Outdoor activities in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire provides endless opportunity for outdoor adventure, whether you’re hoping to take to the water, get your adrenaline pumping or spend some time in the fresh air with the family on a dog-friendly Pembrokeshire beach. It’s a natural playground for those who like to embrace the elements and immerse themselves in the diverse environment, from taking on mountain trails on a bike to surfing the waves on secluded beaches.

Whatever it is you’re looking to do on your next coastal break, there are plenty of activities on offer, be it for a short weekend break in Pembrokeshire or longer! To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve rounded up some of the very best, including family-friendly activities, days out where you can get up close and personal with a range of wildlife, and adventures in the fresh sea air to restore mind, body and soul.

And, if you need somewhere to stay to make the most of the whole host of fun things to do in Pembrokeshire, simply click the button below to view our range of excellent holiday cottages close by.

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• Fun and games
• Animal encounters
• Walk this way
• Exhilarating adventures
• Take to the water
• Alfresco dining

Fun and games

Clerkenhill Adventure Farm and Frizbee Golf

Clerkenhill Adventure Farm and Frizbee Golf is the ideal day out for all the family. Activities on offer include an adventure castle, crazy golf, farm trails and plenty of animals to see. The frisbee golf course has 18 holes which will provide hours of competitive fun and a memorable day out for everyone.

The Dinosaur Park Tenby

The Dinosaur Park is located just outside Tenby and allows you to step back in time to when these terrible lizards roamed the earth. All ages will be kept amused by the rides and activities, dinosaur trail, outdoor playground and so much more. There is something new to see each year here, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Heatherton World of Activities

Heatherton Activity Park has enough things to do to keep you entertained for days! There are four zones, including the family fun zone where you’ll find bumper boats and giant jumping pillows, and the adrenaline zone which will get hearts racing with paintballing, a treetops trail and more.

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Animal encounters

Manor Wildlife Park

Manor Wildlife Park is a must-visit experience while on holiday in Pembrokeshire. You’ll find a plethora of animals such as majestic Sumatran tigers, red pandas, rhinos, gibbons and wallabies, among many others, as you explore the park.

Not only that, but you’ll be able to get up close to some of the gorgeous creatures which call the park home, as petting and feeding some species is allowed. The park is passionate about conservation and works with other zoos to establish breeding programs.

Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo

Folly Farm has always been a popular attraction in Pembrokeshire. There are zoo animals such as rhinos and giraffes here, as well as an 'experience' barn - complete with a cwtch corner - indoor fairground and lots of play areas and activities, such as the Follystone go-karting racetrack.

The farm even has a dedicated ‘look to the future’ team, who focus on making this attraction more environmentally friendly. They work with conservation partners and run the animal adoption scheme.

The Welsh Owl Garden

The Welsh Owl Garden is located in the beautiful bluebell woods at Picton Castle and Gardens. There are currently 26 species of owls and other exotic birds which call this place home. You will be able to see some of them flying in both a dedicated glade in the woodland, and on the lawn in front of the castle in the summer.

Throughout the winter, all the birds are trained to their new surroundings, so, although they won’t be putting on displays, you will likely be able to see how these magnificent birds and their handlers hone their skills.

Horse riding

There is no better way to see Pembrokeshire than from the back of a horse. You can see the Preseli Hills from a different angle with Crosswell Riding Stables, or head out for a bucket-list beach ride with  Marros Riding Centre.

Bowlings Riding School will enable you to get confident in a school before you head out on a hack in the lush, green countryside and woodlands.

Falconry

Learn about the care and training of magnificent birds of prey by attending a private experience with Pembrokeshire Falconry. You will be able to hold and fly the birds under expert supervision, which is a must-try experience for anyone who is interested in these majestic creatures.

Walk this way

Picton Castle and Gardens

Picton Castle and Gardens is a peaceful spot to visit. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is surrounded by a spectacular 40-acre RHS Partner Garden which is full of surprises.

The old walled garden is a beautiful ongoing restoration project. Not only does Picton offer the chance to wander around a lovely garden, but you’ll be able to see some stunning views of the Cleddau Estuary too.

Tours of the house are available, and events are held all year round within the house and grounds. There is a lovely café, Maria’s Courtyard Restaurant, with outdoor seating for refreshments.

