Pembrokeshire
The
Pembrokeshire coast near Broad Haven |
Pembrokeshire's
coastal scenery makes it a popular area of Wales. Walkers
flock to the 180 mile (290 km) long Pembrokeshire National
Park's Coast Path. It traverses a variety of terrain-dramatic
clifftops, isolated sandy beaches, spectacular seascapes
and wide-open views. The entire route includes 35,000
feet (10668 metres) of ascent and descent, quite a challenge
for even the most experienced walkers.
Castle
ruins and ancient burial sites offer fascinating historical
architecture. Small villages and seaside towns dot the
dramatic landscape. Many of the sheltered bays and inlets
were once home to pirates, smugglers and ship wreckers.
Perched
on the cliffside down a flight of stairs near one favourite
pirate landing spot is a 6th century hermit's
chapel, St. Govan's. No one knows for sure why he
came from Ireland to Pembrokeshire to preach and worship.
The Church celebrated his life by marking March 26th as
St. Govan's Day. The chapel was built by his followers.
The
Preseli Hills |
The
Preseli Hills section of the National Park provides far
reaching views across to the sea. This area of high bleak
hills was once the home of the ancient Celts. Today it
is dotted with isolated farms and grazing sheep. One of
the most spectacular megalithic monuments in the UK, Pentre
Ifan, dominates a hilltop.
The
offshore island of Skomer, a national nature reserve,
offers sanctuary for birds.
Saundersfoot
Harbour, near Tenby |
Tenby,
popular since Victorian times, is a busy seaside resort
with large sandy beaches and medieval walls. Here you
can visit the 15th century Tudor
Merchant's House, run by the National Trust. The 15th
century St Mary's Parish Church is reputed to be the largest
medieval church in Wales. It began as a rebuilding of
an earlier church in the 13th century. There are several
elaborate tombs and memorials inside. The plain tower
is located on one side of the chancel. The town's museum,
sited on Castle Hill by the beach, tells the history of
the area.
From
Tenby take a boat to Caldey
Island, home to monks for over a thousand years. Although
the Benedictine monastery is closed to visitors, you can
walk around the island and view a film on the abbey and
visit the Parish Church of St David's. The ruins of an
old church lie on the road to the lighthouse. There's
a large "village" green with an assortment of touristy
shops. The beach is safe for swimming.
Carew
Castle, set beside the tidal flats near Milford Haven
has extensive and scenic ruins. It was the site of the
last medieval tournament in Wales.
Carew
Cross |
On
the grounds is Carew Cross (used as the symbol of Cadw)
that commemorates Maredydd, an 11th century ruler of the
Kingdom of Deheubarth in southwest Wales. The 13 ft. (4
metre) high cross is considered one of the three finest
in Wales.
The
17th century Carew
tidal mill, the only intact one in Wales, is one of
only four in Britain. It is set within view of the castle.
Water spills over a causeway at high tide, then gates
would be opened to let the water out, turning the 16ft.
(4.87 metres) wheel. Inside the mill is an interesting
display and a recorded commentary explaining how the machinery
worked. The mill ceased operation in 1937.
The
busy town of Pembroke boasts a large
castle, medieval town walls, and the Museum of the
Home, a privately run museum across from the castle. Over
3000 fascinating historical items are on display, including
medieval lovespoons. The castle was built by Roger de
Montgomery in 1093 and rebuilt by the Earl of Pembroke,
William Marshal, in 1189-1219. Its large stone keep dominates
the skyline. There are interesting displays on the history
of the castle and the times in some of the rooms. After
the town's surrender to Oliver Cromwell, the townspeople
plundered the castle's stones to rebuild their own houses.
The
lively hillside town of St. David's is famous for its
ruined Bishop's
Palace, with ornate arcaded parapet, and St.
David's Cathedral, considered Wales finest church.
Fishguard
Harbour |
Fishguard
was the scene of the last French invasion of British soil.
On February 22, 1797, a small group of convicts landed
nearby, proposing to conquer England. Legend states that
they surrendered to a group of Welsh women dressed in
black hats and red cloaks. A tapestry, completed in 1997,
on display at St Mary's Church, tells the story.
Follow
a twisty, narrow country road to Strumble
Head's rocky coastline, with its lighthouse that provides
unrivaled views over the water.
Web links to places mentioned in this section:
For
more in depth information about Pembrokeshire:
Recommended B&Bs
South
Wales Attractions Map
Tourist Information
Centres
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