expanse of sand bookended by cliffs at either end. Fringed with rock pools, the beach is made for ball games, sandcastle-building, sunbathing and watersports – Haven Sports near the seafront has all kinds of equipment such as surfboards, paddleboards and wetsuits. At low tide, you can even walk along the beach to the neighbouring village of Little Haven. When you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into some hearty food at the handful of pubs and cafes in the village – the Ocean Cafe is a lovely spot for a drink with a side of sea views.

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