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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

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Coastal cliffs, hidden coves and wild sea air

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales stretches along a rugged shoreline where the Irish Sea meets rolling green hills. The area features dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and ancient stone walls that mark centuries of farming. Visitors can walk coastal trails to see seabirds like puffins or spot dolphins offshore. Historic towns such as St Davids sit nearby, offering small shops and traditional pubs. The park’s mix of natural beauty and quiet villages creates a calm setting for exploring by foot or bike without overwhelming crowds.

National Park in United Kingdom
Climate zone: Mild oceanic

Mild oceanic: Marine-influenced climates with cool summers, mild winters and frequent precipitation year-round, typical of western coasts at mid-latitudes.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 8.2
General Safety:9
Health & medical:7
Accessibility:5
Tap water:10
Read details
Tourist English: 4/5
In Pembrokeshire, English is the primary language spoken by locals and staff. Tourists will find it easy to communicate with friendly residents, park rangers and visitors from around the world.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Summary

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Outstanding for coastal hiking and wildlife. Walk dramatic cliffside trails, watch seabirds and seals, explore sandy coves and enjoy kayaking along rugged shores.
Place score
9.2
Best at:
Sea
10
Beaches
9
Hiking
9
Birdwatching
9
Cosy towns
8
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 8
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
🛡️ 8
Travel Beginners
🐕 8
With dogs
United Kingdom – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type G
Type G:
Diagram of a Type G power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in the UK, especially in cities. Contactless payments and mobile payment options are increasingly popular, with smaller businesses also accepting cards.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is customary in the UK, with 10-15% in restaurants. Taxi drivers generally expect a 10% tip or rounding up. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in many parts of the UK, especially in parks, festivals, and licensed premises. However, it's banned on public transport or in certain public spaces.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited indoors in all public spaces, including bars and restaurants. There are designated outdoor smoking areas.
Christmas
(December)
Christmas is widely celebrated, expect crowded markets and higher accommodation prices.
Bank Holiday
(August)
Busy periods, especially in cities and along coastal areas. Many businesses close.
New Year’s Day
(January)
A major public holiday with celebrations and closures in some sectors.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 999 or 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt, Free Now, Ola
Other: The UK is well-prepared for tourists, with excellent infrastructure. However, be aware of language barriers in remote areas.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, United Kingdom
🌧️
Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Dec
High season: June - Aug.
Shoulder season: April - May, Sep.
Crowdedness: 5 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Puffins on Skomer Island nest April to mid July, boat trips to the island run April to October
Many campsites, beach cafés and coastal bus services close or reduce from November to Easter
Grey seal pups are born on beaches and in caves from late August to October

Why travel to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park?

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, located on the west coast of Wales, offers a blend of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and historic villages that appeal to travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural insight. The park’s coastline stretches over 200 km, featuring iconic landmarks such as St. David’s Head, where sea stacks rise dramatically from the Atlantic and the tranquil sands of Tenby, a town renowned for its Victorian architecture and maritime heritage. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park provides extensive walking routes that cater to all levels. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, part of the National Trails network, invites hikers to experience rugged cliffs, hidden coves and wildlife-rich estuaries. Cycling routes weave through coastal villages, while kayaking and sailing opportunities abound along sheltered bays. Cultural attractions complement the natural scenery. Visitors can explore medieval castles like St. David’s Castle, visit the Pembrokeshire Heritage Centre for regional history or enjoy local seafood at seaside pubs that showcase fresh catch from the surrounding waters. Seasonal festivals celebrate Welsh traditions, offering music, dance and craft markets. The park’s commitment to conservation ensures that visitors experience pristine environments while learning about sustainable tourism practices. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, an active adventure or a cultural immersion, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park provides a well-rounded destination grounded in natural splendor and Welsh heritage.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Skomer
  • 2 Pembrokeshire Coast Path Endmarker
  • 3 St David's Head
  • 4 The Harbour Inn
  • 5 Sunrise Bay Caravan Park

Knowledge before you go

  • Pack waterproof gear; Pembrokeshire Coast is prone to sudden rain showers.
  • Use the National Park's free shuttle buses between major trailheads, saving on parking and fuel costs.
  • Reserve a campsite or B&B in advance during summer months, as availability drops quickly near popular beaches.
  • Explore the hidden coves by foot early morning to avoid crowds and capture dramatic sunrise coastal photography.

