Holiday in Britain - Wales
Pembrokeshire
It was the original Celtic tribes of the Iberian Peninsula and France who migrated across the Atlantic Sea and settled in Pembrokeshire. Reminders of their early habitation can be found along the coastline which is dotted with Cromlechs, standing stones and circles. Even the famous bluestones at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain have their roots in this magical place having been transported there from the Preseli Mountains in north Pembrokeshire. This, then, is a place that is steeped in history and has more than its fair share of natural beauty too.
There are fourteen National Parks in Britain, but Pembrokeshire in South West Wales is the only one that is entirely, gloriously coastal. In fact there are so many outstanding beaches along this spectacular coastline of rugged headlands and beautiful bays – over 50 of every shape and size – that you could visit several different ones each day during your holiday without needing to leave this beautiful corner of England. Much of the land along the coastal path is owned and managed by the National Trust so it will be kept pristine and protected for all to enjoy to the full in perpetuity. Note also that no other county in Britain has more Blue Flag beaches or Seaside Award beaches than Pembrokeshire.
Whatever makes a day on the beach special for you, you’ll find it here. Adrenaline junkies can surf, kayak or kite surf whilst those wanting a more peaceful time can relax, sunbathe, build sandcastles, potter in the rock pools or, at several beaches watch the local sealife at play. Ceilbwr beach is great for porpoise-spotting whilst at Aber Bach, people have reported settling down in the sand to watch the seals playing and, if you believe in Celtic legends, this is also the spot where a farmer caught a mermaid. In Wales anything’s possible!
The Welsh also take the credit for having invented a new and completely different sport that combines the best of climbing and swimming. Coasteeing in wet suits and hard hats is not for the faint-hearted. Think climbing across, rather than up cliffs and, when you run out of places to go, you jump into the sea to start white water swimming.
Walkers and cyclists will also find plenty to amuse and challenge them in Pembrokeshire too as there are more than 600 miles of footpaths and bridleways to enjoy, both inland where you can admire the rich farmland and dramatic Preseli Hills or along the cliffs where you’ll share space with the ponies contentedly grazing there. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path twists and turns for 186 miles along a coastline that is famed for its magnificent bays and headlands, and there are plenty options to enjoy your walk, whether you choose to do a full hike, or a series of easy strolls. Along the way, following ancient Celtic Trails, you’ll see colonies of seabirds nesting, spot Norman Castles, quaint harbours and villages, beautiful wildflowers and, depending on the route you take you could end up with a view of St. David’s Cathedral in the distance. It’s the place from which St. Patrick made his journey to Ireland in the 5th century.
When you reach the stage of wanting a bit of city life, St David’s, Britain’s smallest city, is a good place to head for. The magnificent Cathedral of the same name dates back to the 12th century, although several older cathedrals were built before on the same site. Being so close to the sea, St David's was prone to Viking attacks and they destroyed several of the older buildings. Today, St Davids is a slightly old fashioned and charming place to while away a few hours.
From St. Davids, think about taking a boat ride to Ramsey Island which is an RSPB reserve just off the end of the St Davids peninsula. There's a 3½ mile trail round the island which is quite tricky in places, but for birdwatchers it a paradise. Ramsey Island is home to ravens, peregrines and buzzards. In spring, guillimots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and shags come to nest too and choughs also breed on the island’s cliffs.
Another delightful place to visit is Tenby a harbour town and seaside resort that has been a fashionable destination since the early 19th Century. In a hilltop position, it was originally settled as a Welsh stronghold before its Norman Castle was built. Part of the town walls still survive today, forming an entrance to the old town with its cobbled streets lined with elegant Georgian houses. Tenby has lots of cafes and restaurants as well as gift shops and pubs. The Tudor Merchant’s House, a late 15th Century town house and a reminder of Tenby’s trading days across the Bristol Channel and beyond to Ireland and Europe and also well worth a visit. From the harbour you can take a small boat and cruise to nearby Caldey Island in Carmarthen Bay to see its monastery and watch the birds nesting.
Pembrokeshire is not a place to visit if your idea of heaven is to have canned entertainment and fast food on tap. However, if you love big open spaces and wide, wide skies, stunning beaches and the chance to enjoy flora and fauna in abundance in its natural habitat, then visit soon.