An unspoilt corner of south west Wales, Pembrokeshire has much to offer the family with its stunning sandy beaches, fun outdoor activities and huge choice of attractions. Nearly 200 miles long, almost all of Pembrokeshire’s spectacular shoreline is included within Britain’s only coastal National Park, while the county’s offshore islands are important wildlife reserves.
No part of Pembrokeshire is more than twelve miles from the sea. Atlantic sea breezes ensure some of the UK’s best surfing beaches can be found at Newgale and Whitesands, where surf shops and tuition are available for families. There are also several multi-activity centres such as TYF Adventure, Sealyham and Preseli Venture, which offer tuition for family groups and children. Exciting water and land based activities include sea kayaking, coasteering, surfing, mountain biking and high ropes.
For building sandcastles or simply relaxing, the many golden beaches are known for their high standards and cleanliness. Thirteen have the coveted Blue Flag; 31 are holders of Seaside Awards and 39 are recommended by the Marine Conservation Society.
Youngsters will also enjoy the thrilling boat trips around the islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm, Ramsey and Caldey, which offer a chance to see some rare and unusual birds from April to October. Huge super-pods with hundreds, even thousands, of common dolphin have been spotted in Cardigan Bay during the summer, while grey seal pups can be seen on isolated beaches between September and November.
Family Attractions
Pembrokeshire also has a great choice of excellent man-made family attractions such as the Heatherton Activity Park, near Tenby, which boasts a tree top adventure trail, and Battlefield LIVE where all ages can join in combat games using infra-red technology. The Flying Boat Centre in Pembroke’s historic dockyard features the story of RAF Sunderland T9044, which sank at its moorings during a gale in November 1940 and still lies 65ft down on the sea bed.
Other popular family attractions include the Iron Age hill fort at Castell Henllys; Pembroke Castle; Oakwood Theme Park with its white-knuckle rides, Folly Farm Adventure Park and the Manor House Wildlife Park, near Tenby, which has been developed by TV celebrity Anna Ryder Richardson of ‘Changing Rooms’ fame.
Suggestions for places to stay as well as activities and things to see and do can be found in the Pembrokeshire Holiday Guide available from www.visitpembrokeshire.com
Useful links:
Hotels in South Wales
Holiday cottages in South Wales
Tourist attractions in South Wales
