PEMBROKESHIRE - VOTED 2ND BEST COASTLINE IN THE WORLD BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
No, really!
The Pembrokeshire coast beat off stiff opposition from the likes of Chile, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Namibia, Oregon, Scotland and more - so bear that in mind next time you're out walking and it starts to pour down with rain!
A quote from one of the National Geographic judging panel: "Wales has done a terrific job of sustainable development, including its coastline. The newly linked coastal walk will be one of the most scenic hiking paths in Europe. Citizens work hard at making sure that their coastal environment remains authentic and unspoiled. The seafood and food grown in the adjoining fields are culinary treats."
BEST WESTERN LAMPHEY COURT HOTEL IS PERFECTLY LOCATED FOR YOUR ADVENTURE...Just wipe away the rain, smile and admire the beauty all around you.
Pembrokeshire is an enchanting place, and we've got plenty of information at hand to help you explore this stretch of the coast - which is Britain's only truly coastal national park with an abundance of habitats and wildlife, covering 258 miles of coastline, whether you decide to drive, cycle, walk or take the seasonal tourist bus route. Within the park itself you'll also find six national nature reserves including the world famous Skomer Marine Nature Reserve - one of only a handful of marine reserves in the UK.
Aside from the wildlife and breathtaking scenery, people have also lived here for centuries, existing in harmony with the rugged cliffs and coves - you're never too far from an ancient burial mound, castle, Celtic cross or Welsh legend such as The Mabinogion. The harbour port of Tenby, whose charter was first issued in 1206, is well worth a visit, as is St. David’s with its 13th century Cathedral where Wales’s own Dewi Sant (Saint David) founded a monastery on the site.
We have more Norman castles than might be considered reasonable! Only a ‘catapult’s launch’ away is Pembroke’s impressive fortress, the birthplace of Hendry VII which bore the brunt of Cromwell’s onslaught.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park takes in about a third of the county including the entire coastal strip. It's the only National Park that is almost entirely coastal and runs an extensive programme of activities and events for both adults and children: rockpool safaris, crab catching, bat walks and even time travel! The National Trust owns and protects many of the most important sections of the coast especially around Barafundle beach, Marloes, St Davids, Porthgain & Dinas. The trust also runs the superb Colby Woodland Gardens at Amroth and the Tudor Merchant's House near the harbour in Tenby. Then there’s the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, so interesting is the variety of landscapes you pass through on your way along it, ranging from steep limestone cliffs, undulating red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands and flooded glacial valleys.
There are also some remarkably quaint towns and villages to explore, rest, refresh and recuperate in; essential for getting your breath back after experiencing some of those views!
Don’t be put off by the length of The Coast Path, there are plenty of smaller circular walks.
We could go on and on... why not just book a room and we’ll tell you more when you get here? Or maybe check here http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com
* Photos courtesy of Pembrokeshire County Council and Visit Wales
