Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire's coastline draws most visitors, and Tenby is the obvious starting point, with its walled old town, harbour and sandy beaches. Saundersfoot and Amroth offer quieter seaside alternatives nearby, both popular for family holidays, while Broad Haven sits further west along the coast path with wide sands and a more relaxed pace. Newport, in the north, combines coastal and estuary scenery with easy access to the Preseli Hills.

Inland, villages such as Crymych, Eglwyswrw and Maenclochog make good bases for walking the hills and exploring rural Pembrokeshire away from the crowds. Clarbeston, Templeton and Abercych are smaller still, well suited to those wanting a peaceful stay. Pembroke Dock, with its maritime history and ferry connections, contrasts with the market town feel of Pembroke itself, and both provide a practical base for touring the wider county.

Pembrokeshire's coastline shapes where its hotels and B&Bs sit, and Saundersfoot is a good example - a cluster of guest houses within walking distance of the beach and harbour, useful for families who want to leave the car behind. Further along the coast path, Newport offers a quieter base with places like Cnapan Guest House and Ty Melin close to the estuary and the walk up to Carningli.

Inland and around Pembroke Dock, options such as Manor Town House and Nythfa Guesthouse suit visitors touring the castle or catching the ferry, while smaller villages like Eglwyswrw hold characterful stays such as Rhostwarch for those wanting proper countryside rather than seafront bustle. Penally Abbey and Ael y Bryn Luxury B&B represent the more indulgent end of things, worth booking ahead in summer when the coast path draws steady numbers.

Pembrokeshire's coastline and green interior make it one of Wales's most popular places to camp, and the choice runs from simple farm pitches to well-equipped glamping. Around Dinas Cross and Goodwick you're close to the coast path and the cliffs of the north, while sites near Saundersfoot suit families wanting sandy beaches within easy reach.

Inland, places like Knock Farm, Ffynnonddewi and Trefechan Wen Camping offer quieter fields, often with views over farmland rather than sea, and tend to work well for those touring by car. For something more sheltered or characterful, Foxglove Camping and Glamping, Owl Barn Escapes and Tally Ho Farm show the range of shepherd's huts, bell tents and cabins now on offer alongside traditional pitches at spots such as Quarry Park Camping and The Paddock Camping.

Pembrokeshire's coastline and farmland have made it one of Wales's strongest areas for self-catering, and the range on offer reflects that. Converted farm buildings turn up again and again, from Croft Farm Cottages' Hayloft Cottage to Longlands Farm Cottages, where the Cart Shed and Corn Loft sit alongside working land rather than a village high street.

Choosing between them often comes down to how close you want to be to the coast path and beaches versus the quieter inland valleys around places like Llwyncelyn Farmhouse or Bryn Olwyn. Farmhouses and barn conversions tend to suit longer stays and families wanting space and a garden, while smaller cottages such as Ty Dewi or Springfield work well for couples or short breaks.

With so many properties spread across the county, it is worth thinking about which coast or town you want as a base first, then narrowing down by style and setting from there.

Pembrokeshire's coast shapes much of what there is to do here, and the days out on offer reflect that. Around St Davids and the western headlands, coasteering outfits like Celtic Quest make the most of the cliffs and caves, while Marloes Sands draws walkers and beachcombers to some of the county's finest stretches of sand. Tenby and Saundersfoot lean towards family activities, with adventure centres, boat trips and lifeboat station visits alongside the usual seaside amusements.

Inland, the choices change character. Narberth and Kilgetty area attractions such as Green Lane Maize Maze and Dr Beynon's Bug Farm suit younger children, and Wild Lakes Wales gives older ones something more physical to do. Around Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke, activity providers and paddling outfits make use of the estuary and river, a quieter alternative to the open coast further west.

Pembrokeshire's dining scene follows its coastline, with harbourside pubs and cafes doing a brisk trade wherever boats come in. The Ship Inn and The Old Sailors have the kind of settled, salty character you want after a day on the coast path, while Top Joe's and The Cove suit a simpler stop for something to eat before heading back out to the beach.

Away from the water, places like Propellers Cafe & Takeaway, Icebreakers Community Cafe and The Barn Kitchen serve the everyday trade in and around towns such as Pembroke Dock, useful for breakfast or a lunch that doesn't need booking. Black Pool Mill and Nicci's Yard show the rural side of the county, tucked into farm buildings and old mill settings where the food is often as local as the setting.

With so many options scattered across the county, it pays to think about what kind of day you're having: a coastal walk calls for a pub with a view, while a wet-weather day is better spent somewhere like Cross Park Holiday Village, where food and shelter come together.