Explore your options for family holidays in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire has much to offer whether your family is interested in the countryside, historical sites or the vibrant coast. To get the most out of family holidays in Pembrokeshire, you’ll need to do a bit of planning. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of attractions and eateries that your family will enjoy. You’ll just need to pick the ones that will fit your family’s unique needs best. Take a look at the top activities and important things to do in this Welsh county, and discover how you can bolster your family holidays in Pembrokeshire.

Find fun things to do in Pembrokeshire

When you’re planning a family holiday to Pembrokeshire, you’ll need to create a fun itinerary with plenty of family-friendly things to do. Fortunately, you won’t have to look very far to find fun no matter what your family is interested in. The seaside is among the most popular destinations, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find pristine countryside with impressive natural features as well as historical sites. Of course, you’ll find plenty of indoor options to enjoy as well if the weather pushes you out of the rain.

Manorbier Beach

If you’re looking for a fun family outing to the beach, Manorbier Beach may be your best bet. This is a popular destination near the village of the same name where you’ll find soft sands with dunes and opportunities for surfing. The currents here can be strong, so be sure to look into the status of them before letting your little ones swim. The boating opportunities are far more popular, with kayaking and canoeing readily available with rentals nearby. Plus, an ice cream truck frequents this beach.

Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Bay is relatively small, but you’ll find plenty to do here. It’s one of the few beaches in Britain that is comparable to what you’ll find in the Caribbean with golden sands and turquoise clear waters. Just keep in mind that the beach is somewhat isolated without any facilities, so you’ll need to take everything you brought back with you before leaving. Additionally, the high tide can take up most of the beach, so visit during low tide.

Gwaun Valley

When your family visits Gwaun Valley, it’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. This valley is packed full of pristine walking trails that show off the beauty of the natural world here, and the trails are easy enough to traverse that you don’t have to hesitate to bring your little ones along. The villages in the valley known as Pontfaen and Llanychaer feature traditionally styled homes without the sights and sounds of modern cities. The entire area is notably relaxing, especially if you enjoy hikes outdoors.

Preseli Mountains

Much of Pembrokeshire is lowlands, but that’s not the case among the Preseli Mountains. These hills offer extensive opportunities for outdoor exploration with hiking and biking trails, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find numerous historical sites including Neolithic burial mounds and the Bedd Arthur stone circle. The latter is a fascinating site where you’ll find 13 standing stones that some legends suggest to be the burial site of the mythical King Arthur. All of this is easily accessible for adults and kids alike who can handle beginner-level hikes.

Skomer

Less than a mile off the coast of Pembrokeshire, you’ll find the island of Skomer, which is a haven for fascinating wildlife and natural features. You and your family can explore it all with a quick visit to see its vibrant plant life and fascinating creatures. It’s most well known for its puffins, but you’ll also find dolphins, seals, razorbills and the iconic Skomer vole. While you can find fun all year long, you may want to consider visiting during the spring. That’s when you’ll find a brilliant display of bluebells that cover virtually the entire island. Summer visitors can see hues of pink dominating the landscape rather than the springtime blues.

Oakwood Theme Park

At Oakwood Theme Park, you’ll find rides and thrills catered specifically to family-friendly fun. Not only will you find plenty of coasters for adults and older kids to enjoy, but there are rides for toddlers and young kids as well. If that weren’t enough, this theme park even has free dog kennels, so you can still visit even if you’ve brought your pup on holiday with you. Be sure to check the calendar before going, as the park frequently hosts special events. For example, the Halloween event is particularly popular.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

At Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, you’ll find a funfair and a zoo all in one convenient location that the whole family can enjoy. Among the animals here, you’ll find more than 200 unique species including some that kids can interact with directly like goats and sheep. Among the numerous attractions here, you may want to take time to visit the Humboldt penguins and the African lions. The funfair portion of this adventure park has plenty of rides that kids will enjoy including a carousel and flying swings. You’ll find an arcade as well with prizes you can win.

Best restaurants to visit during a Pembrokeshire family holiday

Even if you have some of the best attractions in the county on your itinerary, no Pembrokeshire family holiday is complete without trying the local cuisine. Fortunately, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurant offerings in the area that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. Whether you’re looking for local Welsh food or something a bit more exotic, you’ll have numerous options across the county’s exciting towns that specialize in utilizing fresh and local ingredients.

Quayside Lawrenny Tearoom

The Quayside Lawrenny Tearoom is an award-winning establishment on the water’s edge offering delicious food and stunning views. It’s best suited for families looking for a light bite, so it’s useful for breakfast and lunch. Fresh sandwiches, tarts and cakes are among the most popular items on the menu. The outside seating is particularly attractive if your kids are fairly active, as they’ll have space to move around without getting in anyone else’s way or escaping your line of sight. Keep in mind, however, that this restaurant is closed during the winter.

Café Môr

If you find yourself around Freshwater West Beach, be sure to check out Café Môr. This mobile beach cafe may only offer food from Easter through September, but when it does, you’re in for a treat. You’ll find local produce utilized to create high-end dishes that you’d expect to find in a fine dining restaurant. The lobster rolls are especially popular. Additionally, this mobile beach cafe is focused on sustainability and is completely powered by the sun as it’s one of a handful of solar-powered food outlets in the UK.

The Canteen

At The Canteen, your family can enjoy hearty meals that are as filling as they are delicious. You’ll find a variety of stone-baked pizzas alongside barbecue sandwiches. You can enjoy a wide selection of salads as well alongside other vegetarian and vegan options. Your kids will especially enjoy the little ones’ menu where they can have child-sized portions of some of the best items on the menu. Don’t forget to try out the deluxe milkshakes as well for that sweet finish to your meal.