48 hours in Pembroke

Day One: Discover Historic Pembroke

Morning: Step Back in Time

There’s no doubt that the charming walled town of Pembroke, which dates back over 900 years, is most famous for Pembroke Castle. One of the most complete Norman castles in the UK and birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty, the castle dominates the town skyline and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Pembrokeshire’s rich history.

Open year-round, there’s no better way to get to know Pembroke than by spending the morning exploring its towers, passageways and impressive battlements, which have been constructed, rebuilt and restored over the last thousand years to house many important figures.

Discoveries from the cave beneath the castle, known as Wogan Cave, include a woolly mammoth and even the remains of a rhino. Experts are still theorising as to how a rhinoceros ended up in Pembrokeshire, but a visit might just inspire your own theories.

Throughout the summer months, the castle hosts regular re-enactments, falconry displays and interactive exhibitions, while winter brings spectacular Christmas markets - complete with Father Christmas abseiling down the tower walls. Advance booking is generally not required for the castle but it’s worth checking ahead for special events and seasonal activities.

After exploring inside, take time to enjoy the lovely circular route around the millponds that once formed the castle moat. This accessible route can be walked or cycled and offers some of the best views of the fortress from the tidal wall beyond. From this angle, the town itself almost disappears behind the castle battlements, a truly unforgettable sight.

Feeling adventurous? Head onto the water with Paddle West and hire a rowing boat to experience the castle from the Mill Pond. Open to all ages, it’s a fun activity for the whole family. If you fancy more adventure, join a Paddle West canoe tour exploring the beautiful Cleddau Estuary nearby. Keep an eye out for herons, swans, coots and bats flitting across the water at dusk.

Lunch in the Heart of Town

After a morning spent discovering Pembroke’s rich history, there’s no shortage of excellent places to stop for lunch along the town’s colourful Main Street.

For a relaxed café lunch, Will's is a popular choice with locals and visitors alike, serving freshly prepared dishes, light lunches and homemade treats in a welcoming atmosphere right in the centre of town.

Of course, no traditional Welsh seaside town would be complete without fish and chips, and Browns has been serving locals and visitors from the top of Main Street since 1928.

Take time after lunch to wander through the independent shops that line the street, where you’ll discover everything from local produce and artisan gifts to galleries and creative spaces that showcase the best of Pembrokeshire.

Afternoon: Relax, Browse and Recharge

Pembroke’s charm lies not only in its history, but in its thriving community of independent businesses, creative spaces and wellbeing experiences.

If you’re looking to truly unwind during your stay, 87 Main Street offers yoga classes for beginners and experienced yogis alike, alongside massage treatments and wellbeing workshops within the beautiful surroundings of a Georgian townhouse. The calming atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat after a busy morning of exploring.

For something a little more invigorating, Heat Sauna and Ice Plunge combines Finnish sauna, infrared heat and ice plunge pools designed to boost circulation, reduce inflammation and leave you feeling refreshed and recharged - particularly welcome after walking the coast path or exploring the castle grounds.

Creative visitors should also make time for West Gate Gallery . Set within an old brewery right beside the castle walls, this welcoming gallery and café space is perfect for soaking up local creativity, enjoying excellent coffee and browsing artwork and gifts inspired by Pembrokeshire’s landscapes and coastlines.

Nearby, Wisebuys is something of a local institution and a must-visit for food lovers. Packed with local produce, artisan treats, speciality ingredients and thoughtful gifts, it’s the perfect place to pick up a taste of Pembrokeshire to take home with you.

Food and Relaxed Pembrokeshire evenings

As evening falls, Pembroke’s historic streets take on a wonderfully atmospheric feel, with plenty of excellent dining options to round off the day.

For a more traditional pub atmosphere, The Old Kings Arms known locally as “The Kings”, offers a cosy setting within a historic coaching inn dating back to the 16th century. While Rowlies is another popular choice for classic fish and chips and offer a takeaway service.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, Café Rose offers a beautiful family-run setting with a relaxed vibe, serving flavourful Mediterranean-inspired dishes alongside excellent coffee and homemade specials. 

Or, to round off the day, you could head just outside Pembroke to the Rowan Tree Café in Lamphey. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent breakfasts and hearty lunches, it’s also well worth looking out for the café’s special music nights and live events throughout the year - a brilliant way to experience Pembrokeshire’s friendly community spirit.

Day Two: Coast, Countryside and Adventure

After all that history, it’s time to explore the beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline, with some of the best beaches in the UK just a short drive away.

Many of south Pembrokeshire’s most iconic coastal locations are connected by the Coastal Cruiser bus service (387), which operates year-round with expanded daily services between 23 May and 27 September 2026. The route links Pembroke with destinations including West Angle Bay, Angle, Freshwater West, Bosherston, Stackpole Quay, St Govan’s Head, Freshwater East and Lamphey, making it easy to enjoy a car-free coastal adventure, should you wish.

Cyclists will also find some of Pembrokeshire’s most rewarding challenges here. The exposed and rolling western loop between Pembroke, Lamphey and Angle forms part of both the Ironman Wales and Long Course Weekend bike routes. At approximately 35 miles, the route combines spectacular coastal scenery with technical sections and early ‘trap’ climbs that are well known amongst cycling enthusiasts.

