Tourist Attractions in Pembrokeshire, Wales
Ancient Castles, St David’s Cathedral, Whale Watching and Beaches
May 8, 2009
Pembrokeshire, hidden at the Westernmost edge of Wales is one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Visitors to the county will be rewarded with fantastic scenery, medieval castles, monasteries and great wildlife.
Here are the county’s top 10 attractions.
Britain’s smallest city, St David’s was the birthplace of the patron saint of Wales and is home to the cathedral, which also bears his name. Visitors can see the Treasury, where religious items tell the tale of 1500 years of devotion at St David’s. Next to the wonderful cathedral with its intricately carved wooden ceiling, lies the ruined Bishop’s palace.
2. The Castles of Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has a number of fine castles, most built by the Normans in the 13th century and steeped in history. King Henry VII was born in Pembroke Castle and most have a long and bloody history as invaders tried to keep the unruly locals in check.
3. Dolphin and Whale Watching
The Atlantic waters around St David’s hold a rich and diverse range of wildlife. Boat trips on rigid hull inflatable boats take visitors out to the rarely visited offshore islands to view the seal and bird populations. Killer, (Orcas), minke and fin whales can be spotted depending on the time of years as well as basking sharks and various species of dolphin and porpoise.
4. Male Voice Choir Rehearsals
Wales is often described as the, ‘Land of Song’, and the sound of a Male Voice Choir instantly brings images of Wales to mind. Most villages, no matter what their size will have a choir, and most welcome visitors to their practices. The Pembroke and District choir practices in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evenings at 7:30.
5. Pembroke Coastal Walk
The 186 miles of the Pembroke Coastal walk is the perfect vehicle to demonstrate the diversity of the county. The walk takes in stunning cliff top views, outstanding beaches, Iron Age forts and medieval castles. Completely enclosed within the Pembrokeshire National Park, most of the walk takes hikers through conservation areas.
Oakwood theme park is the largest theme park in Wales. Visitors of all ages will love the rides and attractions like Hydro, Speed and Megaphobia the wooden roller coaster, rated amongst the best in the world! Looking for more genteel fun? The boating lake, mini golf and treetop coaster will fit the bill.
7. Pembrokeshire Falconry
Falconry experiences ranging from spotting birds of prey on hill walks to half day hands-on experiences are available. Visitors can learn how to handle the hawks and can fly them in woodland at two sites, Blackpool Mill and Clerkenhill Adventure Farm.
8. Bedd Arthur – Arthur’s Grave
The Prescelli hills, source of the bluestones used to build the inner circle of Stonehenge, are home to its own stone circle, Bedd Arthur. This area of Wales is immersed in the legend of King Arthur and this site is one of those believed to be his final resting place, Bedd being the Welsh for grave.
9. Tenby – Victorian Seaside Resort
One of the most attractive seaside resorts in Wales, Tenby used to be a fishing village. Boasting two beautiful beaches, the view of the North beach with its background of the lifeboat station and pastel coloured houses is one of the most photographed in Wales.
10. Caldey Island
Caldey Island is home to an order of Cistercian monks, who founded an abbey here in 1929. The current monks are maintaining a religious tradition on Caldey, which stretches back a thousand years. Visitors can take a boat trip to Caldey and view the medieval priory and St Illtyd’s church. Boats taking visitors to the island leave from Tenby Harbour steps, every half hour during the summer.
 |
