The southern extremities of the principality of Wales offer visitors some of the finest coastline and sea views to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom. The county town of Haverfordwest serves as a market town for the local area, and holds a strategic position at the tidal limits of the River Cleddau, with roads leading off to Fishguard, St David’s, Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven.
Things to do in Pembrokeshire and the South Tucked away in the southern corner of Wales, the county is home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in the UK, and one of three national parks within the principality. Hillwalking, mountaineering, golf and watersports are all popular leisure pursuits, and lovers of natural history will also find themselves spoilt by the amazing countryside habitats and coastal scenery.
Top Destinations
St Brides Bay – Forming part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and at the heart of Pembrokeshire, the Bay is known for the outstanding quality of its landscape, and much of it is designated as heritage coastline. The mouth of the Bay is approximately seven miles wide, extending a further 10 miles eastwards. To the north and the south the shores of the bay are mostly of a rocky nature, whilst in the east – the central stretch of the Bay – a series of sandy beaches welcome holidaymakers.
St Davids – Lying on the River Alun on the St David’s peninsula, at the western extremities of Wales, St David’s is the smallest city in Britain. Built around the 12th century St David’s Cathedral, burial place of the patron saint of Wales, and a place of devoted pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages, the city is also home to the fine ruins of St David’s Bishops Palace, which are situated directly next to the Cathedral buildings.
Whitesands Bay – The glory of Whitesands Bay lies just two miles to the west of St David’s, and it is now a particularly popular resort for all types of watersports. This fine, wide and sandy beach, within the larger reaches of St Brides Bay, has been described as the best surfing beach in Pembrokeshire, and, more notably, as one of the best tourist beaches anywhere in the world. At very low tides the remains of an ancient, submerged and petrified forest can be seen on the beach, with the stumps of hazel, oak, fir and birch clearly visible through the sands.
Pembroke Dock – Once a small fishing village, the town is of particular interest to military history enthusiasts. Pembroke Dock became a centre for naval shipbuilding following the Napoleonic Wars, when the Admiralty relocated its yards from Milford Haven. Military connections with the area continued during the Second World War, when the RAF made it the largest operational base for flying boats anywhere in the world. One of two sturdy Martello Towers is now open as a local museum, and there are plans for a new yacht marina. Nearby, the Pembroke Refinery is a main centre for local employment.
Tenby– A walled seaside town in the south-east of Pembrokeshire, Tenby offers visitors a delightful little harbour and holiday environment. Once an early Welsh stronghold, the construction of a Norman castle and walled town made Tenby a medieval settlement of some note. Situated at the start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, there are amazing views of Caldey Island; a plethora of colourful, painted buildings line the Tenby seafront, surrounding the harbour and leading off to the narrow, cobbled streets behind.
Mumbles– On the outskirts of Swansea, (the) Mumbles takes its name from the adjacent headland which stretches into Swansea Bay. Just beyond the town, nearby on the eastern side of the Gower Peninsula, the ruins of the 12th century Oystermouth Castle - the Gower Peninsula’s finest castle - have recently been subject to several phases of conservation work, including a £1m revamp, with a 30ft high glass bridge, giving access to the historic Alina’s Chapel, whilst also reinstating the spectacular views from the chapel across Swansea Bay.
Stackpole – Although the Palladian mansion - Stackpole Court - was demolished in 1963, the estate surrounding it has more than 20 miles of coastal, lakeside and woodland trails, including those around the Bosherston Lakes. Water fowl, fish and otters are frequently sighted, and many of the lakeside walks are accessible to wheelchair users.
Milford Haven – To the north side of the Milford Haven Waterway – a natural harbour that has been in use since medieval times – the town of Milford Haven is situated in an area of low-lying creeks, mudflats and wooded shoreline. With a long history in shipbuilding and fishing, the town has recently been remodelled with a watergarden and a new marina to entice visitors.
Llandrindod Wells – With its position in the heart of neighbouring Powys, Llandrindod Wells was once a fine example of a Victorian spa town. Although many of the ornate buildings survive, the town is now better known for being the home of the National Cycling Museum, the venue for an annual Victorian festival, and an ideally central location for all manner of political and business events.
Carmarthen – On the River Towy, eight miles from the river mouth in Carmarthen Bay, Carmarthen is said to be the oldest town in Wales. Links with the great Arthurian legend are sometimes made, and much work has recently been undertaken to rejuvenate the market area in the centre of the town.
