Things to do in Pembrokeshire in the rain
Rainy Day Activities
Rain needn’t dampen your Wales holiday. With a wide selection of wet weather activities and things to do in Pembrokeshire when it rains, there’s plenty to keep the family occupied come rain or shine.
Discover Pembrokeshire’s Rich History
Pembrokeshire’s historical attractions will give you great insight into eras gone by including the days when our Patron Saint of Wales lived in the area and when we fought invading troops. Here are just some of our favourites.
Visit St Davids Cathedral
One of the best indoor activities in Pembrokeshire, a visit to the breathtaking St Davids Cathedral is a must whatever the weather. Set amongst a valley in St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, this impressive house of worship features intricate architecture and a gift shop. Built on the site where Saint David built a monastery, the Cathedral has been a site of pilgrimage and worship for more than 800 years. During your visit, pop by MamGu Welshcakes in the refectory for handmade Welshcakes and a bite to eat.
St Davids Bishop's Palace (left) and St Davids Cathedral (right)
Learn about The Last Invasion of Britain (1797)
Head to the charming town of Fishguard to marvel at the 100ft commemorative tapestry in the Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery before calling into The Royal Oak pub opposite where the two warring nations eventually signed a peace treaty.
These indoor attractions provide just a snippet of the historical event so (if weather allows) we recommend sightseeing the open-air 18th Century Fishguard Fort atop the harbour where a line of defence cannons used during the invasion stand. Locals fired shots at the incoming French ships causing them to land at the nearby Carregwasted Point, where you’ll find a plaque marking the location troops set foot on Welsh soil. Expect panoramic sea views from both sites.
The Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery
Enjoy Family Days Out at a Welsh Castle
Visiting a Wales castle is a must so we recommend touring our top 5 castles in Pembrokeshire if you have time.
Explore Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle, built from stone in 1189 and famous for being Henry VII’s birthplace, has been impeccably preserved. Wear a raincoat to climb the castle walls and enjoy views across Pembroke, before heading undercover to discover displays and sculptures showcasing how the castle was built. See the Civil War battle exhibition or take a free guided tour before sipping a cuppa in the cafe. Of all the things to do in Pembrokeshire in the rain, this is a great dog friendly option. There’s no need to book tickets in advance unless you plan on attending one of Pembroke Castle’s special events.
Pembroke Castle
Visit a Pembrokeshire Museum
Museum trips are one of the most popular things to do in Pembrokeshire when it rains, as they are often inside activities. Read our top 5 Pembrokeshire museums for more.
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Pirates, ghosts and a plague are just some of the stories you’ll find at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. Set on Castle Hill in Tenby, browse maritime and WWI exhibitions plus letters from Roald Dahl, detailing happy times spent holidaying here at The Cabin holiday cottage overlooking Tenby Harbour Beach.
Scolton Manor
Be transported to the Victorian era with a family day out at Scolton Manor near Haverfordwest. With a visitor centre, a restored walled garden and a sculpture trail; there’s plenty to see and do at this 19th-century manor house once used as a WWII hospital after years as a residential home. Regarding rainy day activities, touring the indoors here is ideal whilst the extensive grounds make the perfect stomping ground for those little ones kitted out in wet weather gear.
Catch a Show or a Film
When searching for wet weather activities, it won’t be long before someone suggests heading to the cinema or theatre. A perfect pastime during poor weather, there are plenty of cinemas and theatres in Pembrokeshire with a wide range of events and screenings all year round.
Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven hosts a variety of plays, gigs, live broadcasts and film showings making it an integral part of Pembrokeshire’s artistic and creative community. With two auditoriums plus an art gallery and a cafe, you can easily waste a few rainy hours here. Visit in October for their annual Torch Theatre Production, book tickets for the Christmas panto or enjoy an outdoor film screening during the summer (when the weather allows!) as part of their annual Sunset Cinema series.
The Queens Hall, Narberth
The Queens Hall, with its variety of events, is well worth a visit. Enjoy a film screening, attend a comedy night or sing and dance along at one of their music gigs. This venue promises a diverse calendar throughout the year. You’ll also find Span Arts in Narberth, which is known to host productions and festivals such as the Narberth Acappella Voice Festival.
Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan
Just a short walk from Cardigan Castle, hidden down a side street, is the Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan. This innovative arts centre boasts several auditoriums and hosts film screenings, theatre and dance productions, comedian tours and live broadcasts. See the latest blockbuster, catch a showing of a recent National Theatre performance and more.
