Pembrokeshire in Winter
Why you'll love a Pembrokeshire winter and what to do during your stay
With biting cold breezes coming in from the sea tempting you to retire to an open fire, the winter months can be a wonderful respite from the ‘real world’.
While winter in Pembrokeshire can bring storms, damp days, days with never-ending rain and contrastingly beautiful crisp days where the sun decides to shine; it’s also one of the quietest months to be in the county. Winter in West Wales can be ideal for those who don’t enjoy big crowds and busy towns, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
We adore a Pembrokeshire winter no matter the weather and here are some of the reasons why. Our recommendations for things to do in Pembrokeshire in the winter involve slow strolls on empty beaches, relaxed drinks by the pub fireplace and the occasional surf session. Winter walks in Pembrokeshire are a given so keep reading to find out where we like to go and make sure to sightsee some of the quaint villages across the coastline too.
If you want to experience Pembrokeshire like a local, come visit during the quietest part of the year - you’ll see the region has an entirely different personality than the one you see during the summer holidays and it’s just as loveable, if not more so.
Empty Beaches
Unlike in summertime when the beaches are filled with holidaymakers, you may very well find you have a beach entirely to yourself during the winter and that certainly is a special feeling. Make sure to wrap up warm as those long stretches of coastline like you’ll find at Newgale Beach and Tenby South Beach can get somewhat bracing, to say the least, but it’s just the tonic for when you need those winter cobwebs blown away.
On fine days in Pembrokeshire in the winter, you can stroll along the sand from Broad Haven Beach around to Little Haven Beach when the tide is at its lowest to discover the hidden Settlands Bay that lies between the two seaside villages. If you’re looking to get away from it all and have some space to readjust your thoughts, head to the peaceful coves at Ceibwr Bay, Traeth Llyfn Beach or Swanlake Bay Beach which the lesser-travelled all year round.
Traeth Llyfn Beach
Winter Walks
Walking possibilities in West Wales seem endless, with a different walk and a different landscape to capture your every mood. As well as the world-famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the county is crisscrossed with trails, footpaths and bridleways where you can enjoy long rambles through beautiful countryside.
One of our favourite winter walks in Pembrokeshire is the circular route that takes you through Bosherston Lily Ponds and Broadhaven South Beach. Dog friendly and child friendly, this course is ideal for leisurely strolls with views across the woodlands and lakes plus an extra treat with the superb sandy beach halfway around. Bring a picnic and take a seat on any of the picnic benches along the way or settle on the beach gazing across the waves. To extend your walk and make a day of it, venture to the cliffs and widen your circle to include Barafundle Bay, taking in the breathtaking serenity of the Stackpole estate as you make your way home.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
Storm Watching
These wintry months in Pembrokeshire inevitably host winter storms and for those storm-chasers out there, there are several top spots for storm-watching around the county. Landscape photographers adore the extraordinary landscape of West Wales because of its striking nature regardless of the time of year but stormy days in Pembrokeshire offer sights that are almost biblical at times.
Settle down with a flask and a blanket at Strumble Head where Atlantic breakers send sea spray over the headland and as high as the lighthouse or for less exposed - but equally dramatic - storm watching, head to Saundersfoot where you can watch the waves crash against the beach wall.
Quality Surf
Whether you want to jump in the water or simply watch, you’re likely to catch some spectacular surfing waves during winter in Pembrokeshire. These winter waves can often be larger and more powerful than other seasons, providing quality conditions for Pembrokeshire’s surfing elite though keep an eye on warnings and conditions if you are planning a few hours in the water. Pembrokeshire’s beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards during the winter season so you must take all precautions to be safe, like always employing a buddy system and never going in the water alone.
Depending on the conditions of the day, surfing can be enjoyed or viewed at Manorbier, Newgale, Whitesands, Tenby South and Freshwater West Beach, the latter of which has even been known to be the home of the Welsh National Surfing Championships in past years.
Fireside Drinks
The ultimate way to waste the hours away during winter is of course, by cosying up besides a roaring fire with a cup of tea or a glass of something stronger. Lock yourselves away from the outside world and stay inside the comfort of your cosy cottage with an open fire or woodburner. If you ask us, this is one of the most idyllic things to do in Pembrokeshire in the winter.
That said, a visit to one (or more!) of Pembrokeshire's traditional country inns and homely taverns is a must during the winter season. Not only will you likely be greeted with the hypnotic crackle of a log burning in the fireplace, but you’ll find winter warmers on the menu like homemade soups, cawls and hearty stews. Try the Wisemans Bridge Inn near Saundersfoot, The Old Pointhouse in Angle, The Bishops in St Davids, or The Golden Lion in Newport.
Quaint Villages
Pembrokeshire’s picturesque villages are at their best during the quiet season when you’re likely to get the narrow lanes and cobbled streets to yourself. Explore the pathways of St Davids and take the steps down to stroll around St Davids Cathedral, wander the cobblestones of Tenby dipping in and out of the art galleries, mosey along the harbourside at Porthgain or meander along the waterfront at Broad Haven before stepping into one of the cafes for a warming cuppa.
Christmas in Pembrokeshire
Christmas events in Pembrokeshire make up much of the calendar during November and December with winter fairs taking place across the region and several castle Christmas markets. Crowds of Santa-clad fundraisers run through the streets and brave souls even storm the seas for a coldwater dip, all held in aid of local and national charities each year.
Whilst the festive season here may not be able to compete with the grand festivities and celebrations seen elsewhere in the world, you can expect a Pembrokeshire Christmas to be just as magical.
Charming twinkly lights illuminate the sleepy towns and villages with bright shop windows enticing you to browse their unique gifts and homewares. Delicate spruce trees light up tranquil village greens in the long dark evenings and you might even be lucky enough to sightsee Santa travelling through the county on his sleigh.
Our Winter Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire
As one of the quietest months for accommodation bookings, so you will have a wide range of Pembrokeshire cottages to choose from for your winter getaway. From cliff-top sea-view houses and luxury retreats to harbourside romantic breaks and quaint country cottages with character, you’ll be spoilt for choice of accommodation options at low-season rates in December, January and February.
