Start Planning your 2024 Pembrokeshire Holiday

Have you started planning your holiday in Pembrokeshire for 2024 yet? If not, then why not? It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s getaway. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite things to do in Pembrokeshire which will be happening next year. 

What better way to kick off the new year with a quick dip in the sea than the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim or Whitesands New Year’s Day Swim? Start 2024 with a buzzing atmosphere. 

January is a great time to visit if you prefer to keep things low-key, as it tends to be the quietest month of the year. The perfect opportunity to explore the county without all of the hustle and bustle created in the peak summer months.

Whenever you go, you won’t have any trouble finding accommodation. At Coastal Cottages we’ve currently got a whopping 500 holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire, so whether you want somewhere family-friendly or you’re travelling with a big group, there’s sure to be something that ticks the right boxes.

Endless Activities

There’s nowhere else in the UK that has a Coastal National Park, which means Pembrokeshire’s coastline and waters remain untouched. Pembrokeshire is blessed with more than 186 miles of wild, rugged coastline which is surrounded by the sea. This makes this glorious county the ideal choice for an activity break. The crystal-clear waters are made for kayaking and paddleboarding whereas the Atlantic swells become an adventure playground for surfers and coasteerers. 

You’ll be spoilt for choice too with Blue Flag award-winning beaches like Whitesands and Tenby, perfect for family holidays with facilities on the doorstep. Even better there’s also a wide selection of quieter beaches such as Traeth Llyfn, Musselwick and Wisemans Bridge which are all dog-friendly in the spring and autumn months.

Attractions like Folly Farm, Heatherton and Manor Wildlife Park are always open and waiting for you to visit. All are great choices for a family getaway to keep the children happy.

Delicious Food Options

Pembrokeshire is the perfect place to tour the streets of quaint delicatessens and hidden farm shops in the countryside. Enjoy a picnic with a spectacular view on The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or enjoy a drink at any one of the local breweries and gin distilleries. 

In recent months, Lokky’s near Saundersfoot has become very popular having stormed the foodie scene with its Pan-Asian menu. If that doesn’t take your fancy, try The Stone Crab in Saundersfoot, well-known for its seafood menu. Best for pub grub, head to The Stackpole Inn known for its quality food having won several awards as a result. If it’s the view you’re after, then Salty’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Tenby definitely best known for its alfresco dining at its prime location on Tenby’s South Beach where they offer top-notch food accompanied by stunning views and spectacular high-end meals. 

If you’re a veggie, we recommend Runawayskiln in Marloes Sands nestled on the very edge of Pembrokeshire serving vibrant, freshly prepared food and drink. For food on the go, it has to be one of Romys delicious freshly made sweet or savoury crepes alongside sweet cakes and hot coffees. If you’re more of an early bird, then head to The Butternut in Saundersfoot for a delicious full English or there’s The Mill Cafe in the heart of St Davids which serves a traditional Welsh breakfast complete with cockles and larver bread. Of course, you can’t holiday in Pembrokeshire and not try out the seaside staple fish and chips, we recommend The Shed Bistro in Porthgain which is well-known for its local fresh fish and shellfish.

Music Events 

Pembrokeshire is home to a number of music festivals including the Fishguard Folk Festival, the Fishguard International Music Festival, the Aberjazz Blues Festival and the Tenby Blues Festival just to name a few. Expect intimate performances from a wide range of local musicians in a number of venues across Pembrokeshire including pubs, restaurants and more. 

For a larger music event, there’s Westival which is a 4-day independent music & arts festival which has a house party atmosphere and sea views over Tenby and Caldey Island. There’s also The Big Retreat Festival which gives you access to a number of feel-good experiences including live music, fitness, yoga, arts, workshops and much more.

Sports Events to Remember

Whether you compete for fun, spectate or are a serious athlete, there is something for everyone at the many sports events in Pembrokeshire.

Long Course Weekend will be returning once again in June 2024 to see thousands of athletes and supporters head to Tenby for a fantastic three-day triathlon. Kicking off the weekend on Friday is the children’s Kinder event which combines a quick dip in the sea with a run to the finish line for ages 4-11. This is followed by The Wales Swim, Wales’ biggest open water swimming event set in the truly iconic location on Tenbys North Beach. With two distances to choose from either 1.2 miles or 2.4 miles The Wales Swim is an exciting way to kickstart this electric weekend.

The next day will be The Wales Sportive. There are three different distances with 40-mile, 70-mile and 112-mile options for the bike ride, depending on entry level. The final day of the weekend is The Wales Marathon, a 26.2-mile marathon run, with Half Marathon, 10K and 5K options.  Athletes and supporters will enjoy the award-winning finish line with huge crowds and an incredible atmosphere. 

There’s the Tour of Pembrokeshire happening in the UK’s smallest city of St Davids. This outstanding location attracts cyclists from all over the world to take part and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, wonderful natural history and stunning sandy beaches. To suit all abilities, the course starts and finishes at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi with 25, 60, 80 and 105-mile options. The shortest route is ideal for families or sportive first-timers. The longer routes are more suited to experienced riders.

September sees Tenby host another triathlon event, Ironman Wales. This mammoth event is one of the most famous endurance events in the country. Having nicknamed Tenby as ‘Iron Town’ it challenges its athletes to a 2.4-mile swim on Tenby’s North Beach, a 112-mile cycle following a course from Tenby out to Angle then heading up towards Narberth, before completing the triathlon with a full marathon all on the same day! If you don’t feel up to the challenge yourself it’s a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy as a supporter. 

It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s getaway. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite things to do in Pembrokeshire for 2024.