Lush Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire South, West Wales
Pembrokeshire is found in West Wales and is a popular staycation for Brits so whether you’re on holiday or fancy a UK day trip, these are proper lush places to visit in Pembrokeshire South.
Pembrokeshire is a large county so while there are gorgeous spots right up the Pembrokeshire coast, this guide is focusing on the places to go in Pembrokeshire South including a birthplace of a King and not only one of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, but one of the best in the world!
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you, I may earn commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Contents
Contents (jump to)
Map of Pembrokeshire Places to Visit in South
This is Pembrokeshire on the map of Wales / UK.
All the markers on this map of Pembrokeshire South show where to visit in Pembrokeshire and as you can see they are all close to one another.
There are lots of options for staying overnight and most of these places include campsites in Pembrokeshire and some of the best caravan sites Pembrokeshire has to offer (I’ve stayed in multiple including Manorbier, Saundersfoot and Narberth).
How Far is Pembrokeshire South From…
You can use public transport to reach Pembrokeshire South by train or bus but the best way to explore these places in Pembrokeshire is by car.
- Cardiff to Pembrokeshire is roughly 97 miles and takes 2 hours by car
- Bristol to Pembrokeshire is around 135 miles and takes 2.5 hours by car
- Birmingham to Pembrokeshire is roughly 187 miles and takes 3.5 hours by car
- London to Pembrokeshire is almost 250 miles and takes 4.5 hours by car
- Manchester to Pembrokeshire is about 200 miles and takes 4.5 hours by car
The Best Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire South
1. Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot is the most easterly point on my list of Pembrokeshire places to visit in the South. It’s a small coastal town so you can get around by foot to explore the beach, boutique shops and some of the nicest seafood restaurants in Pembrokeshire.
Parking: I recommend parking at a car park called Coppett Hall and then taking a lovely stroll to Saundersfoot. This walk takes only about 10 minutes.
Staying in Saundersfoot: For some luxury why not try St Brides Spa Hotel looking over Saundersfoot harbour from its infinity pool and in Pembrokeshire National Park. As for a budget stay, try renting Ty Gwyn Holiday Home for a traditional West Wales stay.
Top Recommendations: Eat at Wisemans Bridge Inn overlooking the sea and walk from the pebble beach over to Saundersfoot after eating. Two lovely beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Tip: Bring change with you for parking around Pembrokeshire as most places take cash only!
2. Tenby – One of The Best Places in Pembrokeshire
One of the very best things to do in Pembrokeshire south is Tenby. It’s the pinnacle of places to visit in West Wales and a popular tourist destination for a UK staycation. You can explore part of the Pembrokeshire coast path, South Beach which is one of the best beaches in the UK, occasional food festivals, old central walls and the colourful houses surrounding the harbour.
Parking: I recommend parking in Tenby Multi-Storey Pay and Display Car Park if Tenby is one of your day trips as it’s the cheapest place to park in Tenby centre but remember to bring change. Before my driving days I used to get the train to Tenby from Cardiff and there’s one changeover train you need to catch (the UK’s public transportation is horrific, IMO).
Staying in Tenby: There’s a little B&B next to Tenby train station called White Rose Guesthouse which is perfect for 1 or 2 night stay and is where I have stayed twice so I can recommend the place (and the breakfast is lush too). If you want somewhere more upscale with a view of the ocean, go for No. 1 The Esplanade.
Top Recommendations: Take a boat trip out to Caldey Island which you can see from the mainland and is one of the best places to visit in Tenby. Beforehand, make sure you visit the smallest book shop down the gorgeous, cobbled lanes and get something classic to read on Caldey.
Tip: Nearby activities in Pembrokeshire include the theme park Oakwood, lodge resort Bluestone and Folly Farm.
Related Post: How to Spend a Weekend in Tenby and Saundersfoot
3. Manorbier
Manorbier is one of the good places to visit near Tenby and where I have stayed many times when on a staycation in West Wales. You can walk between Manorbier Castle and Manorbier Beach in about 15 minutes.
Staying in Manorbier: For local accommodation with pub grub, stay at Tudor Lodge or Castlemead which has both.
Top Recommendations: There’s the cutest farm/cafe/shop in Manorbier called Bubbleton and I highly recommend visiting, enjoying some lunch, buying local produce and feeding the farm animals that surround you! Also, up the road is a strawberry-picking farm.
Tip: Lots of these things to see in Pembrokeshire will have information about the surrounding areas so pick up a Pembrokeshire tourist map for Pembrokeshire tourist attractions.
Read Next: Tenby + Saundersfoot West Wales Weekend Stopping at Manorbier
4. Carew
Did you know Wales has the most castles per square capita in the world?! For one of the castles in Pembrokeshire South, try Carew Castle which is over 2000 years old. If you’re around on a Sunday make sure you visit Carew Market and car boot sale Pembrokeshire because it’s huge and you’ll definitely find some hidden treasures.
Top Recommendations: Learn about the ghosts of Carew Castle and see if you can brave it before checking out the only restored Tidal Mill in Wales.
Tip: After visiting Carew just 15 minutes inland is the perfect little Welsh town called Narberth and it’s the most independent place I’ve been to – all Welsh and local. Love it!
