The Pembrokeshire Coast: Beaches, Islands, Puffins & the Coast Path

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park runs around almost the whole coast of Pembrokeshire, in the far south-west of Wales, and inland to the Preseli Hills. Established in 1952, it is the only National Park in the United Kingdom made up largely of coastal landscapes.

Why The Pembrokeshire Coast Is Special

This is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, a succession of golden coves, sea cliffs, islands and harbours, linked by a coast path that never strays far from the sea.

Its offshore islands are among the best places in Britain for seabirds, seals and dolphins.

The History of The Pembrokeshire Coast

The coast is rich in history. St Davids, the smallest city in the UK, grew up around the monastery of Wales's patron saint, and medieval castles guard Pembroke, Manorbier and Carew.

On the south coast, the tiny St Govan's Chapel is wedged into a cleft in the cliffs, reached by a flight of steps, and nearby Barafundle Bay, on the National Trust's Stackpole estate, is often named among the most beautiful beaches in Britain.

Inland, the Preseli Hills are famous as the source of the bluestones of Stonehenge.

What to See & the Best Walks at The Pembrokeshire Coast

Walk from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay and on to the lily ponds of Bosherston. Visit St Govan's Chapel (check access, as it lies near a military range).

Take a boat from Martin's Haven to Skomer Island in season to see the puffins, and walk the coast path around St Davids Head and Whitesands Bay.

Wildlife at The Pembrokeshire Coast

Skomer is famous for its puffins, from about April to July, and for its Manx shearwaters. Grey seals pup in the coves in autumn, and dolphins are often seen offshore. Please keep away from seal pups on the beaches.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near The Pembrokeshire Coast

See the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Skomer Island listings, and walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Our guides to Tenby and St Davids cover the two best-known towns.

Families enjoy Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo and Manor Wildlife Park, and Malthouse Antiques is in Narberth.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Through the Seasons

Spring brings wild flowers to the cliffs and puffins to Skomer. Summer is the season for beaches and boat trips. Autumn brings seal pups, and winter storms are dramatic on the headlands.

Getting to The Pembrokeshire Coast

Trains run from Swansea to Tenby, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest and Fishguard. Coastal buses serve the coast path in summer.

The Pembrokeshire Coast: Questions & Answers

When can you see puffins on Skomer?

From about April to July. Boats sail from Martin's Haven.

Is the Pembrokeshire Coast a National Park?

Yes. Established in 1952, it is the only National Park in the UK made up largely of coast.

Our Advice

Our advice: Combine Stackpole, Barafundle and St Govan's in one day, and book a Skomer boat early in puffin season.