An Epic Weekend in Pembrokeshire – 2-Day Itinerary
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Pembrokeshire in South West Wales is the perfect blend of sandy beaches and historic castles as well as calling itself home to the gorgeous Pembrokeshire Coast National Park!
There are so many things to do in Pembrokeshire, with over 50 beaches and 186 miles of magnificent and varied seashores, home to epic wildlife such as the Puffins on Skomer Island and the rugged limestone cliffs and sea stacks of Elegug!
We could have stayed so much longer.
But like many of us, we could only spare a weekend in Pembrokeshire and whilst it left us wanting more it’s certainly a reason to return in the future.
In this Pembrokeshire travel guide, you will find a 2-day Pembrokeshire Itinerary, the best places to visit in Pembrokeshire, where to stay in Pembrokeshire (including our recommendation on our favourite hotel in the area) and where to eat.
2-day Itinerary – How to Spend a Weekend in Pembrokeshire
Day One – Skomer Island to see the puffins
The Morning
We adore animals, so visiting Skomer Island in June was our main draw to spending a weekend in Pembrokeshire and exploring this beautiful coastline.
The cute puffin photographs on Instagram and various wildlife websites had been long admired, and we too wanted to experience being close to these beautiful creatures!
We booked our day tickets to visit Skomer Island on the main website, and due to the current restrictions at the time, they were working on a booking system where you could book tickets for a date and specific time slot.
It had been an arriving and waiting process in previous years but since then they have installed a system where you book a date and time to arrive.
Puffins can be spotted on the island from April until August, but the prime Puffin spotting time is between mid-June and mid-July.
It is at this time that the parents are busy to-ing and fro-ing with food for their chicks.
However, it is worth noting that one of the risks of placing all of your hopes and dreams on a puffin trip as part of your Pembrokeshire itinerary is that it is not uncommon for all boats to be cancelled to the island due to adverse weather.
And sadly, this happened to us,
We were disappointed, but as we knew the risks beforehand, we quickly got to work exploring other options on the Visit Pembrokeshire website and promptly drafted a backup plan on how to spend day one of our weekend in Pembrokeshire.
Next season, we still plan to visit Skomer, so watch this space for a detailed blog of us finally meeting and greeting the puffins!
⌚Opening Hours – Landings on the island operate from 29 March to 30th September, Tuesday to Sunday and depart between the hours of 10 am and 12 pm.
💰Cost of tickets – Tickets cost between GBP 30 and GBP 44 depending on the month you visit and full details can be found here
❓How to book – You can book your tickets on the Skomer Island website here
Day One – Manor Wildlife Park
The backup plan if your Skomer Island trip is cancelled
Since our long-awaited trip to Skomer Island was sadly cancelled due to adverse weather we were left wanting an animal fix and Manor Wildlife Park ticked all of the boxes.
Manor Wildlife Park is Wales’s only walking Safari Park and is home to various species of animals. It is a great backup plan for your Pembrokeshire itinerary If you suffer the same ill fate as us and your Skomer Island excursion is cancelled.
As avid animal lovers, we are always keen to research any animal attraction before visiting, and our draw to Manor Wildlife Park was their mission.
Its mission is to protect and secure endangered species ecosystems. Their conservation-led changes to the park, their strong commitments to ethical trading and education, and their ethos that animal welfare must be their top priority.
The highlight for us had to be hand-feeding the wallabies.
Despite arriving slightly later and the gorgeous Wallaby community seemingly feeling full or tired of the food they had been offered all morning, we found one hungry taker.
We loved being so close to them in their habitat, and the experience filled us with joy.
With a café and restaurant on-site for when you get hungry and so many animals to see, you will not get bored!
We even managed to watch a rhino have a bath in a pool from about 15 metres away! It was a close second in the highlights of the day!
Tickets do not need to be pre-booked and can be purchased at the door or you can book online here if you prefer to organise them in advance.
If you are an animal lover or you are travelling with kids then Manor Wildlife Park is a must for your weekend in Pembrokeshire.
⌚Opening Hours – Monday to Sunday 10 am-4 pm but can be subject to change so be sure to check out any updates on their website here
💰Cost of tickets – Tickets GBP 19.95 for adults and GBP 17.95 for children as of 2024
❓How to book – You can buy tickets at the door or purchase them online here
Day One – Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
The Afternoon
Carew Castles’s interesting history dates back over 2000 years and tells of kingmakers and knights.
Still owned by the Carew family but leased to Pembrokeshire National Park, a day trip here will fill you with awe and intrigue at the history it beholds.
Set over a stunning location overlooking a 20-acre millpond. The castle stands guard to the only restored tidal mill in Wales and an 11th Century Celtic cross.
Even if you have a bad weather day or a particularly cloudy day, then you can still enjoy this castle and take some lovely photographs as you wander around the grounds!
We are definitely lovers of historic castles after having explored so many on our month-long road trip to Scotland, so visiting Carew Castle was high on our bucket list.
We spent a couple of hours here, but you could easily spend a day exploring the various walkways and buildings.
