Holiday rentals in Pembroke

Pembroke is a medieval Welsh market town on the South Pembrokeshire peninsula. This part of the Pembrokeshire coast is home to beaches with golden sands, rugged cliffs, and rolling green hills beyond. Stargazers and astronomers are drawn to the area for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it one of the best locations for seeing the Milky Way and other stars without a telescope.

The town of Pembroke itself has charming winding streets and alleyways to explore. Rows of colourful buildings line the main high street, with Pembroke Castle rising up from the city centre. The fortnightly farmers’ markets are full of locally grown produce, cosy tea rooms offer a quiet moment for a cup of tea and a Welsh cake, and the local pub gardens are ideal for passing a sunny afternoon. While there’s plenty to do in Pembroke itself, it’s also well situated as a base for exploring the surrounding towns, beaches, and countryside.

Thanks to its coastal location, Pembroke can be fairly wet and windy year-round, though summer is the warmest and driest time of year. A visit in June will offer the best chance to see the waterlilies in bloom at the Bosherston Lily Ponds. July is usually the hottest — though never too hot — and the most popular month, with visitors travelling from far and wide to make the most of the famous beaches. The Pembroke River Rally takes place in early August, with a flotilla of boats heading to the quay and an all-ages celebration in the townt. Autumn and winter can be quite cold and extremely windy, so be sure to pack extra layers and waterproof clothing and boots if you decide to visit during these months.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path includes nearly 300 kilometres of walking routes, with wild variations of scenery that take you past limestone cliffs, golden beaches, and estuaries between St Dogmaels and Amroth. Intrepid hikers can spend a couple of weeks walking the whole thing, or pick a section to enjoy; the Pembroke to Milford Haven section comprises 20 kilometres of the route.

Pembroke Castle

Pembroke Castle, dating from the 11th century, is one of the most complete Norman castles still standing. It was also the birthplace of Henry VII. The castle still sits in the centre of town, prominently overlooking the Cleddau river. Much of the old town walls are still intact, complete with defensive towers and a moat. Today the castle grounds are open to visitors, with exhibitions and activities telling the story of the fortification. For a different view of the castle, hire a rowing boat and paddle along the castle’s former moat.

Pembroke Town Trail

For a less strenuous way to explore this historic town, take a stroll along the Pembroke Town Trail, looking for the 30 bronze plaques embedded in the pavement with QR codes that take you to a digital directory of historical references. If you prefer more traditional navigation, a booklet with a fold-out map is available from the Town Hall.