Pembrokeshire is a big holiday destination and has plenty of places to visit, from historic castles and beautiful beaches to roller-coasters and dinosaurs! We're not planning on listing all of them but the following would be our top recommendations.
Tenby
Tenby is a very popular seaside town and a great day out with two large beaches, a harbour, shops and restaurants. The town can get busy in the summer and parking can be difficult so it’s best to go early. Dog restrictions apply to certain parts of the beaches between 1st May and 30th September.
Folly Farm is an adventure park and zoo and one of the most popular attractions in Pembrokeshire. It’s a great day out and there is plenty to keep you busy all day. If the weather is not too good they have lots of indoor activities including a large play area. They also have character days throughout the summer when the likes of Peppa Pig and Fireman Sam make a visit.
Dogs are not admitted.
This is the zoo owned by Anna Ryder Richardson of Changing-Rooms fame. They have made significant improvements to the zoo since buying it and the areas where you go into the enclosures and can feed the animals are particularly good fun. It is very family friendly with plenty of play and picnic areas.
Dogs are not admitted.
This is a great castle situated right in the centre of Pembroke. It was the birthplace of King Henry VII and is in great condition having been renovated over the years. It has lots of towers to explore and an underground cavern used since the Stone Age. There is a café that is open in the summer months and a large grassed central area that is great for picnics. It is also an inexpensive day out. They often have events such as re-enactment days and falconry.
Dogs on leads are admitted.
Carew Castle
Carew Castle is a Norman castle overlooking a mill pond. It is run by the National Trust and there is a busy calendar of events planned over the summer months. The ticket price includes entry to the nearby tidal mill which is the only restored tidal mill in Wales. There is a great circular walk around the castle and mill that is dog friendly.
Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot is a lovely small town just a short distance up the coast from Tenby. It has a small beach and a pretty harbour. There are some nice little gift shops and a handful of cafes and restaurants. The information centre located next to the beach hires out beach friendly wheelchairs. Dogs are not allowed on most of the beach from June through September.
The Dinosaur Park
The dinosaur park is ideal for younger children. Its main attraction is a dinosaur trail through the woods so it's best to go on a dry day. There is also an indoor and outdoor play area and a number of other activities such as mini golf, little ride on tractors and a tube slide. The park isn't very big but there is plenty to keep little ones occupied. They run activities thought the day such as stories and fossil hunts that are good fun. I would recommend taking a picnic as the food choice is limited. Dogs are not admitted.
This is a National Trust property with some beautiful walks. There is a tea room and shop and dogs are allowed in some areas. It's a good place for kids to get muddy and climb trees. There are often activity days and guided events.
Picton Castle is a unique building that is half medieval castle and half fortified manor house. The castle hosts two art galleries and the woodland gardens and grounds stretch for 40 acres. They have a children's play area and put on family days and events throughout the year. Dogs on leads are admitted.
St Davids is the smallest city in Britain but don't expect large shops and entertainment as it is in reality a small but attractive town. However the beautiful cathedral that gives St Davids its city status is well worth a visit. The cathedral has been an important place of pilgramage for hundreds of years, it is also known for its music and there are concerts throughout the year and a classical music festival at the end of May. Next to the cathedral stands the ruins of the medieval Bishops Palace.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
A short drive past the Castlemartin firing range (look out for tanks) takes you to Bosherston lily ponds. These are beautiful and well worth a visit. From the car park at Bosherston you can walk all the way to Broad Haven beach or you can walk a short distance to a rocky promentary overlooking the ponds and sit and enjoy the view. The paths are fairly flat and easy walking but there are some steps so there is only limited access for buggys and wheelchairs. Dogs are allowed around the lakes and on Broad Haven beach. The ponds are part of the Stackpole estate that is now owned by the National Trust. This means that there is a charge for parking but they do provide good toilet facilities and a picnic area. There is also a café on the main road just next to the car park.
Oakwood is Wales’ biggest theme park. It has a mixture of large rides and activities suitable for the younger or less brave at heart. It is fairly pricey but you can order reduced tickets with your Tesco vouchers. Dogs are not admitted but they do provide free kennels by the entrance.
Heatherton is an activity park where you pay for the activities individually, they have plenty to choose from including paintballing, go-karting, zorbing, archery and a treetops trail. If you are taking the family for the day it’s worth getting a family credit pass which saves you money on most of the activities.
Dogs are admitted.