Llanelli– To the north-west of Swansea, Llanelli is well-served for leisure activities, having three golf courses, a motorsports circuit and a new rugby stadium, as well as a National Hunt racecourse at nearby Ffos Las.
Forest View Cottage, Capel Gwynfe, near Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, Llandeilo
Cosy detached holiday cottage in 7½ acres of conservation area in the peaceful western side of the Brecon Beacon National Park now enjoying a world geosite status. 5 miles from Llangadog, 10 miles from Llandovery and ...
Situated in a private, secluded location with magnificent views of the famous Brecon Beacon Mountains (AONB), this bespoke detached farmhouse offers peace and tranquillity in abundance. This holiday property has been ...
Briar Bank, Dale, near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest
Briar Bank is perched on the banks of the Dale Estuary with panoramic views out over the Haven Waterway and countryside to the rear. This is an ideal getaway from which to experience this dramatic Pembrokeshire coastline. ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room. Kitchen. Computer games room. Shower room with toilet. First floor: 3 bedrooms: 2 double (one 5ft), (one 6ft zip and link, can be twin), 1 single. Bathroom with shower over bath and ...
All on ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen with beams. 3 bedrooms: 2 double, one with en-suite bathroom with shower over bath and toilet, 1 twin. Wet room with toilet. ...
Swallow Lodge, Mathry, near St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Set on the edge of Pembrokeshire’s National Park in the charming village of Mathry with its Welsh pub and tea room, these two traditional Pembrokeshire barns were originally built in 1650 and have been restored to a very ...
The Farmhouse, Trefaes Ganol, Glanrhyd, Moylegrove, Pembrokeshire
Situated in the Pembrokeshire National Park in some 200 acres of farmland, the Farmhouse dates from the 17th Century.
It has been restored to provide 4 star quality holiday accommodation.
Downstairs is a lounge, sitting ...
Situated in north Pembrokeshire, this traditional Welsh cottage has been renovated to provide comfortable holiday accommodation in the Village of Trefin.
The property is on a small country road and within walking distance ...
In an ideal spot for enjoying the northern Lake District, North Pennines and Eden Valley, 1 Gillbank Cottages is a well presented and comfortable end-terrace cottage, perfect for couples and families to spend time ...
2 Penrhiw, Abercych, near Newcastle Emlyn, Pembrokeshire, Preseli Hills
If a characterful property is on your bucket list, look no further than 2 Penrhiw. Nestled into the hillside of the picturesque Cych Valley, it enjoys commanding views over wooded valley and beyond to the rolling ...
Situated in the centre of Pembrey and attached to the owner’s guest house, conveniently located to explore all the local attractions. Great for walkers, cycling and outdoor activities. Just 1.5 miles from the Pembrey ...
Afallon Cottage, Manordeilo, near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
This detached holiday cottage is set within 4 acres of grounds which has views of Pen y Fan and the Brecon Beacons, adjacent to the owner’s home, with its own small, enclosed private garden. The National Botanical ...
Alices Cottage, near Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, Saundersfoot
Come and enjoy Alice’s Cottage, which lies in the rural and scenic hamlet of Sardis, just 10 minutes’ walk from the seaside. Thoughtfully furnished with a contemporary feel throughout, the cottage has a living room ...
Anchor Cottage, St Clears near Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, Laugharne and Llansteffan
Lying peacefully on the banks of the glistening River Taf, with 100 yards of tidal fishing available, and just a stones throw away from the historic town of Laugharne. This well presented detached holiday cottage provides ...
This wonderful barn conversion, nestled within the majestic Pembrokeshire countryside with distant sea views, is perfectly located for exploring all that this wonderful area has to offer. This semi-detached, single-storey ...
Millennium Quay is a development situated on the coastline. This first floor holiday apartment is furnished to a very good standard offering direct sea views just 50 metres away and a great base from which to enjoy the ...
Beatrice Cottage, Reynalton, near Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Narberth
Come and enjoy all this beautiful cottage has to offer, nestled within the quant hamlet of Reynalton and conveniently located around 20 minutes from the sublime golden sands at the coastal resort of Tenby. There is a ...
Discover these charming, traditional Welsh stone cottages (UKC559 and UKC560) which are nestled down a quiet country lane on the edge of the valley, and which overlook meadows and woodlands on the owners’ 5-acre ...
