Child Friendly in West Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is the best location in Wales for child friendly holidays
West Pembrokeshire starts in the picturesque harbour village of Solva and snakes around the coast to Newgale Beach, which is one of the finest in the county and also a great spot for surfing.
Continue on through the stunning bays and beaches of Nolton Haven and Druidston Haven towards Broad Haven, with its long stretch of sand and level access making it popular with families. This contrasts well with the picturesque cove of Little Haven found just over the headland.
This area continues around the stunning St. Brides Bay to St. Ann’s Head and finishes in the upper reaches of the Western Cleddau Estuary. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful location of Pembrokeshire, there is a wealth of things to do for you and your family. We’ve put together a list of all the child-friendly activities and attractions that are on offer, so you can make the most of your time in west Pembrokeshire.
West Pembrokeshire Beaches
West Pembrokeshire has an abundance of beautiful beaches to choose from - some of the best in the county. Try watersports and have a go at surfing, kayaking, coasteering or windsurfing if you're adventurous enough. Traditional beach activities such as sandcastle building, beach rounders, stone skimming and kite flying are ideal as many beaches in this area are long sweeping bays.
Wildlife watchers will adore the abundance of sea birds residing on these high clifftops, rugged caves and offshore islands whereas walkers can easily pick up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from any of these shorelines.
View from Little Haven Beach to Broad Haven Beach during low tide
Skomer Island
If you and your family are looking for an adventure, what better place to explore than a rugged offshore island home to hundreds of Pembrokeshire Puffins during their breeding season? Enjoy a boat trip to Skomer from Martin’s Haven Beach near Marloes - whether you decide to land on the island or just take a safari around, you're guaranteed to have a great time.
During your trip, you’ll see hundreds of seabirds and likely some seals too. If you're lucky, you might even see some porpoise and dolphins. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled during the cross from the mainland to the island when you could see some seabirds in action, with diving gannets and shearwaters attempting to catch their prey!
See some Pembrokeshire Puffins on Skomer Island!
Nolton Stables
Explore the sands of St Brides Bay by horseback which a horse ride from Nolton Stables. Located right in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this superb stables has over 60 horses and ponies with something to suit every rider and even guides to walk on foot alongside first-timers or nervous riders.
Druidston Haven Beach is their main location for beach ride, they take a short hack across the fields to this beautiful location. In low season, they also use Newgale beach where they gallop along the golden sand and through the surf. Alternatively, take a countryside trek through the woodlands in this rural Welsh landscape.
Booking is advisable due to the popular nature of these activities and is available through our very own Concierge team.
Druidston Beach - Nolton Stables Horses riding through the surf
Picton Castle & Gardens
Picton Castle is a 13th-century building located some 5 miles outside of Haverfordwest. The castle is surrounded by 44 acres of land with idyllic gardens which have been carefully landscaped to provide interest for each and every season you may visit. There is a large play area complete with a maze, climbing wall and a jungle boardwalk - great to tire the little ones out!
Picton Castle is also home to The Secret Owl Garden which is run by Pembrokeshire Falconry. It is open in the warmer months and is a fantastic addition to the Gardens. Visit the owls in their homes located at Blue Bell Walk and watch them swoop around the gardens as they take it in turns to stretch their wings throughout the day.
There is always plenty to see and do at Picton Castle & Gardens meaning it’s easy to get carried away and spend the whole day here experiencing something new. Make sure to get a tour of the castle, visit the cafe, shop, or art gallery whilst you're here. Special events are held here regularly from family fun days to vintage craft fairs, guaranteed great days for all.
Child-friendly days out at Picton Castle - The Secret Owl Garden
Hanger 5 Trampoline Park
If the weather is on the wetter side, head over to Hanger 5 in Haverfordwest- Wales' first trampoline park. Have fun indoors and get fit with around 10,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines. You'll find plenty of added extras such as angled walls, punch bags, volleyball, dodgeball, slams drunk, tricks airbag and basketball.
