Off-Season Escapes in Pembrokeshire

You might be thinking, “Why would I want to visit Pembrokeshire any other time than summer?” Well, our response to that is quite simple. “Why wouldn’t you?”

To visit Pembrokeshire during the “off-season” is to visit at the county’s most enchanting time if you ask us. We’re all in agreement that summertime is something special in this part of the world. Those epic long lengths of coastline paired with vibrant blue skies and ebbing waves is truly the stuff of dreams.

But to explore Pembrokeshire during these quieter months of the year or even the seasons which shoulder the summer weeks is to explore the region at its wildest. These are the times when the county’s personality shines brightest and if you don’t think a landscape can have a personality, then you really haven’t travelled these lands to their fullest extent.

An air of mystique and magic envelopes the land during the winter months as the fog rolls in across the sea and wraps itself around the sloping hillsides. Stormier weather results in strange cloud formations and more spirited waves, always followed by an almighty sense of stillness. These are the very scenes that photographers long for.

The untamed nature of these Welsh shores is something to be captured in your travels; let yourself roam free across the awe-inspiring panorama here with unplanned adventures and spontaneous discoveries. Stumble onto empty beaches and make it your own private playground, even if only for a few moments. Hike to the summits of Carn Llidi, Carningli or the Preseli Hills and you might just feel like you’re the only person in the world.

The lack of hustle and bustle during the off-season is precisely one of the reasons why we love it so. Nothing can provide the same sense of calm as being one with your thoughts in such a spectacular location - and there are many of those to be found in Pembrokeshire.

Journey to West Wales out of season for a week of me-time, a long weekend away from the city or even a midweek getaway for a moment of breathing space and we guarantee you won’t regret it. You’ll have your pick of the places to stay and to visit, plus we can safely say that it’s a little easier to nab your favourite seat in the pub (the one by the roaring fire!).

Summer holidays in Pembrokeshire have their appeals, we don’t deny that one bit. But to not look further afield at the rest of the calendar is to do the county a disservice. You’ll find more wildlife, lesser people and more space. What’s not to love?

Oh and did we mention, you can often find cheaper accommodation too.

March

March is one of our favourite months of the year as that’s when the county starts over afresh once more. Vivid colours start to return to the hedgerows with the arrival of this season’s flowers and there becomes a buzz in the air once more as the insects emerge from their winter hibernations.

Kicking off the spring celebrations in Wales is St Davids Day on the very first of the month. Honouring our Patron Saint, Saint David or Dewi Sant as he is known in Wales, this day is a special one for the nation and is particularly celebrated in the miniature city named after him.

Wrap up warm for a pilgrimage from St Nons, where David was born, to St Davids Cathedral, where he once built a monastery. Led by the Bishop, this walk of faith takes you along the quiet country roads passing by budding yellow daffodils and into the heart of the city. Watch the annual Dragon Parade and tour the Bishop’s Palace (often awarded free entry on the 1st) before popping into the brand new Cathedral House cafe for coffee and a Welsh cake.

World Book Day often falls a few days later, providing the perfect excuse to sightsee some literary locations in Pembrokeshire. Dylan Thomas’ Llarregub from “Under Milk Wood” was inspired by Laugharne whilst Fishguard and Solva both took on the role of the location for film adaptations.

Famous jockey Dick Francis was born and bred in Lawrenny so why not take your copy of “Dead Cert” to ready by the river with a hot cuppa at Quayside Tearooms in the place of his birth. Channel your inner Roald Dahl with a stay at The Cabin in Tenby, where the “Matilda” author once spent childhood Easters.

March is also the month of Mother’s Day so how about showing your appreciation with a little mini-break by the seaside for her? A few days off cooking and cleaning will no doubt leave her feeling cherished and rested, even more so if you throw in a surprise massage courtesy of our in-cottage spa therapists. Take her for Sunday lunch, treat her to flowers or spend some quality time together browsing the one-of-a-kind stores in a boutique town like Narberth.

Rounding off the month is Laugharne Weekend, a three-day event combining all things arts and culture. Talks and workshops take place throughout this sleepy village and a trip to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse is a must. Make sure to visit Arthurs for delicious food too!

October

Towards the tail end of the year comes October, another gorgeous time of year to pay a visit to Pembrokeshire. This month is strong with autumnal vibes so expect a landscape of greens combined with leaves of orange, red and yellow throughout.

October is a month made for walking boots and wellingtons, both the shoe and the food! The weather is usually fairly stable growing colder and darker towards Halloween at the end of the month but you can’t go wrong with muddy boots and a waterproof coat. Believe us, the picture-perfect scenes that don the woodlands and countryside during these weeks are certainly worth a little bit of wet weather.

The first of the month marks the lifting of dog restrictions on beaches making it particularly popular for pet friendly breaks; travel to any sandy shore within the county’s borders and your furry friend can roam the full extent of the bay.

Up until the end of the month when Half Term takes place, all those summer activities are still in play too. Boat trips, watersports sessions and more all run right throughout the month - perhaps not daily as they were during the summer holidays, but they haven’t shut up shop for the season just yet. So take advantage whilst you still can and book that boat trip to sightsee Caldey!

October for us is all about being cosy; we love that moment of stepping inside a toasty cafe or pub for a warming coffee and a hearty meal. Some of the best seasonal produce is available around about now so head to the local farm shops to pick up apples and blackberries to make a homemade crumble or venture to the nearby restaurants to check out their chef’s soup of the day.

Dogs

Let’s be honest, if you’re holidaying with a dog then you’re probably better suited to holidaying outside of the summer months. These pups can have thick furry coats so spending long days at the beach under the glaring sun can be tough for them, but choose a stay a few weeks either side of the height of summer and you’ll be in good stead.

Enjoy a somewhat cooler sea breeze and lower temperatures as you play catch on the sand before your pooch runs off to chase waves on the incoming tide. Plus, that extra space awarded by the lack of crowds means your canine will have a little more freedom to stretch those legs with a good run.

Our team of dog lovers in the office know all too well that our four-legged friends often don’t care what the weather is doing; they’re just happy to feel the sand underfoot. Come rain or shine, these comical pets who accompany us everywhere are simply pleased to be out and about with their humans. In fact, we know some of our hounds actually prefer it when the weather is a little blustery - that means more sticks to be found on the ground right?

And we know some of you out there are bound to have the kind of pup who strives to get as wet, as muddy and as sandy as possible. We may know one or two of those ourselves! For these untamable companions, a winter break playing in foamy surf and soaked sand is a pooch’s paradise.