Things to do in Pembrokeshire when it Rains
Rainy Day Activities
Explore some of the exciting places to visit and things to do come rain or shine!
Discover Pembrokeshire’s Rich Coastal History
Take a visit to the UK’s smallest city! Exploring the breathtaking St Davids Cathedral is a must-do on a rainy day. The monastery was built by Saint David, the patron saint of Wales himself. The Cathedral has been a site of pilgrimage and worship for more than 800 years making the beautiful interior and architecture definitely worth the visit. There are also a number of places to eat and stop for a coffee in St Davids.
If you want to explore North Pembrokeshire, then a visit to the charming coastal town of Fishguard is perfect for nature lovers and explorers. The old fort built in the 18th century is just a 1-mile walk from the town centre offering a relaxing stroll with some spectacular panoramic views. You’ll spot the cannons which cleverly formed the defence line that prevented the last invasion of Britain in 1797. Once you’ve had your fill of clifftop views, a stop in at the town hall to marvel at the impressive 100ft Last Invasion Tapestry is well worth the visit.
If holidaying in Pembrokeshire, a trip down south to Tenby, famous for its golden beaches is always recommended but dig a little deeper at the award-winning Tenby Museum and Art Gallery on Castle Hill. You’ll find the town has much more to offer with a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Pirates, plague and ghosts are just some of the stories to uncover as you stroll through the cobbled streets.
Test your Creativity
Pembrokeshire plays host to a range of pottery painting studios where you can enjoy painting your own pottery serving as a great day out to keep children happy and occupied when the sun’s not shining.
Whatever the weather, you’ll find fun and creativity at Periwinkle Pottery on The Strand in Saundersfoot or The Creative Cafe in Haverfordwest. You can choose from a large selection of ceramics and paint away the afternoon.
Explore Magical Fortresses
There are lots of castles in Pembrokeshire to choose from, so we have listed some of our favourites.
Pembroke Castle is best known for being the birthplace of Henry VII. Having been first built in 1093 out of timber, it was reconstructed in 1189 out of stone and has been fantastically preserved to what stands today. The impressive views from the top are not only breathtaking but also highlight how the position of the castle helped defend against invaders once upon a time. There are often workshops and events held at the castle, so it’s worth checking their website to better plan your visit.
Built right on the banks of the Carew River sits Carew Castle & Tidal Mill. This stunning example of a Pembrokeshire fortress has a settlement history that dates back to the Iron Age. Enjoy the leisurely stroll around the 23-acre millpond with a picnic to stop and take advantage of the many viewpoints. Along the walk, you’ll discover the Tidal Mill. Interestingly it’s the only one to be restored in Wales and is one of just five in the UK. It is ideal for days out with all the family, including the dog! Carew Castle also offers a similar events calendar to that from Pembroke Castle, with various special events throughout the year.
The remarkable stone structure of Manorbier Castle stands overlooking the soft sandy shore at Manorbier Beach. The fortress dates back to around the 12th Century and has been maintained ever since. This castle is a favourite for private functions so make sure if you’re planning a visit to check opening times.
Chill Out at a Spa
A holiday offers the perfect chance to take some time to relax and refresh. There are a number of spas around the country so you won’t have to drive too far to reach one. St Brides Spa in Saundersfoot sits on a cliff top offering fantastic sea views. Up North, there is The Wolfscastle Spa which offers soothing treatments to reinvigorate the body and mind or head to Menevia Bathhouse and Spa in St Davids which offers a wide range of beauty and spa therapies as well as aromatherapy and spa-at-home gifts. Another option is the Scolton Country Spa near Haverfordwest which provides a haven of rustic luxury. All are great options to while away a grey day.
Holiday Treats & Extras Top to Toe Indulgence
Spend an afternoon in relaxation heaven courtesy of this Top to Toe Indulgence package with a full body massage, a facial, a mini manicure and a mini pedicure.
Watch a Live Performance
There’s nothing quite like live entertainment and we’re sure you’ll be wowed at these creative venues.
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. The Queens Hall in Narberth is also well worth the visit as they host a variety of events from film screenings, comedy nights and music gigs.
Enjoy an Activity Day Out
Pembrokeshire is home to many fantastic days out for the family that are open all year round no matter the weather.
Nestled away near Tenby and Saundersfoot lives Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. If you’re looking for wet weather activities in Pembrokeshire to escape the rain, it’s a fabulous family attraction. With lions, giraffes and penguins to just name a few, there’s a whole menagerie of animals to discover! There’s also Europe’s largest indoor vintage-style funfair to win prizes and souvenirs and there’s the Jolly Barn where all the farm animals live. It is a must-visit for families coming to Pembrokeshire on a self-catering holiday.
Also near to Tenby is Heatherton World of Activities which 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. You can even make your Pembrokeshire cottage holiday extra special with our Heatherton Credit Passes, ideal for large families. Wet weather fun includes escape rooms, soft play, archery, driving range and shooting and the raceway. There’s also plenty of outside activities to keep you entertained as well and there’s even a dog agility course for the four-legged member of your family!
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.