Fun for all the family, Hanger 5 caters for all ages, skillsets and abilities. There is even a soft play area perfect for younger children plus a cafe on site which is open daily, serving hot and cold refreshments.
Hanger 5 Trampoline Park, Haverfordwest
West Wales Karting
If you and your family fancy hitting the tracks for a high-speed competitive race in an ultimate safe racing environment, venture to West Wales Karting in Haverfordwest. Suitable for children aged 8+, this karting experience specialises in the development of young drivers. Cadet karts are fitted with speed controls for peace of mind for parents. This activity in all undercover making it perfect for those rainy miserable days where you don’t fancy hitting the beach.
Soft Play Areas in West Pembrokeshire
For those visiting with young children, a trip to one of west Pembrokeshire’s soft play centres is a great way to spend a few hours on a rainy day! These are very popular amongst locals with little ones and perfect for the kids to blow off some steam. There are three soft play centres in Haverfordwest, Merlins Magic, The Lions Den and Hanger 5 plus one in Milford Haven, Pirate Petes (situated in Pheonix Bowl).
Each soft play centre has a cafe on-site where you're able to purchase refreshments. Sit back and relax with a nice cup of coffee while the kids run wild.
Hanger 5 Trampoline Park, soft play area - Haverfordwest
Creative Cafe Haverfordwest
Pay a visit to the Creative Cafe in the town centre of Haverfordwest for an hour or two making and painting pottery. Unleash your inner creative as you practise turning clay into a cup before decorating it with hand-painted artistry. All you need is on hand - paints, stamps, sponges and more.
Creative Cafe - Haverfordwest
Haverfordwest Castle
Located in the centre of Haverfordwest is the ruins of the town’s historic castle. Established during the Norman times, this magnificent castle was once an English stronghold and still stands prominently overlooking the rest of the town. During the warmer months, this location is ideal for a picnic with the family, with good parking by the town’s museum and safe grounds for the kids to run around in. The perfect place to let the kids imaginations run wild, with great views of the town itself!
Scolton Manor
A delightful all-weather attraction which is open throughout the year, Scolton Manor is a traditional country house located 6 miles outside of Haverfordwest. With over 60 acres of land, it is a fantastic place to visit and explore with the family. Most of the grounds are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
There is an adventure play park for the children with picnic benches for the adults to sit and relax. As well as climbing and scrambling walls, you'll find a wooden maze, exploration trails and other play activities dotted around the park. After exploring, pop into the tea-room for a spot of lunch, a homemade cake, sandwich or hot drinks.
If you love to get up close with insects, head to Scolton Manor’s Beekeeping Centre where you can see live bees producing honey and buy locally produced honey in the gift shop. Scolton Manor plays host to numerous events throughout the year from Christmas Markets to Family Fun Days too.
Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Factory
Have a sweet tooth? Then a trip to Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Factory is definitely a must. Located in Haverfordwest, this is a great experience and a fun family day out, particularly for chocolate lovers.
Different experiences are available from chocolate demonstrations where you can take a sneak peek into the factory and learn more about the history of chocolate, as well as ‘have a go zones’ where you can create your own tasty chocolatey treats - great for little chocolatiers to get involved and do some tasting.
There is a shop here where you can purchase chocolate made on site as well as a cafe and chocolate deli. If you’re looking for the Willy Wonka experience, be sure to pop in!
The Torch Theatre
The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven has been running for over 40 years and is one of only three theatres in Wales which are professional venue based theatres. An evening here watching a film, taking in a show or enjoying a comedy/musical performance is a great way to waste the evening away. With an ever-changing schedule of productions to see, the Torch Theatre really is one of Pembrokeshire’s most beloved places.
In the summer months, The Torch organise ‘Sunset Cinemas’ around the county where you can catch a film screening in a beautiful Pembrokeshire location. Bring your own deck chair, picnic and cosy blanket for a night under the stars with your friends and a good movie.
Sunset Cinema, hosted by The Torch Theatre