Morning: Fresh Air at Freshwater East

Start the day with a visit to the beautiful beach at Freshwater East. With golden sands, rolling dunes and spectacular coastal scenery, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful morning walk along the shoreline or the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Freshwater East is particularly popular with families and swimmers thanks to its wide sandy beach and relatively easy access from the car park. Public toilets are available nearby, making it a convenient stop for families spending the day by the sea.

After breathing in the fresh sea air, stop for coffee, brunch or lunch at Jack's, a much-loved coastal café with a laid-back atmosphere and delicious food just moments from the beach.

Afternoon: Explore the Stackpole Estate

Head towards the breathtaking National Trust-owned Stackpole Estate, where visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal walks and spectacular scenery.

From here, some of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful coastal locations are within easy reach, including Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Quay, the Bosherston Lily Ponds and the stunning beach at Broadhaven South.

More adventurous visitors can follow the coast path to St Govan's Chapel, a tiny medieval chapel tucked dramatically into the cliffs where the saint is said to have hidden from pirates.

Continue on to the remarkable Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks, extraordinary limestone formations carved by the power of the sea over thousands of years. This is a lovely, mainly flat walk of under 1.5 miles, through the Castlemartin firing range’s rich habitat, home to many animals and plants as a result of the area being largely closed off to humans. Be sure to check if it’s firing before you come.

Enjoy lunch at Stackpole Inn, a traditional 17th-century inn popular with walkers and well known for locally sourced produce and excellent seafood inspired by Welsh waters. In winter, the woodburning stove creates a wonderfully cosy atmosphere.

Alternatively, enjoy tea and cake at Bosherston Bistro or a relaxed pub lunch at The St Govans Inn nearby.

Freshwater West is another must-visit location. For surfers and photographers alike, it is one of Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic beaches, with vast sands backed by towering dunes and spectacular Atlantic views. The beach has featured in major film productions and is particularly magical at sunset, when the sky lights up across the wide-open bay. Public toilets are available nearby.

For visitors looking for easier beach access or somewhere to enjoy the sea in less favourable weather, West Angle Bay is a lovely alternative. The car park sits right beside the beach, making it particularly accessible for visitors with mobility challenges or families with young children. The nearby Wavecrest Café is a popular stop, serving delicious local food in a family and dog-friendly setting alongside beautiful locally made crafts. For those looking to stay in Angle, the Globe  is a superb country mansion in the heart of Angle village which has just been renovated and upgraded to provide luxury comfort, technology and style with original art and both modern and traditional touches to all its rooms.

For unusual activities

For thrill-seekers, Outer Reef Surf School offers coasteering, paddleboarding and kayaking adventures around the cliffs and coves of south Pembrokeshire, including unforgettable arrivals into Barafundle Bay from the water itself. As these activities are particularly popular during the warmer months, advance booking is recommended.

Climbing enthusiasts can also book guided experiences with Climb Pembroke or The Climbing Company, with expert instructors helping visitors explore some of the finest sea cliffs in Wales.

For a gentler pace, spend time exploring Stackpole Walled Garden, where food has been grown for over 250 years and continues today under the stewardship of Pembrokeshire Mencap. The gardens also feature a lovely café and tearoom, and nearby walking routes around the Bosherston Lily Ponds are particularly beautiful in June when the lilies bloom.

Evening: Stargazing and Coastal Escapes

After watching the sunset at Freshwater West or Broadhaven South, stay a little longer to experience some of Pembrokeshire’s spectacular dark skies.

The Broadhaven South car park is a designated Dark Skies  location offering spectacular panoramic views of the night sky. The nearby Stackpole Centre also hosts regular dark sky events throughout the year.

Whether you spend your time exploring castles, walking the coast path, discovering hidden beaches or enjoying local food and hospitality, Pembroke and south Pembrokeshire offer the perfect short break packed with adventure, relaxation and unforgettable scenery.

Where to Stay

Pembroke and south Pembrokeshire offer a wide range of accommodation options, whether you’re looking for coastal luxury, family camping or a countryside retreat close to the beaches.

East Back Cottages are beautifully restored stone cottages in the heart of Pembroke. The Blacksmiths Cottage and Stable Cottage are ideal for self-catering holidays featuring private hot tubs, cinema rooms, and well-equipped kitchens.

For camping and glamping, Stackpole Under the Stars offers beautiful pitches, fire pits and stargazing opportunities within the Stackpole Estate, while Warren Farm provides spacious bell tents right on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Closer to Pembroke, Windmill Hill is a family-run campsite perfectly positioned for exploring both town and coast, while Dewslake Farm offers relaxed camping, touring pitches, cabins and bell tents in the nearby village of Lamphey.

Other luxurious accommodation options include East Trewent Farm, three beautifully converted and furnished cottages, or Portclew House, a grand Georgian Country Mansion set in three acres of grounds. Both properties are just a five minutes' walk to the beach and coast path near Freshwater East and perfect for families. Alternatively, you can’t get closer to the beach than at The Sandcastle, a beautiful five-bedroom Colonial-styled family home right on the edge of Freshwater East beach.

Pembroke is a fantastic year-round destination, with Pembroke Castle open throughout the year and many coastal walks and beaches offering a completely different atmosphere across the seasons. Summer brings warmer weather and longer evenings, while autumn and winter offer quieter beaches,