How to travel to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales is accessible primarily by road, with the A470 and A470A routes providing direct entry points to key coastal towns like Pembroke and Tenby. The nearest rail station is in Haverfordwest (~30 miles northeast), offering limited local bus services (e.g., Stagecoach routes) connecting to major attractions. For visitors preferring public transport, seasonal buses operate between Cardiff and Pembrokeshire during peak tourist seasons. The park’s coastal paths are best explored by car or bicycle, though some trails have parking areas for easy access. Ferry services from Fishguard to Ireland (e.g., Stena Line) may also serve as an entry point for those combining UK and European travel.

Access summary

  • From Cardiff Airport (CWL): 1h45 drive via M4 and A487.
  • From Haverfordwest: 30 min by bus or car; from Milford Haven: 20 min by car.
  • By ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare, 1h15; popular cycle route along the coast.

Where to stay in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast offers a mix of cosy B&Bs, self‑catering cottages and boutique inns that cater to both budget travellers and those seeking luxury. Prices typically range from £50 per night for basic guesthouses to over £200 for high‑end lodges with sea views. Many properties boast traditional Welsh architecture, timber frames and stone walls, giving a genuine local feel. The area is renowned for its “cottage‑in‑the-woods” style accommodation, often featuring modern amenities tucked into historic homes. For families, there are spacious holiday parks with playgrounds and swimming pools, while solo or couples can opt for intimate bed‑and‑breakfasts overlooking cliffs or estuaries. Seasonal demand spikes during summer and the autumn harvest, so booking early ensures the best rates and availability.

How to get around Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs to serene beaches. For efficient travel, rent a car to explore its winding coastal roads and remote villages at your own pace. Public transport options include buses connecting major towns like Haverfordwest and St Davids, though schedules may be limited in rural areas. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a well-marked hiking trail, allows access to scenic viewpoints without relying on motorized transport. For shorter distances, cycling is viable along flat coastal routes. Park-and-ride schemes near key spots reduce congestion in smaller communities. Always check local weather and road conditions before departing, as narrow lanes and sudden changes in terrain can challenge drivers. Prioritize flexibility to fully experience this UNESCO-recognized park’s natural beauty.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

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-6 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 6% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

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This place also uses Pound Sterling, so no money exchange necessary.

Travel costs (Data for Llanelli, United Kingdom - 53 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£66
£132
£346
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£27
£56
£124
🍝 Food per day
£27
£64
£185
🚕 Transportation per day
£12
£12
£37
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£23
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£14
🍟 Fast food combo
£7.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£9
☕ Cappuccino
£3.50
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£4.70
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£2.90
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£21
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£1.40
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£9
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£110
🤧 Cold medication
£3.90
💇 Basic haircut
£10

Safety information overview

General safety
9
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park remains one of Wales’ safest destinations, with low crime rates and well‑maintained visitor facilities. Tourists should stay on marked paths, keep valuables secure and heed local weather alerts – overall safety is excellent for all travelers.
Health & Medical
7
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers excellent medical quality, with nearby NHS hospitals and well‑equipped GP practices. Clean air, low pollution and abundant outdoor activities promote physical health, though travelers should watch for seasonal allergens and ensure vaccinations for travel‑related illnesses.
Accessi­bility
5
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers mixed accessibility: many coastal paths are paved and wheelchair‑friendly, with clear signage and accessible visitor centres. However, some trails remain steep or uneven and public transport links to remote sites can be limited, so plan ahead.
Tap water
10
Tap water in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is safe, clean and abundant. Public fountains and refill stations are plentiful along coastal paths and visitor centres, ensuring hikers stay hydrated without purchasing bottled water. The local supply meets UK standards for quality and taste.

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