We coupled with, of course, time spent drinking tea and eating cake in the on-site tea room.
⌚Opening Hours – They change throughout the year but roughly between 10-11 am to 3 pm-4 pm. Be sure to check the current opening times here
💰Cost of tickets – Tickets cost GBP 6 for adults and GBP 4 for children
❓How to book – You can purchase tickets at the door
Day One – Elegug Stacks / Stack Rocks
Evening to watch the sunset
Elegug Stacks was the location that gave us our bird fix!
A breathtaking scene.
Elegug stacks, also named Stack Rocks, are situated to the east of the Green Bridge in Wales and are two large limestone rocks that rise majestically off the mainland.
We adore visiting and photographing coastal scenes in the UK with Dorset and Cornwall being a few of our favourites. But Elegug Stacks in South Wales hits the top spot for a dramatic landscape!
They are home to many guillemots and razorbills who squash themselves on the rocks during Springtime as they raise their chicks in preparation for flying ‘the nest’ in June or July.
The noise is something to write about in itself. During the spring, you will struggle even to hear the waves crash for the sounds of these colonies of birds chatting and squawking as they fly around busily, tending to their chicks.
An absolutely beautiful spot for walkers, bird watchers and photographers alike, this is one place not to be missed and one was our favourite things during our weekend in Pembrokeshire.
Location & Visiting Tips
- There is ample parking which can be found here in the Stacks Rock free car park
- This is a great spot to bring some snacks such as cheese and crackers and watching the sun go down is such a great addition to any Pembrokeshire itinerary! Don’t forget your camera!
- If you are visiting for photography then be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset as this is the best time of day to take amazing pictures.
Day Two – Explore St Davids City & St Davids Cathedral
The Morning
St Davids is not only Britain’s smallest city but it is also packed with history and some to the 12th century St Davids Cathedral.
St David was a Welsh bishop of Mynyw during the 6th century, and he is the patron of Wales.
And since Steffan is a Welsh man and I was keen to learn more about this famous patron’s history, we decided to pay homage by visiting this famous Welsh City and its grand Cathedral.
The Cathedral, also known in Welsh as Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi, is situated in St David’s. It was founded in AD 589 by St David and consecrated in 1131.
Steeped in history and tales of how this epic Cathedral has withstood the test of time and war, there is much to explore and learn as you wander around these sacred grounds.
Nowhere in Britain is there a more ancient Cathedral settlement.
The Cathedral was grand and imposing, as you might expect, and you could easily spend half a day here wandering around soaking in the history and craftsmanship that designed such a building.
St David’s in Pembrokeshire is a traditional holiday city and is worth spending some time in after exploring the Cathedral.
From ice cream shops to souvenirs and friendly restaurants, St David’s has it all.
⌚Opening Hours – 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday and 1 pm-3 pm on Sunday
💰Cost of tickets – Admission is free but it is suggested on their website to make a donation of GBP 5 per person to help support the upkeep of the church and grounds
❓How to book – Individual visitors do not need to book but tours must be booked in advance.
Day Two – Surfing or Canyoneering!
The Afternoon
If you are feeling a little more energetic or adventurous, there are so many activities to choose from across the Pembrokeshire coastline!
From coasteering to sea kayaking and surfing, Preseli Venture guarantees an adventurous, fun-filled experience whilst visiting this stunning spot in Wales!
We had a surfing lesson booked, which we apprehensively yet excitedly awaited.
However, the weather was not on our side as this too was cancelled due to adverse weather.
We were offered a Coasteering experience instead but politely declined since I had been advised recently not to do anything too adventurous after managing to develop inflammation in my chest muscles (It always happens to me).
But we agreed to come back soon when we rebooked our Skomer Island trip.
That said, if you are looking for a reputable company in Pembrokeshire with a friendly team to boot, Preseli Adventure is your best choice.
A long-established adventure company providing sustainable adventure activities, we found them friendly, helpful, and professional and cannot wait to rebook in the distant future!
Booking Information
Preseli offers a wide range of activities from surfing to kayaking and hiking. Including full-day adventures and shorter morning or afternoon tours.
If you have spare time after ticking off all of the listed activities on your Pembrokeshire itinerary, here are some more epic things to do In Pembrokeshire for you to explore!
1. Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is a medieval castle in the middle of Pembrokeshire. easily accessible and there is no requirement to book tickets in advance so you can always head here last minute! There is also a restaurant on-site to get a bite to eat.
Tickets are GBP 9 for adults and GBP 7 for children and seniors and opening hours vary throughout the year but can be found listed here.
2. Walk some of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path spans 186 miles so you may only get to see a short section of this stunning walk but it is still worth squeezing it into your weekend in Pembrokeshire if you love gorgeous coastal views. Most visitors head to the beautiful Snowdonia National Park for hiking but Pembrokeshire has so much to offer!
3. Bosherton Lily Ponds
A pretty little adventure walk of 3 miles near the village of Bosherton. The scenic lakes are famous for their beautiful Lillies (hence the name) and quaint stone bridges. Full details of the walk (or one of them) can be found here.
