South Wales has some beautiful areas, and it’s a great place for solo travellers to visit. It’s safe, with beautiful scenery and other interesting attractions. Here are my top 5 must-visit places in and near Pembrokeshire, Wales for solo travellers.
How to get to and around Pembrokeshire, Wales
To fully make the most of visiting the 5 must-visit places in and near Pembrokeshire, Wales for solo travellers, I’d definitely recommend having your own car. If you’re coming from abroad, you can hire a car in Cardiff or many other towns and cities in England and Wales.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore all the best scenery of Pembrokeshire. It also means you can stop off at some interesting attractions on your way to or from Pembrokeshire, like Tintern Abbey and Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse. You can spend as long as you want at each other these attractions before driving to your next destination, without needing to worry about waiting or rushing for public transport.
Packing list for Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wales has some beautiful scenery, and one of my favourite things to do in Pembrokeshire when travelling solo is to get outside along the coast path and enjoy the beautiful views. However, it’s important to have the right equipment with you to safely enjoy your time. That’s especially true when you’re travelling solo, and there’s no one else around to look out for you.
Always check the weather forecast before setting off in Wales, so you know what to expect. No matter what time of year you’re visiting Wales, there’s a high chance you’ll get some rain. If you’re planning to walk along the coast path, you’ll also need sturdy hiking boots. Here are my top recommendations for what to pack to enjoy the 5 must-visit places in and near Pembrokeshire, Wales for solo travellers:
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof coat and waterproof trousers
- Camera (with spare batteries, and a waterproof coat)
- Warm layers, that you can put on/take off when the weather changes
- Sun cream, sun hat and sunglasses
- Bottle of water and a picnic lunch
- First aid kit and any essential medication you need
- Sat Nav for driving, and a map for any walks you plan to do
- Cash and/or credit card for entrance fees to attractions or to buy a cup of tea after a long walk
Top 5 must-visit places in and near Pembrokeshire, Wales for solo travellers
Pembrokeshire is full of beautiful scenery, and you could easily spend a week here soaking in all the amazing views. But if you’re short of time, here are my top places to visit – including some places to pop into on your way there and back.
1. Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is the perfect place to stop if you’re driving into South Wales from England. You can spend an hour or so here looking around the impressive ruins of the abbey. It dates back to the 12th century. Learn about the history and get some great photos as well. Find out more about the prices and opening times here.
2. St David’s Cathedral
The small city of St David’s is on the Western tip of Pembrokeshire. It’s technically a city, but it’s tiny, more like a small town – it’s the smallest city in Britain. But although the place is small, the cathedral is huge and impressive. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially to the many tombs on bishops that are inside the cathedral.
3. Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
For me, the highlight of any trip to Pembrokeshire is the coast path. The coast path stretches all around the coast, and you could spend weeks just walking and enjoying the views. I don’t think there are any ‘bad’ bits of the coastline – it’s all just stunning.
Look at a map, pick a car park, and walk from there. You’ll see impressive cliffs, secluded beaches, and you might even be lucky enough to spot wildlife. Seals and dolphins can frequently be seen from the coast path, as well as huge numbers of coastal birds. The coast path is definitely the best part of Pembrokeshire for me.
As a solo traveller, remember to take basic safety precautions when setting out for a walk along the coast path. Try to let someone else know where you’re going and what time you intend to be back. Look at the weather forecast and make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the weather. Even if the weather looks nice, it’s always a good idea to wear sturdy hiking boots and have a waterproof coat with you, as the weather can change quickly on the coast and it’s always better to be prepared. And make sure your camera is fully charged for all the photos!
The coastline of Pembrokeshire is also a perfect place to watch the sunset over the ocean. Pick a spot that faces West, and see the beautiful colours of the sun as it dips under the horizon.
4. Fishguard
Fishguard is a small town in Pembrokshire, and a lovely place for a wander around. It’s not big, but it’s pretty and definitely worth visiting. Have a look at the boats anchored in the small harbour, and then head into the town to explore the cafes and restaurants.
5. Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse
Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse is on the edge of Pembrokeshire, so it’s the perfect place to visit as you’re driving back to England. Right on the edge of the water with stunning views, this house is where the famous poet, Dylan Thomas, lived. You can go inside the boat house to see the rooms where he wrote, as well as enjoy the views from the outside. It’s definitely a beautiful area, and feels like it would be a good place to get some inspiration to write.
Hope you enjoy the 5 must-visit places in and near Pembrokeshire, Wales for solo travellers! There are many other lovely places to visit in Wales as well, including Cardigan Bay, the Brecon Beacons, Gower Peninsula, Barry Island, The Mumbles and Cardiff. Or head over to England to visit North Devon, South Devon or have some city fun in Bristol.