Take a look at our full guide to Pembrokeshire's magnificent castles for even more inspiration. 

Walking

Walking is a fantastic exercise for everyone, and Pembrokeshire has some of Britain’s best coast and countryside walks. Get your boots on and make the most of the variety of walking opportunities – rolling hills, beautiful wooded valleys, estuaries and, of course, the 186-mile-long Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path encircles the entire county from Amroth in the south-east to Poppit in the north-west, all waiting to be explored. If you'd rather have a guided walk, Dragon Trails offer guided walking tours around pretty Pembrokeshire. 

Coastal foraging

Foraging is a fantastic and unique activity that will enable you to take in the tastes, smells, sounds and sights Pembrokeshire has to offer. Make sure you book with an experienced and recognised forager instead of heading out on your own, as they will know all the rules and regulations regarding foraging and the local area. They should also be first aid trained.

Most providers will assist you in cooking your natural pickings to turn them into delicious dishes too. Try foraging with Craig Evans at Coastal Foraging or Matthew Powell at Fishing and Foraging.

Llama and Alpaca trekking

Walk this way with an adorable furry friend! Pembrokeshire Llamas offer a range of llama related activities for the whole family! Their famous llama treks take you around a beautiful Pembrokeshire valley in a safe and fun environment.

Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking is a fun way to see some stunning countryside and is a sure-fire way to get the kids out and about in the fresh air. You will learn how to pet and handle the alpacas before taking them for their daily exercise. The experience will finish up by having a lovely brew and a Welsh cake.

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Exhilarating adventures

Coasteering

Coasteering is a thrilling way to see Pembrokeshire’s beautiful coastline. It combines jumping off cliffs, scramble climbing, adventure swimming and playing in rapids.

Coasteering was invented by TYF Adventure in St Davids and is suitable for those with lots of energy to burn! Get in touch with TYF, Celtic Quest, or one of the many other activity companies which offer this not-to-be-missed experience that gives you an opportunity to see the Pembrokeshire coastline from a totally unique vantage point.

Take a look at our full guide to coasteering Pembrokeshire to discover the best providers and places in Pembrokeshire for coasteering. 

St Davids cottages

Mountain biking

Both Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire have some fantastic mountain biking routes which will take you through scenic countryside and along fantastic coastlines.

There are hundreds of miles of bridleways, forest tracks and trails to be explored. The Preseli Mountains trail takes you past some ancient sites such as the Pentre Ifan burial chamber and offers some fantastic views of Pembrokeshire. Popular Canaston Woods has traffic free-trails, ideal for families as they are colour coded according to level of difficulty.

Additionally, the Brunel Trail takes you along bridleways, part of Brunel’s former railway line and quiet country lanes.

Preseli Hills cottages

Kite surfing and kite landboarding

Kite sports definitely need to be on this list of exhilarating adventures. Kite surfing and kite landboarding are the ultimate thrill-seeker’s activities, but there’s no problem if you’ve never tried either of them before. The Big Blue Experience offers lessons for those who’d like to learn or don’t have the equipment and are based at the beach in Newgale.

Newgale cottages

Paragliding

If you’ve got a head for heights, paragliding can be an unforgettable way of appreciating the astonishing Pembrokeshire coastline from above. Pembrokeshire Paragliding will help you take to the skies with full bespoke tuition, including taster days, tandem flights and full courses.

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Take to the water

Surfing

While Pembrokeshire may not be as famous as its South West counterparts of Devon and Cornwall, it more than holds its own for the variety of surf spots along the coastline. In fact, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has some of the finest Blue Flag surfing beaches anywhere in the UK. The different aspects and locations of the beaches create waves for all – from those who just want to bodyboard to professional surfers.

There are a number of excellent schools throughout the county that will help you to catch that first wave or assist in improving your technique if you’re a little more experienced. Outer Reef Surf School, Pembrokeshire Surf School and Newsurf are just a few of many companies offering surf lessons in Pembrokeshire.

Wild swimming

Swimming in the stunning blue waters off Pembrokeshire’s beaches is a truly magical activity. Many of the beaches have Blue Flag status and lifeguards which will give you peace of mind while you paddle, swim and play. Some beaches are more remote while others are embraced by quaint towns and villages so you can choose one to suit your needs. Poppit Sands is a particularly scenic beach with plenty of facilities nearby. Tenby has three beaches which are safe to swim from too.