4. Barafundle Bay and Beach or Marloes Sands
Barfundle Bay and Marloe Sands are two stunning beaches in the Pembrokeshire area and both are worth adding to your itinerary when spending a weekend in Pembrokeshire. Especially if you are a beach lover!
Barfundle Bay is referred to by some as the best beach in Pembrokeshire due to its unique surroundings of dunes and green trees.
Marloe sands, whilst quite different are equally as beautiful backed by rugged cliffs and the golden sands stretching over a mile long.
Despite most tourists flocking to North Wales and its many beauty spots, Pembrokeshire in South Wales really is home to some very picturesque and unique beaches.
5. The Blue Lagoon
Popular with cliff divers, kayakers and swimmers, The Blue Lagoon is a stunning coastal feature with rugged rock formations, brilliant blue water below and picture-perfect cliff-top walks.
It’s a great addition to any Pembrokeshire itinerary as even if you do not want to get into the water (much like me!), the walks offer some breathtaking views!
Be sure to check the National Trust website before visiting as it can be closed at certain times of year due to seal pups being born in the area.
Where to stay in Pembrokeshire?
After much research, we decided to stay at the stylish and beautifully designed 4-star Elm Grove Country House for our weekend in Pembrokeshire.
We could not have been happier with our choice.
Elm Grove Country House is family-run by the loveliest couple, Jane and Alan, whom we had the pleasure of meeting during our stay.
Award-winning and tastefully decorated, Elm Grove Country House is not only set in a perfect location for exploring the local area being extremely close to the holiday town of Tenby but is also a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the local towns.
Elm Grove, Set on 20 acres of private grounds, is situated in the picturesque village of St Florence.
You would be forgiven for thinking you had arrived on the filming set of Bridgeton or a similar classical period drama as you make your way up the treelined sweeping driveway and approach the elegant building.
The beautiful building gives way to manicured gardens with brightly coloured flowers and spacious lawns with inviting croquet hoops.
As we sat outside enjoying the views of the horses grazing in the fields opposite, we drank tea and ate tasty Welsh cakes brought out to us on a tray.
The whimsical bird song as they danced from one tree to the next and the quiet and peaceful atmosphere that Elm Grove so easily seems to have created and held dear was contagious.
Elm Grove is just as delightful inside as it is out. Upon entering, you are greeted by a grand sweeping staircase, huge floral displays that smell divine, glistening Chandeliers, and intricately detailed paintings and ornaments.
The large comfortable bed was a dream to sink into after a day of adventuring around the area.
As well as your ensuite bathroom, Elm Grove has a shared bathing room with a large roll-top bath, beautiful mirrors, a gleaming chandelier, and large white windows that evoke instant relaxation if you fancy a bath.
After a restful night’s sleep, you can look forward to a delicious breakfast of your choice in the light and airy dining room.
The service was always with a smile, and we felt totally at home whilst receiving the most impeccable care during our stay.
We loved our stay at Elm Grove.
A peaceful haven yet perfectly positioned to explore this beautiful part of the UK.
Extremely close to Tenby and within a reasonable driving distance to all of the attractions Pembrokeshire offers.
We found it to be the best place to stay in Pembrokeshire for a weekend.
Where to eat in Pembrokeshire?
Pembrokeshire is full of eateries from quaint cafes to upscale restaurants and everything in between.
We love nothing more than grabbing a sandwich or a selection of cheeses and heading to some place to watch the sunset. Elegug Stacks was our personal favourite for a unique sunset location in Pembrokeshire.
However, if you are looking for the best places to eat in Pembrokeshire you can check the listed top ten on TripAdvisor here or for more variety we always like using wanderlog to explore the options in the area.
Is Pembrokeshire worth visiting?
A resounding yes from us! Pembrokeshire is for sure worth visiting.
The thing we love about Pembrokeshire is that there is so much variety in the things to do.
Pembrokeshire has epic wildlife, historic medieval castles, family tourist attractions, water sports and gorgeous coastal walks.
We have spent many weeks exploring Snowdonia National Park and North Wales and have become obsessed with the views and landscapes Wales has to offer and Pembrokeshire is no exception.
How many days do you need in Pembrokeshire?
We found a weekend in Pembrokeshire to be long enough for what we had planned but if you have a longer bucket list then you may want to diarise 5-7 days to explore the Pembrokeshire coast.
Do you need a car in Pembrokeshire?
No, you don’t need a car in Pembrokeshire. We did have a car when we spent a weekend in Pembrokeshire and it made things easier but it was by no means essential.
Pembrokeshire has an excellent coastal bus system which operates 7 days a week throughout the summer months.
For more information on how you can make the most of your weekend in Pembrokeshire without a car, you can check out this car-free guide written by the Green Traveller.
What is special about Pembrokeshire Coast?
Pembrokeshire is often regarded as one of the best holiday destinations in the whole country due to its golden sandy beaches, traditional seaside towns, rugged coastal path and interesting Welsh heritage.
For us? We think it’s the mix of all of it that makes it so special. There are not many places in the UK you will find such a diverse mix of history, nature, perfect beach hikes and epic scenery!
