Reasons to Plan an Autumn Holiday in Pembrokeshire

Woodland walks, empty beaches and picturesque villages bring those autumnal vibes in spades

It’s no wonder that Pembrokeshire is a go-to destination for summer breaks but this rich and varied landscape is not to be overlooked outside of these mid-year months. So swap your swimsuits and sea sports for knitted jumpers and the night sky, because an autumn holiday in Pembrokeshire will have you feeling like you’ve stepped inside a film set.

Pembrokeshire Autumns are Dog Friendly

Whilst a select few beaches in the area enforce restrictions during the summer months, these are waived during the remainder of the year. Come October in Pembrokeshire, you can head to Tenby North Beach and Whitesands Beach without any hesitation - you have a complete run of the sand!

You and your furry four-legged friends can roam free on all of the beaches across Pembrokeshire from October 1st until 30th April when you stay at one of our dog friendly cottages, though leads are encouraged when exploring public areas like this. (You will also want to keep your canine on a lead when strolling the Coast Path as you may share parts of the trail with wild ponies, livestock and other animals.)

Off-Season Stays Attract Fewer Crowds

July and August dates are popular amongst families and sun-worshippers but autumnal breaks in Pembrokeshire are often said to be for the more relaxed, mindful soul. October and November days reward you with a little more breathing space so you can fully soak up the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings. Spend a little extra time wandering the paths and strolling the scenic trails, you’ll be awarded with a more relaxed outlook on life and a more positive mindset.

Slower travel is a trend perfectly matched to the off-season so take your time exploring and discovering new sights, absorbing the tranquil setting that this coastal National Park offers. Sightsee destinations like St Davids Cathedral, St Govans Chapel and Barafundle Bay where you’ll find a wave of calmness wash over your whole being.

Cosy Pubs and Holiday Cottages with Fires

Is there any better feeling during this pumpkin-spiced season than curling up in front of a roaring fire? Flickering orange flames create the perfect atmosphere and a warm welcome when stepping in from the frosty outside, so whipping off those hats and gloves for a toasty pub lunch is a must during autumn.

Head to traditional inns like The Farmers Arms in St Davids with its multiple fireplaces, settle down for a bite to eat in front of the woodburner at The Carew Inn opposite Carew Castle or grab a pint under the beams of The Sloop Inn in Porthgain where you can enjoy a harbourside walk afterwards.

When you stay with us here at Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, you can choose from a plethora of holiday homes complete with open fires, log burners and multi-fuel stoves so you needn’t leave the house if you don’t want to.

Lower Porthmawr, set above Whitesands Beach, provides sea views and easy access to coastal walks with a warming woodburner in the lounge. Swiss Cottage in Tenby has an open fire set amongst a beautiful exposed stone wall while The Boathouse in St Dogmaels is an idyllic waterside retreat for two with a woodburner that heats up the whole home. You can also capture that fireside experience all week long with a stay at Hoopers Cottage near St Brides Bay where the open fire sits within the lounge wall at an elevated height, creating an idyllic centrepiece.

Hoopers Cottage near St Brides

Autumn Walks in Pembrokeshire

Lace up those walking boots for a crisp stroll under the changing colours of the leaves, a must during these off-season days of the year. Ty Canol Wood near Newport is like something out of a fairytale with the iconic Pentre Ifan burial chamber standing nearby whilst Lawrenny Woods will take you along the riverside of the hidden waterway that snakes through in-land Pembrokeshire.

Head out onto the Coast Path for epic sea views stretching across to Ireland and Mumbles depending on which direction you look, or go searching for King Arthur’s tomb on the Preseli Hills which are best known for being the location of the Stonehenge bluestones and the inspiration for the Welsh stories of The Mabinogion.

Pembrokeshire’s Autumnal Events

The calendar pages for October and November are pretty jam-packed so you can’t go wrong when choosing dates if you’re looking for a local event to attend. Halloween and Half Term are all about spooky goings-on with activity days at Pembroke Castle and Castell Henllys, plus there’s the annual Saundersfoot Big Bang Weekend that you won’t want to miss. Pumpkin Patches emerge in early October including the Tenby Pumpkin Farm and Good Hook Pumpkins.

Fishguard’s Cawl Crawl (run by the Fishguard & Goodwick Round Table) is a highlight of the year for foodies whilst Tenby Beer Festival is a must for those who like a cheeky tipple. Bonfire Night sees explosions of colour across the skies with notable displays in Solva, Milford and Carmarthen whilst the Tenby Blues Festival sees a pop-up trail of live music throughout venues and bars across the town.