Blog Feature
My Totally Biased Guide to the Very Best of Pembrokeshire
From windswept beaches and puffin-filled islands to hidden coves, characterful towns and unforgettable local food, Pembrokeshire has something magical around every corner.
Join me as I share my totally biased, locally loved guide to the places and experiences that make this spectacular corner of Wales so special.
Pembrokeshire is one of Wales’s most stunning corners: wild beaches, incredible wildlife, charming independent towns, and some seriously good food. This local’s guide from Quarry Wood Glamping covers the best beaches, nature spots, hidden gems, places to eat, a suggested long weekend itinerary, and why the Coast Path belongs on every bucket list.
I’m Sarah, the owner of Quarry Wood Glamping, and I’ve recently been asked a series of questions by a national booking agent about what to see and do in Pembrokeshire. So I thought: why not put it all in one place? I’ll be honest, I’m completely biased. But hand on heart, I truly believe this is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline and countryside in the entire UK.
A place where you can spend a morning watching puffins on a windswept island, an afternoon wandering the streets of the UK’s smallest city, and an evening swimming in a sheltered cove as the sun goes down. Dramatic and peaceful. Wild and welcoming. Often all in the same day. Here’s everything you need to know.
My Favourite beaches in Pembrokeshire
Picking favourites is never easy; every beach here has its own personality. But these three always rise to the top for me.
Freshwater West would make almost any local’s shortlist. It’s rugged, unspoilt, and genuinely wild, with dramatic waves, sweeping dunes, and a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. I’ve been going since I was a child and it never loses its magic.
Manorbier Beach has a similarly unspoilt feel, but on a much more intimate scale. The water is often beautifully clear, making it my go-to for an evening swim, and as the sun sets over the bay, there are few more peaceful places to be on the entire coast.
For something a little different, Priory Beach on Caldey Island is well worth the short boat trip from Tenby. Tranquil and genuinely a world away from the mainland, the views back across to Tenby are simply breathtaking. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down.
The best nature spots in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is exceptional for wildlife and natural beauty. These are the three spots I return to most often.
Colby Woodland Garden is a favourite in every season, though it’s particularly spectacular when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. It’s a peaceful, unhurried place to wander, and no two visits ever feel quite the same.
The Stackpole Estate and Bosherston Lily Ponds pack an extraordinary amount into one stretch of land: woodland, lakes, coastline, and open countryside, all beautifully preserved. The lily ponds are home to swans, wildfowl, and otters if you are lucky. I’ve had some genuinely magical encounters there over the years.
Skomer Island is, without doubt, one of the most unforgettable nature experiences Pembrokeshire offers. Visiting between May and July, when thousands of puffins return to breed, is something everyone should do at least once. Getting that close to them in their natural habitat is a genuine privilege, and this is exactly what I told the journalist when she asked for my single top tip.
My Favourite pubs and restaurants in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire’s food scene is genuinely something to shout about, and this is the section the journalist spent the most time quizzing me on. Here are five places I keep going back to:
- Runwayskiln, Marloes. Tucked away near the coast, the location alone is worth the detour. The food is fresh, homemade, and thoughtfully prepared.
- Feast at Cresswell Quay. Food cooked over fire, set beside a historic inn and the river. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, and it’s the kind of place you want to linger all afternoon.
- Plum & Vanilla, Narberth. A brilliant lunch spot, even if you’re not vegetarian. Their salads are packed with fresh, seasonal local produce and full of genuine flavour.
- Upper Mews Burger & Bar, Tenby. A reliable go-to for a great meal, with a real focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Rowan Café, Dewslake. A hidden gem with outstanding food, an emphasis on organic local produce, and even a dog menu for anyone exploring with four-legged company.
Hidden gems worth seeking out
Monkstone Beach, tucked between Saundersfoot and Tenby and only accessible on foot, always feels wonderfully secluded. The walk down is well worth it, and the sandy bay at the bottom feels like a proper reward.
The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy was carved from an old slate quarry, and the result is one of the most striking spots on the entire coast. The vivid turquoise water against dramatic cliffs makes it genuinely impressive, popular for wild swimming and, for the brave, cliff jumping. Even if you’re not taking the plunge, it’s a must-see.
Lawrenny is a proper local secret: a quiet village sitting peacefully on the banks of the estuary, with lovely woodland and waterside walks, and the brilliant Quayside Café to refuel at afterwards.
How to spend a long weekend in Pembrokeshire
Not sure where to start? Here’s how I’d spend three days making the most of it.
Day one: Tenby. Wander the colourful streets, browse the independent shops, and head down Sergeant’s Lane. Harbwr Bar or Hope & Anchor are both great for food. End the evening with a drink at Didi’s Den overlooking the castle beach; on a sunny evening, there are few better places to sit and watch the world go by.
Day two: The Coast Path to Manorbier. After an early breakfast at Café Vista, walk one of the finest stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Tenby to Manorbier. The views are incredible. Finish with a late lunch at the Castle Inn, then round off the day with an evening swim at Manorbier Beach.
Day three: Cresselly and a Sunday roast. Start with breakfast at Rowan Café before a gentle walk around Cresselly and down to the quay. Then finish the weekend with Feast Pembrokeshire’s wood-fired Sunday roast: a relaxed, unhurried afternoon that’s very hard to beat.
Why the Pembrokeshire Coast Path deserves a spot on your bucket list
If there’s one thing I’d recommend above everything else, it’s this: walk the coast path.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches 186 miles from Amroth to St Dogmaels, taking in clifftops, hidden coves, wide sandy bays, and endless variety. Walk two miles or tackle the whole route; every section has something different to offer, and it’s completely free. Some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had here have cost absolutely nothing.
Living alongside it, I’m reminded regularly of just how lucky we are. And if you’re looking for a base to explore from, we’d love to have you stay at Quarrywood Glamping.
Making Memories: The Unique Experience of Quarrywood Glamping
Staying with us is about connecting with nature, finding joy in the simple things, and spending quality time with those you care about. We strive to create a warm, inclusive environment where you feel completely at ease. From the gentle clucking of rescue hens to the quiet moments spent watching your dog happily snooze on the grass, a stay here is filled with gentle, memorable moments. It is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the wonderful animals that share our world.
Ready to Book Your Glamping Adventure in Pembrokeshire?
Quarry Wood Camping is your perfect escape, just 5 minutes from the picturesque coastal towns of Tenby and Saundersfoot. Explore Pembrokeshire’s well-known attractions, golden sandy beaches, and the stunning Coast Path—all just a stone’s throw away.
Yet, as you immerse yourself in nature, you’ll feel like you’re a world away in this truly special spot on the west coast of Wales. Don’t wait—reserve your glamping experience today and start your unforgettable adventure!