Relax with a Spa Day in Pembrokeshire
Holidays offer the perfect chance to relax and rewind, so why not level up and book a spa day to go the extra mile? Pamper yourself with some of the more restful things to do in Pembrokeshire in the rain, such as getting a facial or a full body massage at one of the following spas.
St Brides Spa, Saundersfoot
The St Brides Spa resort in Saundersfoot boasts extraordinary sea views from an elevated position above the harbour. With a 5* rating in the Good Spa Guide, this location has a selection of treatments to choose from along with a famous infinity-edge hydrotherapy pool and a thermal bathing spa.
Menevia Bathhouse & Spa, St Davids
Reinvigorate the mind and soul at this city spa with a choice of holistic therapies and ritual packages on offer. Plan a spa day out in Pembrokeshire at Menevia Bathhouse & Spa in St Davids with a group retreat for you and your friends or opt into one of the classes available, yoga or barre. You can also purchase a range of aromatherapy and spa-at-home gifts.
Plan an Activity Day Out
West Wales is home to many fantastic family days out that are open all year round no matter the weather. With a combination of outdoor and indoor activities in Pembrokeshire, there’s a reason that these are some of the top family days out in Wales.
Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo
If you’re looking for wet weather activities in Pembrokeshire to escape the rain, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is a fabulous family-friendly attraction. With lions, giraffes, penguins and more, there’s a whole menagerie of animals to discover. Europe’s largest indoor vintage-style funfair and the Jolly Barn where all the farm animals live are both a must on rainy days in Pembrokeshire.
Penguin at Folly Farm
Heatherton World of Activities
Heatherton World of Activities is open all year round and houses many undercover activities for all ages. Admission is free so you only have to pay for the activities you want to do. Rainy day activities include escape rooms, soft play, archery, the golf driving range and the raceway. There are also plenty of outside activities such as a dog agility course.
Get Creative
For creative things to do in Pembrokeshire when it rains, head to one of the several pottery painting studios in the county. This is a sure-fire way to keep the children occupied when the sun’s not shining and you’ll even get to take away a hand-painted memento.
Periwinkle Pottery, Saundersfoot
Whatever the weather, you’ll find fun and creativity at Periwinkle Pottery on The Strand in Saundersfoot. Choose from a large selection of ceramics and practise your painting in this arty studio before grabbing a bite to eat at the Periwinkle Bistro - the tapas is highly recommended!
The Creative Cafe, Haverfordwest
At The Creative Cafe in Haverfordwest, you can choose from tiles, vases, plates, mugs and a whole host of other ceramics depending on what you fancy painting. Use sponges and brushes to colour your chosen canvas before the team glazes and fires your piece to ensure they last a lifetime.
Jump for Joy at a Trampoline Park
Hangar Five, Haverfordwest
Book online for an afternoon of bouncing at Pembrokeshire’s trampoline park and soft play centre. Hangar Five on the outskirts of Haverfordwest is home to over 100 interconnected trampolines with added features including a dodgeball court, angled walls and a time-attack section. The open sessions are the most popular while the disco nights offer something for those who like a dance.
The Soft Play Centre at Hangar Five caters for two different ages (3 and under | 8 and under) with obstacles, climbing areas and slides to keep them entertained. There’s even a cafe onsite too if any of your party don’t fancy jumping but wish to tag along.
Bowl a Strike
Bowling is one of the go-to things to do in Pembrokeshire in the rain and as far as wet weather activities go, this one is certainly a people-pleaser.
Phoenix Bowl, Milford Haven
Indulge in one of the most traditional rainy day activities at Phoenix Bowl in Milford Haven. Located alongside the marina, this quaint bowling alley has plenty to keep the family occupied for hours. Grab a bite to eat from the cafe as you debate whether to keep the sides up and help your aim before challenging your loved ones to a game. Take the little ones to enjoy the soft play area whilst the adults relax with a glass of wine from the bar, the teenagers will soon end up playing one of the arcade games to pass the time.
More Things to Do in Pembrokeshire
For further inspiration, see our full list of things to do in Pembrokeshire and discover the wide range of activities you can enjoy during your stay. You might also like to read our article on what to do in Tenby if it rains.
Coastal Cottages Cosy Holiday Cottages in Wales
The Coastal Cottages collection of cosy holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire are perfect for seaside cottage escapes and retreats where snuggling in front of a roaring fire in a cottage full of character are high on your list of needs.
