Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is located in the southwestern part of Wales, in the county of Pembrokeshire. It is the only national park in the UK dedicated primarily to coastal landscapes. Nearby cities and towns include Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Tenby, and Fishguard, which serve as convenient bases for exploring the park. Established in 1952, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and rich maritime history. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile-long National Trail, offers some of the most spectacular coastal walking in the UK. The park provides a variety of parking facilities, with car parks available at key locations such as St. David’s, Whitesands Bay, and Stackpole. Most car parks operate on a pay-and-display basis, and during peak times, some may fill up quickly, so early arrival is recommended. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a haven for wildlife, with the rugged cliffs and offshore islands providing habitats for seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The coastal waters are home to grey seals, dolphins, and porpoises, while the park’s heathlands and woodlands support species such as otters, red squirrels, and the rare chough. The flora in the park is equally diverse, with coastal heathlands covered in gorse, heather, and wildflowers in the spring and summer. The park’s ancient woodlands are home to bluebells, primroses, and ferns, adding to the area's natural beauty. Notable features within the park include the iconic cliffs of St. Govan’s Head, the secluded Barafundle Bay, and the historic St. David’s Cathedral, which has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries. Public transport to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is accessible, with train services to Haverfordwest and Fishguard, and local buses providing connections to various parts of the park. This ensures that visitors can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery without the need for a car.