Swim Pembrokeshire offers open-water swimming coaching, sea swimming excursions and more. They will help you to become confident and safe in the water and ensure you make the most of your coastal holiday.

Wild Swim Wales offer guided swimming experiences for all levels. From calm water adventurers to seasoned sea lovers and nervous newcomers, they can safely assist with your wild water adventures!

The Blue Tits are a social swim community offering year-round swimming adventures. Combing the best of land and sea with exhilarating sea swims and gentle scenic Pembrokeshire's Coast Path walks!

Paddleboarding and kayaking

If you’d rather be on the water than in it, try paddleboarding. It’s an enjoyable way to explore the coastline at a leisurely pace and offers quite a workout too. Paddleboarding can be a sociable activity (try a Megaboard for four to eight people) or a chance to get some fresh sea air while you enjoy some time alone.

If you’re looking to try a taster session or would like to have a guided SUP safari, check out Good Trails in Saundersfoot. Alternatively, you could hire kayaks from a number of locations including Celtic Sea Watersports.

Saundersfoot cottages

Rowing and kayaking

Take a leisurely row around the beautiful Pembroke Castle lake with rowing boat hire from Paddle West. They also offer exciting canoe trips on the River Cleddau.

Pembroke self-catering accommodation

Wakeboarding

Have a go at wakeboarding, indoor climbing, the ringo ride or the inflatable Aqua Park at Wild Lakes. This Pembrokeshire activity centre has been a great success since it opened and is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced wakeboarders. The Aqua Park is perfect for groups and families and offers a more unusual, fun activity to do while you’re on holiday. After all that activity, grab a refreshing bite to eat at Tipi Dining, an unforgettable and uniquely rustic dining area.

Narberth cottages

Boat trips

Take a boat trip along Pembrokeshire’s glorious coastline. You’ll have a fantastic view of the unique landscape as well as the gorgeous wildlife which calls the county home. Why not have a go at fishing or take a tour around some of Pembrokeshire’s islands?

There are lots of places you can launch from around the county including boat trips from Tenby Harbour for coastal cruises (where you will be able to bring aboard seriously tasty picnic hampers from Loafley Bakery). Head to seaside Saundersfoot for sea fishing, island exploration and wildlife snorkelling boat trips with The Celtic Explorer & Cariad Y Môr Charters. 

New Quay in Cardigan Bay is perfect for dolphin-watching trips with SeaMôr and New Quay Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips. Set off from St Justinian’s for wildlife trips around Ramsey and Grassholm Island or launch with Dale Sailing for trips around Skomer. Take in the full breadth of Fishguard bay, Goodwick Parrog and the dramatic Strumble Head lighthouse with a boat trip to Strumble Head from Fishguard with North Pembrokeshire Tours.

Coastal cottages in Pembrokeshire

Alfresco dining

Picnics

If you fancy a picnic on Tenby beach, then the ready-made picnic hampers from Loafley Bakery come highly recommended, as do those from Popty Bach. There are so many fantastic local food providers and farmers markets to choose from to enjoy a memorable picnic in beautiful surroundings.

Here is a list of our favourite Pembrokeshire picnic spots:

• Barafundle Bay
• Bosherston Lily Ponds
• Castle Hill, Tenby
• St Brides Haven Beach
• Broad Haven South Beach
• Druidston Haven Beach
• Carew Castle
• St David’s Cathedral
• Saundersfoot Beach

If alfresco isn't your style then take a look at our full guide to places to eat in Pembrokeshire where you can also enjoy amazing food and views be it outdoors on a waterfront terrace or indoors around a cosy log fire.  

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Stay with us in West Wales

If you’ve been inspired to explore the adventure playground that is Pembrokeshire, find a fantastic holiday cottage for a comfortable and cosy base to relax in after a day of conquering the local landscape. Soak in your very own Pembrokeshire cottage with a hot tub, discover romantic boltholes for couples’ breaks, explore dog-friendly Pembrokeshire cottages, and uncover large houses suitable for group get-togethers. Click the button below to browse our wide range of holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire and West Wales.

Pembrokeshire holiday cottages