Pembroke Tourist Attractions

The most imposing Norman coastal fortress in Wales towers on the crest of a hill near Pembroke. The castle was built in 1090 by Arnulf, Earl of Pembroke. From the top of the massive round keep (75ft/23m) there are magnificent views. Adjoining the keep are the Prison Tower, the Norman Hall and the North Hall, from which a staircase leads down into the huge natural cavern known as the Wogan.

On the hill southwest of Pembroke castle stands Monkton Priory, a Benedictine house founded at the same time as the castle.

Pembroke Dock (1mi/1.6km north) was intended to be one of the largest naval dockyards but was closed down in 1926. Ferries from Rosslare in Ireland now dock here.

It is worth paying a visit to Lamphey Palace, about 1mi/1.6km southeast of Pembroke. The former seat of the Bishops of St David's is surrounded by fruit trees and lush gardens.Lamphey Palace offers insight into how medieval bishops combined the life of high-ranking clergymen with that of country gentlemen.

Pembroke is an excellent base from which to explore the marvelous scenery of the southwest coast. A particularly delightful walk is along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Footpath, laid out in 1970. It covers a distance of 167mi/267km along the coast from Carmarthen Bay to Cardigan Bay and in doing so crosses the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, established in 1952. As walkers pass remote beaches and romantic steep cliffs they are charmed by the unique magic of the landscape; they may also see rare sea birds, such as puffins or razor-billed auks.Pembrokeshire Coast National Park covers an area of 225 square miles and is Britain's only coastal national park. The walking path is a National Trail and is marked by sign posts depicting acorns.

The 8 mile / 13 kilometer path winds alongside the sea, through rocky cliffs and hills. The path begins inland at the City Cross in the cathedral city of St David's. Follow the road to Wallpole Court Hotel and the beginning of the footpath. From there you will pass the ruins of St Nons and join the Coast Path. The trail turns inland above the Porth Clais harbor, where the terrain is quite rough. From there you will go downhill, behind the two beaches of Porthlysgi Bay and around the headland and cliff-edge towards St Justinian. From there, you can take a ferry to Ramsey Island, a local nature reserve, or follow the cliff-edge trail to Point St John, on to the small beach of Porthselay and finally to Whitesands Bay. Small footpaths will lead you from the bay back to St Davids.

This is a Wales Tourist Board accredited activity center with both riding and tuition available. Treks are offered through the local countryside, near the sea. The center also has a show jumping paddock and riding arena.