Culture & Events Bucket List
Our list of must-do activities and events, have we forgotten any of your faves?
To celebrate our fortieth birthday, we’ve put together the ultimate Pembrokeshire Bucket List with forty amazing things to do on our coast.
We've split this into four sections, one of which is our Child Friendly Bucket List which you will find below. The other three sections consist of our Dog Friendly Bucket List, our Foodie Bucket List and our Culture & Events Bucket List. Read our Ultimate Bucket List here.
Pembrokeshire is rich in culture and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a budding athlete, interested in history or passionate about the arts. Here is our list of unmissable events & cultural things to do in Pembrokeshire.
Take part in Long Course Weekend
Calling all Swimmers, Cyclists, Runners and Triathletes. Europe’s biggest multisport festival kicks off with The Wales Swim on Friday July 1st and children’s races on Tenby North Beach. On Saturday, over 4000 cyclists gather for the closed road Wales Sportive with 40 miles, 72 mile and 112 mile options. Then Super Sunday is all about The Wales Marathon. 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon options available, again all on closed roads! There is simply something for everyone at the Long Course Weekend!
Coastal Cottages Long Course Weekend Accommodation
Pembrokeshire plays host annually to one of the most difficult triathlons in Wales – the Long Course Weekend. This unique event lasts three days, now in June, accommodating some of the best triathlon talent in the UK and the world, including a number of IRONMAN UK athletes, serving as the perfect preparation and build-up to the IRONMAN Wales event in September.
Go back in time at Castell Henllys
Embrace the Iron Age lifestyle at one of Pembrokeshire’s one-of-a-kind days out! Nestled in the countryside near Nevern and Newport, Castell Henllys is a family friendly attraction where you will find an astonishing reconstructed Iron Age Hill Fort complete with three large replica roundhouses plus a granary and forge. Get involved in old-age activities like basket weaving and learn ancient skills like weaving – a fascinating insight into a bygone era.
Visit the UK’s smallest city
Follow in the footsteps of the Patron Saint of Wales, Dewi Sant, and stroll the streets of the tiny city of St Davids. Walk the tall staircase down into the valley and take in the wonderful architecture of St Davids Cathedral. This city is home to independent shops, art galleries and country pubs – perfect for a unique city break.
St Davids Cathedral
Discover Dylan Thomas
Lit lovers will appreciate stopping by the petite boathouse where this legendary Welsh poet and author wrote his most famous piece, Under Milk Wood. Laugharne provided much inspiration for his sleepy village setting and you too can walk in his footsteps. Sightsee the castle, drink in Browns and walk the Coast Path here.
Attend a Music festival
Classical, blues, jazz and folk - enjoy it all here in Pembrokeshire. These are ever-popular events so make sure to get tickets early. Bop to the beat at Tenby Blues Fest in November, sway to the sounds at Fishguard’s Aberjazz in August or head for the St Davids Cathedral Festival in May for orchestral concerts, choir performances and more.
Rock the Castle usually takes place in Pembroke in June
Spend an evening at Outdoor Theatre
Settle down with a blanket and a picnic for the ultimate cultured night out when you attend an outdoor theatre show. St Davids Bishop's Palace and Cardigan Castle host outdoors Shakespeare each summer whilst Carew and Pembroke Castles have been known to host classic plays such as The Great Gatsby.
Chill at The Big Retreat
Soothe your soul and do wonders for your wellbeing when you spend the weekend at The Big Retreat in Lawrenny. With a plethora of activities, workshops and entertainment, there’s plenty to do. Try yoga and pilates, channel your creative side with painting and poetry or get active with dance and circuit training. Enjoy cookery demonstrations, inspirational talks and live music too. The lineup changes every year but always promises a great programme; 2022 will see Reef, Toploader and Mr Motivator take to the stage!
Visit a museum
Wales is steeped in history so why not dive a little deeper into the past with a visit to a fascinating museum? Learn about the 1797 Last Invasion of Britain at Fishguard’s Tapestry Gallery, go back in time at the Tudor Merchant House in Tenby and discover Pembrokeshire’s military history at Chapel Bay Fort & Museum in Angle.
Find Dobby’s grave
During the making of the Harry Potter movies, this wonderful wizarding world came to Pembrokeshire. Explore the sand dunes of Freshwater West in search of a collection of rocks and socks honouring Dobby’s memory. Many are painted with messages in tribute to everyone’s favourite House Elf.
Spend summer on the Pembrokeshire Coast
Whilst we appreciate all four seasons are pretty magical here, spending summer in Pembrokeshire is utter bliss. Imagine blue skies, warm weather and plenty of perfect places to dip your toes in the water. With epic beaches of long golden sands, immaculate glassy shores and activities to keep you busy for weeks; you’ll be spoilt for choice with what to see and do. Eat ice creams, build sandcastles, try watersports, walk the coastal path and visit the pretty seaside pubs.
There’s nowhere we’d rather spend our summer holidays.
Coastal Cottages Summer Cottage Holidays in Wales
Make your summer holidays unforgettable with a brilliant break at a beautiful holiday cottage in Wales. Escape to Pembrokeshire this summer - beaches, adventures and great memories await.
