The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in southwest Wales is Great Britain's only national park consisting predominantly of coastline. It stretches as a narrow strip for over 400 kilometres of coastline and is in places only a few hundred metres wide.The rock types vary over short distances between Precambrian volcanite, Old Red Sandstone, and limestone, creating bays, rock arches, and sea cliffs in close proximity. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path follows the entire route; whoever walks its full length ascends more metres in elevation than climbing Everest.Off the coast lie Skomer and Skokholm, two islands with one of the world's largest colonies of Manx Shearwaters; in early summer, tens of thousands of puffins also breed here. On land, the density of prehistoric monuments is striking, including the Pentre Ifan Dolmen. The bluestones of Stonehenge demonstrably originate from the Preseli Hills in the north of the park.
Sights in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Discover the most important sights and attractions
1St Davids Cathedral
St Davids, with around 1,800 inhabitants, is Britain's smallest city and owes this status solely to its cathedral. It stands on the site of the monastery founded by the Welsh patron saint Dewi in the 6th century, nestled in a hollow so it wouldn't be visible from the sea and Vikings wouldn't immediately find it. This proved largely ineffective, as the complex was plundered multiple times.The current structure dates from the 12th century; its floor noticeably slopes by about four metres from the west to the east end, and the nave columns visibly lean outwards. The painted 16th-century oak ceiling is original. In the Middle Ages, two pilgrimages here were considered equivalent to one to Rome. Adjacent to it lie the ruins of the Bishop's Palace.
Skomer is located three kilometres off the coast near Marloes and hosts one of Europe's most significant seabird colonies. Around half of the world's population of Manx Shearwaters breed here, over 300,000 breeding pairs, which are at sea during the day and only return after dark to avoid skuas.More noticeable for day visitors are the Puffins, which breed in burrows between April and July and are largely unfazed by people. The island also boasts extensive populations of Sea Campion and wild bluebells. Boats depart from Martin's Haven, however, they are weather-dependent and have limited capacity; crossings are regularly fully booked. There are no provisions on the island; visitors must bring their own food.
Barafundle Bay is part of the Stackpole Estate in south Pembrokeshire and is only accessible on foot: about one kilometer from Stackpole Quay car park, via a cliff staircase and through a stone archway, behind which the bay suddenly opens up.The sand is light and coarse; behind it are dunes and a small pine wood, planted by the Cawdor family, who shaped the landscape here in the 18th century. Because there is no road, no kiosk, and no waste bins, the bay remains comparatively quiet even in high summer. Nearby are the Bosherston Lily Ponds, artificial ponds from the same period, which are full of water lilies in June.
These places are nearby — perfect for additional days or a day trip.
Wales
Wales, at just over 20,000 square kilometers, is smaller than Hesse, yet it boasts three national parks, five mountain ranges, and a continuously accessible coastline. The country was conquered by England in 1284 and formally incorporated in 1536, but it has retained its language: About a fifth of the population speaks Welsh, significantly more in the northwest. All place signs are bilingual, and since 2023, the national parks officially bear their Welsh names.Mountains, Coast, CastlesThe north is dominated by Eryri, formerly Snowdonia, home to the 1,085-meter-high Yr Wyddfa. To the south lie the Bannau Brycheiniog, formerly Brecon Beacons, with their sweeping sandstone ridges. In between stretches thinly populated Mid Wales. The Wales Coast Path, since 2012, spans over 1,400 kilometers around the entire country, the first such project worldwide. Wales also boasts the highest density of castles in Europe: Around 600 sites, many from Edward I's campaign.Industry and SongThe valleys south of Merthyr Tydfil supplied a significant portion of the world's coal production in the 19th century. While mining disappeared in the 1980s, its culture has endured: The male voice choirs, rugby enthusiasm, and the Eisteddfod festival trace their origins back to this period and older bardic traditions. The former industrial facilities of Blaenavon and the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales are now on the World Heritage List.When to VisitWales is among the rainiest regions of Great Britain, with over 3,000 millimeters falling annually on the western slopes of Eryri. May to September are the most reliable months. In the mountains, the weather changes quickly, so waterproof clothing is a year-round necessity, not a luxury.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Bannau Brycheiniog, known as Brecon Beacons until 2023, is located in South Wales and consists of four distinct mountain ranges of Old Red Sandstone. The characteristic shape is uniform throughout: gently sloping southern slopes and abruptly dropping northern faces, carved out by glaciers. The highest point is Pen y Fan at 886 metres.The reversion to the Welsh name was a deliberate decision by the park authorities: Beacon refers to signal fires and thus to fossil fuels, which no longer seemed appropriate given the park's climate goals. Bannau simply means peaks.To the south, Waterfall Country around Ystradfellte is a zone where limestone and sandstone meet; several waterfalls cascade over rock steps, and behind Sgwd yr Eira, one can walk through. Beneath these lie extensive cave systems. The entire park is designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights.
Cardiff
Cardiff has only been the official capital of Wales since 1955, having been an insignificant coastal town until the 19th century. Coal from the valleys to its north then transformed the city into the world's largest coal port. The Bute family, controlling the docks and mines, was for a time considered Britain's richest family.This wealth is reflected in the opulently designed Cardiff Castle and the Coal Exchange in the Bay, where the first million-pound contract was allegedly signed in 1904. After coal exports ceased, the docks fell into disrepair; since the 1990s, Cardiff Bay has been transformed by a dam into a freshwater basin and revitalized with cultural buildings like the Wales Millennium Centre.The city centre is compact and easily walkable, crisscrossed by covered Victorian shopping arcades. On rugby match days at the Principality Stadium, located right in the city centre, Cardiff becomes a single human tide.
North Cornwall Coast
This rugged coastline is known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sand beaches, and excellent surf spots, inviting you to adventure.
Cornwall
Cornwall, located in England's far southwest, enchants you with its rugged coastal landscape, golden sandy beaches, and rich Celtic heritage. Discover charming fishing villages, subtropical gardens, and a unique culinary scene, shaped by fresh seafood, promising you unforgettable experiences.
