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Pembrokeshire lies in the south west corner of Wales, in the U K. It is mainly a lowland area to the west of the mountains and is bounded by the sea on three sides. It has a rugged coast, sandy beaches and fair climate - mild and with a good sunshine record. The coastal rim along with the islands, the Preseli Hills and the upper Milford Haven Estuary form the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. |
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VARIETY
Pembrokeshire has a wide variety of things to see, do and experience -including landscape, beach type, microclimate and attractions, and provides a wide choice of interests and activities for visitors within a remarkably small area.
ISLANDS
The islands of Ramsey, Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm are important for wildlife,
including puffins, razorbills, chough, gannets, seals and an abundance of flowers,
especially in the springtime. You can visit the monk's island of Caldey with its shop and restaurant as there are regular sailings from Tenby. Smaller islands form reefs which are sites for marine
life and shipwrecks. The Skomer Marine Reserve is a haven for sub- tropical species while, beyond the islands you can join a sea safari and look out for sunfish, sharks, dolphins, porpoises, whales and other visitors.
THE
COAST
Around the Pembrokeshire coast are between 40 and 50 sandy beaches of all
shapes, sizes and colours. The county has the highest proportion of seaside awards in Britain. These beaches, along with rocky headlands and cliff
tops, are linked together by 180 miles of Long Distance Coast Path. Walking the path is a very popular activity with locals and visitors and there are coastal buses that can help you on your way.
MOORLANDS AND RIVERS
Away from the coast you can enjoy two other sectors of the National Park. In the
north are the open moorlands known as the Preseli Hills, with great views over the county and sometimes of North Wales, South West England and Southern Ireland. In complete
contrast, further south you can wend your way along the sheltered, wooded upper reaches of the Milford
Haven Waterway, a 20 mile stretch of "inland sea", with tree-lined tributaries flowing through the quiet, secluded countryside.
HISTORY
Throughout the county you can wander in and around many historic monuments such as Stone Age cromlechs,
Iron Age forts, Norman castles, St. David's cathedral, bishops' palaces, the
walled towns of Tenby and Pembroke, Britain's last invasion site at Fishguard,
and many 18th and 19th century fortifications built to guard Milford
harbour. There are also abandoned airfields and deserted quarries and mines, many of which are right on the coast.
CRAFTS
You will find a large number of arts and craft centres within the area. These
include traditional woollen mills, potteries, and the manufacture of glass,
candle, jewellery, wood, slate, metalwork and textile products. The landscape,
light and colour have inspired many artists to settle in the county and there
are numerous art galleries that you can visit.
ACTIVITIES
The great variation in land and coastal form, sea conditions
and climate results in a broad choice of outdoor activities that you can participate in over a long season,
including all types of water sports, diving, climbing, horse riding, biking,
walking, fishing etc., and there are many activity centres throughout the
county. Or you could take a pleasure flight by light plane or helicopter from a local airport and view the spectacular coastline.
ATTRACTIONS
If you want a change from the coast, you will find that Pembrokeshire also has numerous man-made attractions of all descriptions for
all weather conditions. These range from small units like craft workshops
and galleries, through adventure centres, mills, gardens and various animal, leisure
& sports-based parks, many with under-cover facilities, to the large theme park at Oakwood. You will be spoilt for choice.
WEATHER
Pembrokeshire has a mild climate and its annual
sunshine rate is one of the highest in the U.K. If you come in the spring you will be surprised at the colourful nature of the cliffs and hedgerows and the warmth of the sun at this time of year.
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