Related Post: Explore Narberth in West Wales
5. Neyland
During the Summer of 2020 I started an instalment called Seafood Sundays where me and my friend would find delicious seafood or fish to eat each week. One of my most favourite meals of the entire time was in a little docking place called Neyland.
Top Recommendation: I can’t tell you much about Neyland except advise you to visit The Alchemine which is part of Neyland Yacht Club and try their seafood pasta because wow! This place overlooking the harbour is one of the best places to eat in Pembrokeshire.
6. Pembroke Castle
Okay now this is an unmissable place to visit in Pembrokeshire because this grand ol’ castle was the birthplace of a King! Yes, back in the day Henry VII lived in Pembroke Castle in Pembroke Wales (Henry the eighth’s old man) and is the only Welsh-born British monarch! This has to be one of the most unknown facts about Pembrokeshire.
Parking in Pembroke: There’s parking right outside the castle, next to the river (bring your change) but for free parking go behind the pub called Watermans Arms and you can find some street parking.
Top Recommendations: Take a tour of Pembroke Castle and learn about its history and Henry VII’s reign during the 1400’s. Afterwards, stroll around and snap shots of the tranquil Pembroke River.
Tip: Pre-book your Pembroke Castle tickets before your trip. Also, visit when the place is less busy as I went on a Bank Holiday Sunday and I’d recommend avoiding on holidays like this.
Read Next: Holiday Dates in Wales: When to Visit
7. Freshwater East
A lovely beach in Pembrokeshire to visit is Freshwater East beach as part of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and on Wales Coast Path. The beach is perfect for dogs who love sand and sea.
Staying at Freshwater East: Right on the beach are lovely chalets, perfect for visiting places in Pembrokeshire South and enjoying the beach on you doorstep, book these Freshwater East Chalets.
Tip: There’s not a massive amount to do at Freshwater East so don’t plan your Pembrokeshire itinerary with a lot of time here.
8. Stackpole Estate – Places to Visit Pembrokeshire
Stackpole Estate is a large area of land in Pembrokeshire South that has been around since the Bronze Age (3000 years ago) and seen many owners over the centuries until 1976 when it became part of The National Trust Pembrokeshire and opened it, for the first time, to the public. There are lots of activities like kayaking, walking trails, world-renowned beaches, buildings and other things to see in Stackpole Estate so be sure to allow a few days of exploring.
Staying Near Stackpole: The closest places to stay in Stackpole would be between Barafundle Barns in Trewent and The Little Dairy in Pembroke. From either of these accommodations, you can easily explore Stackpole Estate (and the rest of Pembrokeshire South).
Top Recommendations: Some of the best walks in Wales let alone in walks in Pembrokeshire can be found on the Stackpole Estate so choose the right car park, find your route (and how long it takes) and enjoy the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Afterwards, have some lunch at Stackpole Inn.
Major Tip: If you join a National Trust Membership you can get free parking at many of the places in this Pembrokeshire itinerary as well as many more around the UK. The next two places also belong to the National Trust in Pembrokeshire.
9. Barafundle Bay
This is one of the best places to visit in Pembrokeshire if not the very best! Barafundle Bay is a secluded beach part of Stackpole Estate that is a bit of a mission to find. Nevertheless, Barafundle Bay is the gem of West Wales and somewhere you HAVE to visit in Pembrokeshire.
You know they say paradise costs? Well, I had to trudge through a cow field to get to paradise! It was well worth it though, the stunning views, the blue water and soft sand made for a perfect day out and is definitely one of the top Pembrokeshire places to visit.
10. Bosherston Lilly Ponds
Bosherston Lilly Ponds in Pembrokeshire is a lovely day trip for people of all ages and really easy to find as part of the Stackpole Estate.
Top Recommendation: On arrival at the car park, follow the path toward the Lilly Ponds walk. After just a few minutes you are on the path next to the lake with Bosherston Lilly Ponds beside you the entire walk. You can walk onwards from here to other parts of Stackpole Estate but the first 15 minutes of the Lilly ponds is the most scenic.
Parking: Parking is the usual costs around Pembrokeshire South and again, only coins are accepted. If you have a National Trust membership though, it’s free all-day parking.
Seeing the trees, the swans, walkways with leaved arches, Lilly pads and the low sun glistening, the lake reminded me of Disney fairytales! The pond is well lush.
Read Next: Welsh Sayings You Hear in South Wales
11. St Govan’s Chapel
Located on the Pembrokeshire coast is this little chapel in between cliffs that looks out onto the blue ocean and is great for snapping a picture of where a hermit once lived and became Saint Govan! This is definitely one of the more active places to see in Pembrokeshire so make sure you’re got it in you to climb steps.
Top Recommendation: Legend says that no matter how much you count, the amount of steps is never the same up or down so try it for one of the more unusual things to do in Pembrokeshire.
Tip: This was a place on my mad mission to find Barafundle Bay that was hard to find! Be sure you have the route in the Sat Nav while you have signal/wifi because I lost it out there and couldn’t get it back until I reached Bosherton.
