Pembroke

Travel Guide
Pembroke showing street scenes
Home to a striking 11th-century castle, this welcoming Welsh town is also a gateway to the picturesque coastal towns of south Pembrokeshire.

Pembroke is a town with a thousand-year-old history. Its streets are lined with architectural masterpieces, boutiques and friendly pubs. Come to this charming town to discover its medieval Norman castle and to explore the nearby beaches.

Tour the imposing Pembroke Castle, built in 1093 and famous as the birthplace of King Henry VII of England. Learn about the stories of famous residents, including the Earls of Pembroke, the Tudors and the Stuarts. Enjoy sweeping views of the town, its medieval defensive walls and surrounding countryside from the top of the 75-feet (23-meter) keep.

The castle forms part of the Pembroke Town Trail, a 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) trail that links 30 historical sites. Purchase a trail map from the Town Hall or Pembroke Tourist Information Centre and follow the trail on foot. Visit the old town quay and Wogan’s Cave, a natural limestone cave beneath the castle. Peak inside centuries-old churches, spot remnants of the old town ramparts and enjoy a stroll around the tranquil Mill Pond.

The trail incorporates Main Street, a commercial street framed by grand Georgian and Tudor houses. Admire George and Jeanne Lewis’ Pembroke Murals at the Town Hall. Browse for one-of-a-kind souvenirs at antiques shops and experience the hospitable atmosphere at one of the town’s traditional pubs.

Just a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk past green meadows is the port town of Pembroke Dock. Retrace the town’s maritime history and peak inside a boat workshop at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.

Don’t miss the chance to take daytrips to the beaches and villages set around Pembroke Peninsula. Many are interconnected by sections of the 186-mile (299-kilometer) Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Relax at wild and uncrowded beaches such as Barafundle Bay, Freshwater East Beach and Manorbier Bay.

It’s easy to get to Pembroke via trains from Cardiff and Swansea. Rent a car to reach nearby family-friendly attractions, including Oakwood Theme Park.

Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa
Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Lamphey, Tenby, Pembroke, Wales
The price is €124 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
€124
per night
22 Jun - 23 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pembroke. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (275 reviews)
Would stay again
"We enjoyed our spacious studio room. The super friendly and helpful staff were quick to resolve a couple of minor issues. Service in the restaurant could have been quicker and more efficient. The pool was clean and well equipped. Great idea to have adult only sessions! The grounds were well maintained. ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2023

Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa
Old Kings Arms Hotel
Old Kings Arms Hotel
3 out of 5
13 Main Street, Pembroke, Wales
The price is €124 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
€124
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pembroke. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"There is a lot of history."

Reviewed on 23 May 2023

Old Kings Arms Hotel
Portclew House
Portclew House
4 out of 5
Freshwater East, Pembroke, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €145 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
€145
per night
25 Jun - 26 Jun
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Pembroke. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (183 reviews)
"Lovely place with friendly staff. My self and the family loved it"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2023

Portclew House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach Home 3 mins walk to  beach - Freshwater East
Beach Home 3 mins walk to beach - Freshwater East
Freshwater East
Stay at this chalet in Pembroke. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Freshwater East Beach and Lamphey Bishop's Palace are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Amazing location anda lovely place to stay
"We had a lovely week here. The property was perfect for our needs as a family with 2 small children as it's super close to the beach and the pub on site is great too. Peter was available over the phone to sort an initial problem gaining access which was much appreciated and really well handled. Would ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sep 2022

Beach Home 3 mins walk to beach - Freshwater East
Pembrokeshire Near The Beach With Private Heated Pool
Pembrokeshire Near The Beach With Private Heated Pool
Pembroke
Stay at this vacation home in Pembroke. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Frainslake Sands and Freshwater West are located ...
Pembrokeshire Near The Beach With Private Heated Pool
Detached Cottage In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, one mile from beach
Detached Cottage In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, one mile from beach
Pembroke
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pembroke. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Lamphey Bishop's Palace ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
Lovely cottage, great location
"Rooks Retreat is a well-equipped great little cottage in an ideal location for visiting Pembrokeshire, especially the impressive, rugged coast"

Reviewed on 21 May 2023

Detached Cottage In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, one mile from beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Pembroke

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 63.63636363636363%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 18.181818181818183%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 18.181818181818183%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

Beautiful county beautiful people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Aug 2019

The area was an ideal base for South Wales. The high street and castle were lovely. Beautiful scenery.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Aug 2019

An enjoyable weekend despite atrocious weather!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

The town seems a little rundown but it has a wonderful castle and is an excellent base for visiting South Pembrokeshire