A Guide to Pembrokeshire in Winter
13 December, 2024
Tucked away in the south-west corner of Wales is the enchanting county of Pembrokeshire. This picturesque region is bordered by the rolling hills of Carmarthenshire to the east and the rural charm of Ceredigion to the north. The real star of the show, though, is to the west of the county, where you’ll find 186 miles of beautifully preserved beached, rugged cliffsides and winding estuaries meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re planning to venture to this beautiful Welsh county in winter, we’re here to give you the low-down on what it’s like and the best things to do at this time of year.
Winter staycations in Pembrokeshire
So, what’s Pembrokeshire like during winter? Picture this: the coastline offers its usual picture-perfect scenery, but if you get lucky, you might even see it dusted with a blanket of snow. The cool and crisp weather makes you feel alive as you enjoy walks, whether you’re strolling to the pub or spending time at the beach. The region’s usual tourist hotspots are often much quieter that you might even hear the snowfall on the ground.
Inside the county’s pubs, restaurants, hotels and other attractions, you can find warmth, comfort and typical Welsh charm. Whether you’re looking for a cosy winter staycation as a couple or with the whole family, Pembrokeshire is the ideal place to hibernate during this season. It offers a serene and peaceful escape, giving you something to look forward to during the coldest months.
Things to do in winter in Pembrokeshire
Get inspired by our list of the best activities to enjoy in winter in Pembrokeshire below…
Experience the beaches in winter
In true Welsh fashion, the region takes a bit of beating from the weather, and the beaches are no exception. While you might find moments of stillness and steal away a few hours on the sandy beaches, the waves are likely to be crashing spectacularly against the cliffsides for the rest of the winter. This makes for incredible entertainment from the safety of the long-stretching coastal path, though.
The biggest advantage of the huge waves during winter is that it’s the best time of year for surfing in the area. So, if you’re a bit of a thrill seeker and would prefer to ride the waves over simply watching them from afar, now’s the time for it!
It’s incredibly important to stay safe in the water and know the risks. Oakwood Theme Park is an RNLI Ambassador, and you can learn more about water safety here.
Better chance of booking the best restaurants
With less crowds to contend with during the quieter period, it’s easier than ever to cosy up in one of Pembrokeshire’s pubs, restaurants or bars. Enjoy delicious local food and drinks while staying warm and dry by a roaring fireplace. What could be better?
Explore the coast path
You’re likely to have the entire beach all to yourself in winter, so if you prefer a coastal walk without the crowds the other three seasons tend to draw in, this could be the perfect day out for you. Wrap up warm, bring along a flask of coffee or tea, and head out for a magical walk in the company of your own solitude. Explore the rolling hills from the National Park as they meet with the coastline’s spectacular views.
Thinking of bringing your four-legged friends along too? They’re more than welcome! Check out Visit Wales’ campaign ‘Wales by Tails’ to find out more about the best dog-friendly days out.
Looking for wildlife
The wildlife in this part of the world is something seriously special. Birds like redwing and fieldfare migrate to Pembrokeshire from Eastern Europe and Russia for warmer coastlines, while the waves can be home to a collection of sea creatures, including turtles, whales, dolphins and jellyfish. The coastal paths and Pembrokeshire National Park are hotspots for spotting the wildlife in this area.
Enjoy local crafts and produce
When the weather turns cold, shopping can be a go-to pastime for many. Luckily, Pembrokeshire is home to a collection of great independent boutiques selling local crafts and produce.
Narberth stands out as a true gem for those who love exploring unique shops and supporting local artisans. You might even be able to pick up a few last-minute Christmas gifts for loved ones.
Winter events in Pembrokeshire
Over winter, there are plenty of events running in and around Pembrokeshire. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Winter solstice event at Castell Henlleys: Complete with festive crafts and stories by the fire, celebrating the shortest day of the year at Castell Henlleys is a magical experience you won’t forget.
- Mari Lwyd tradition: This mysterious Welsh village-based traditionoccurs between Christmas Day and the Twelfth Night. Connecting Celtic and British mythology, villagers parade a horse’s head dressed up in lights and sing Welsh songs. If Mari and the rest of the villagers are allowed to enter a house, it’s said that everyone in the household will have good luck for the rest of the year!
- Boxing Day / New Year’s Day swim across various locations: Whether you’re already a big fan of cold-water swimming or want to see what the fuss is about, this tradition runs strong across the Pembrokeshire coastline, and anybody is welcome to join in!
- Hen Galan celebrations: Celebrate the traditional Welsh New Year on January 13th in accordance with the old Julian Calendar. From the songs to the food, this tradition was once a bigger celebration than Christmas Day itself.
When the winter comes to an end and Pembrokeshire begins to see the first glimmers of spring, why not come along to Oakwood Theme Park for some family fun?