12. Green Bridge of Wales
In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park you’ll find the natural arch forming out the water called The Green Bridge of Wales. It reminds me of the Twelve Apostles on Great Ocean Road in Australia with the limestone carvings. This is a great place to visit after the Lilly Ponds in Bosherton as it’s just a 10 minute drive away.
Tip: Like St Govan’s Chapel, Google Maps always gives you a strange route when going by the Sat Nav so be sure you’ve got the route ready before you lose signal or take a guide book:
13. Freshwater West
This gorgeous beach is the most westerly point on our Pembrokeshire map and well worth it on a visit to Pembrokeshire. Behind the quiet sandy beach are rolling, grassy hills you can explore, have a BBQ, enjoy a picnic or some sunbathing in this splendid part of Wales.
Parking: There’s free parking in the main car park of Freshwater West beach but if you keep driving through the rolling, green hills you’ll find more parking along the way.
Staying at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire: Your best bet for staying near Freshwater West is to stay in the chalets on Freshwater East beach. I spoke with tourists who raved about these chalets. Plus you can walk from East to West!
Top Recommendations: Get your lunch at Cafe Mor found in the main car park then go on the hunt to find Dobby’s Grave from Harry Potter!
Tip: There’s not much else going on besides following the coast path if you’re not a HP fan so when planning a Pembroke things to do itinerary, this spot won’t take a lot of time but if you are a HP fan, this will be one of your favourite days out in Pembrokeshire.
Related Post: How to Find Dobby’s Grave in Freshwater West
Of course, there’s more to West Wales than this list of things to see in Pembrokeshire South. You can visit places like St Davids Cathedral, Blue Lagoon in Aberediddy, Ramsey Island, Preseli Hills and Mountains, Strumble Head Lighthouse, Whitesands Bay, Solva, Broad Haven and Little Haven Pembrokeshire. But that’s another post for another day ;)!
Hope you’ve now got some great ideas for places to visit in Pembrokeshire South, thanks for reading!
More Posts About UK
- What is British Culture?
- 2 Days Exploring Barry Island, Wales
- An Afternoon in Bath, England
- 13 Things To Do in Cardiff, Wales
- A Weekend Itinerary for The Cotswolds
- Brecon Beacons Waterfalls: What Not to Do
- 12 Ways to Explore London
- Gavin & Stacey Ultimate Filming Location Guide
- Log Cabin Stay in Taunton, England
- What Can £30 Get You at Cardiff’s Street Food Event?
- How to Visit The V&A Museum in London
- 18 Things to Do in Penarth, Wales
- How to Find Dunraven Bay in South Wales
Like this Article? Please Share it!
Find places to stay in Pembrokeshire:
Booking.com
Pembrokeshire looks like such a fun and cute place to visit! I can definitely see why it would be a fav staycation of so many people!
I think more people are heading to Pembrokeshire for staycations and I don’t blame them.
I sometimes forget how much beautiful coastline Wales has. I love the look of some of these seaside towns and I’m a sucker for a good castle so I think I’d be quite happy expiring Pembrokeshire
Hi Emma. Before the pandemic, I forgot how much Wales has to offer for the holiday maker too.
wow! That tiny bookshop looks lovely!
It’s the smallest one I think I’ve been to but something always catches your eye (literally if you’re not careful) haha.
Oh my, how lovely is this! I want to see it all! This is going on my list. You had me at the boat trip to Caldey Island and stopping in on the smallest book shop! How cute is that sign and the gorgeous, cobbled lanes. Love it!
Isn’t it so cute Renee?! The book shop is so small you just have to go with whatever you can reach/ whatever is in your face haha!
This looks like such a lovely place to visit! The last time I was in the UK, I didn’t make it to Wales. Hopefully when this pandemic is over I’ll have the chance to visit this beautiful place!
Ahhh, where did you visit in the UK? Most people don’t have time for Wales but it’s honestly a beautiful and off-the-beaten path part of the UK. Let me know if you’re ever coming to visit!
I studied abroad in London but went to Ireland and Scotland. Because of time and money I never made it to wales but I wanted to! Wales looks amazing! I was planning on returning this year but because of Covid and changing restrictions for tourists I doubt I’ll make it back this year. Maybe next year!
Yes hopefully next year and the beauty is, wherever we all want to travel, we will get to one day. I have faith!
So glad you got Tenby in your post, I adore Tenby and find it not only cute with a great beach but also very historical. Pembroke Castle is a must visit and the views down from the walls are fab. Very informative article and appreciate the maps to help explain the sections. As you hint, its one of Wales’ best locations fir nature and history.. you have certainly done Pembrokeshire proud here!
Tenby is a gorgeous area and so popular with people from South Wales that whenever I’m there I see someone I know haha. Thanks for your lovely comment Barry.
I’ve never heard of Pembrokeshire and sadly never been to Wales, but it looks like a fun place to explore in nice weather! I love the old buildings and water views. Plus, you sold me on the seafood pasta at The Alchemine!
Hey Riana. Thanks for your comment. Not many people have heard of Pembrokeshire to be fair, it’s quite unknown. Oh yes, can’t wait for more West Wales seafood!