Bluebird, Pendine, near Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, Laugharne and Llansteffan
Bluebird is a first floor apartment for four guests, ideally placed for enjoying a beach holiday in this beautiful part of Wales, with enviable views out over Pendine Sands and towards Worms Head and the Gower Peninsula. ...
Bramble Cottage, Llanddeusant, near Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, Llandovery
For a relaxing and romantic holiday, look no further than Bramble Cottage. Situated across the yard from the owner’s home, on a small working farm, this converted detached cow barn offers a contemporary interior oozing ...
Briar Bank, Dale, near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest
Briar Bank is perched on the banks of the Dale Estuary with panoramic views out over the Haven Waterway and countryside to the rear. This is an ideal getaway from which to experience this dramatic Pembrokeshire coastline. ...
Bridge House, Resolven, near Neath, Glamorgan, Swansea
This lovely cottage, approximately 500 years old, has been tastefully renovated to provide comfortable holiday accommodation for up to four guests. The terraced cottage offers a master double bedroom, a twin bedroom and a ...
Only 2 miles from the nearest of many sandy beaches, these three very comfortable cottages have been converted from a 16th-century barn and nestle in 31 acres of the owner’s working farm/livery between Gower’s two ...
Bwthyn Bwlford, Johnston, near Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest
Delve into the delights of Bwthyn Bwlford hidden in beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside and centrally positioned to discover all that this area has to offer. This quaint stone built cottage, attached to the owner’s ...
Situated near the coastal town of Llanelli, this charming, semi-detached holiday cottage has been renovated to a good standard and is just a stone’s throw away from the idyllic shores of the Loughour Estuary and the ...
Bwthyn No 3, Gellifawr, near Newport, Pembrokeshire, Fishguard
Lying peacefully beneath the shadows of Mount Carningli (The Mount of Angels) in the iconic Pembrokeshire National Park, these traditional Welsh barns (refs 30144, 30145, 30146, 30147, 30148 and 30149) offer peace and ...
If you want a rural location with lots of wonderful wildlife, cows and sheep, then this is the place to be. Nestled on the owners’ 310-acres working farm, you can hear a pin drop at this location. This original ...
Situated in a truly magnificent position in Pembrokeshire’s iconic National Park, this spacious, ground floor holiday apartment is nestled in the heart of the charming coastal village of Penally, with its historic abbey ...
Campbell, Pendine, near Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, Laugharne and Llansteffan
Campbell is a first floor apartment for four guests, one of six apartments, it boasts its very own private hot tub, where you can relax and soak in the breathtaking views whilst enjoying a glass of wine. This executive ...
Nestling in the peaceful, unspoilt countryside of the Towy Valley and overlooked by the magnificent 12th-century Dinefwr Castle, these three semi-detached holiday cottages (30878, 30879 and 30880) occupy an idyllic rural ...
In picturesque countryside, within the heart of South Pembrokeshire, sits Carthouse Cottage, a luxury, two bed-roomed, self catering accommodation nestled in the 200 acres of Poyerston Farm and just a few miles from the ...
On-site facilities including swimming poolGround floor: Living/dining room. Kitchen. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. Steep, open-tread, open-sided stairs to first floor: 2 double bedrooms, one with en-suite, ...
Cedar Lodge is a comfortable two bedroomed semi-detached property situated in a quiet location, adjacent to the owner’s property, surrounded by fields and woodland. It is seven miles from Caldicot where you can visit the ...
Former chapel, stone built in 1867, now a very attractive quirky detached holiday cottage with much character, on a minor road junction in the village of Pontsticill, within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The property ...
Most attractively and tastefully decorated, this Grade II listed, detached holiday cottage is set in a large secure garden. Careful restoration has retained such details as the original wooden latch doors. Formerly the ...
Clydfan, Tegryn near Crymych, Pembrokeshire, Preseli Hills
Escape to Clydfan, hidden away along a rough track on the edge of a picture postcard valley and enjoying views over the quaint hamlet of Glogue near the borders of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This beautiful detached ...
Ground floor: Living room with double sofa bed and French doors/dining room/kitchen with French doors, beams and wooden floor. 1 double (5ft) bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. First floor ...
Coast View Cottage, Pendine,, Laugharne and Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire
Ground floor: Living/dining room with French doors/kitchen. Shower room with toilet. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin. Bathroom with toilet. ...
United Kingdom cottages
