Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park encompasses 629 square kilometres of spectacular coastal and inland landscapes in southwest Wales, designated in 1952 as one of Britain's first national parks and the only one focused primarily on coastal scenery. The park comprises a narrow coastal strip stretching approximately 240 kilometres around the Pembrokeshire peninsula plus the inland Daugleddau estuary and Preseli Hills. The coastline features dramatic sea cliffs rising to over 150 metres, sandy beaches, rocky coves, natural arches, sea stacks, and offshore islands including Skomer, Skokholm, and Grassholm. Geological diversity spans 600 million years with internationally significant rock formations. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail follows the coastline for 186 miles, regarded as one of Britain's finest long-distance trails. Inland, the Preseli Hills rise to 536 metres and provided the bluestones for Stonehenge transported to Wiltshire 5,000 years ago. The park supports exceptional wildlife including seabird colonies with over 300,000 breeding birds, grey seal populations, dolphins, porpoises, and spring displays of coastal wildflowers. Cultural heritage includes prehistoric burial chambers, Iron Age forts, Norman castles, and historic harbors. Over 22,000 people live within the park where tourism, farming, and fishing form the economic base.

The Pembrokeshire coast has been inhabited for over 10,000 years since early Mesolithic communities exploited rich coastal resources. Neolithic people left impressive megalithic monuments including Pentre Ifan burial chamber and quarried the distinctive Preseli bluestones, transporting them to Wiltshire for Stonehenge around 2500 BCE, demonstrating the area's prehistoric importance. Bronze Age communities continued monument building, while Iron Age tribes constructed coastal promontory forts taking advantage of defensive cliff positions. The Romans established a military presence but their influence remained limited. Early Christian saints established monastic communities including St Davids, which became Wales's most important pilgrimage center and cathedral city. Norman conquest from the 11th century brought castle building at Pembroke, Manorbier, and Carew, with English settlement creating the "Landsker Line" linguistic divide between English-speaking south Pembrokeshire and Welsh-speaking north that persists today. Medieval and later periods saw the development of fishing and maritime trade, with ports including Milford Haven becoming important harbors. The area's coal, slate, and lime resources supported small industries. Victorian tourism discovered Tenby and other coastal resorts, with railways bringing visitors. World War II brought significant military installations including oil refineries and training facilities. Conservation awareness grew in the early 20th century, with designation as a national park in 1952 recognizing the exceptional coastal scenery. The creation of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in 1970 made the coastline more accessible to walkers.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is accessible via the A40 and A477, with the county town of Haverfordwest serving as a main hub. Train services reach Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, and Milford Haven, with the Pembroke and Tenby stations providing convenient access to coastal sections. The Coastal Cruiser and Strumble Shuttle bus services specifically serve walkers on the Coast Path during summer. The area offers extensive accommodation including coastal hotels, B&Bs, hostels, camping and caravan sites, and self-catering cottages in towns and villages. The National Park Authority operates centers at St Davids (Oriel y Parc gallery and visitor center) and Newport plus information points throughout the park. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path provides 186 miles of spectacular coastal walking with varying difficulty, from challenging cliff sections to easier beach and estuary stretches. The trail can be walked in sections using accommodation in coastal towns and villages. Inland, the Preseli Hills offer mountain walking. Popular locations include St Davids, Britain's smallest city with its magnificent cathedral, the medieval walled town of Tenby, Barafundle Bay voted among Britain's best beaches, and Stack Rocks with dramatic limestone formations. Boat trips from Martin's Haven visit Skomer and Skokholm islands for seabirds and puffins (seasonal), and wildlife cruises seek dolphins and seals. Activities include coastal walking, beach activities, surfing at Whitesands and Freshwater West, sea kayaking, coasteering, diving, fishing, and cycling on quiet lanes. Facilities in towns include shops, pubs, cafes, and outdoor equipment suppliers. Mobile coverage is good in towns though limited on remote coastal sections.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority manages conservation across diverse coastal and terrestrial habitats with multiple designations including Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. Seabird conservation protects internationally important breeding colonies with Skomer, Skokholm, and Grassholm islands supporting over 300,000 birds. Grassholm hosts one of the world's largest northern gannet colonies with 36,000 pairs, while Skomer is famous for its 350,000 Manx shearwaters, puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Management includes biosecurity preventing rat establishment on islands, visitor management to avoid disturbance during breeding seasons, and marine protection for feeding areas. Grey seal conservation supports one of Britain's most important populations, with approximately 5,000 seals in Pembrokeshire waters. Pupping beaches receive monitoring and seasonal access restrictions. Coastal grassland and heath conservation maintains species-rich maritime communities including spectacular spring displays of thrift, sea campion, and other wildflowers. Traditional coastal grazing supports habitat quality. The park works with farmers through agri-environment schemes promoting conservation management while supporting farm viability. Marine conservation addresses impacts from fishing and recreation on intertidal and subtidal habitats, with Marine Conservation Zones established in several areas. Voluntary marine codes promote responsible behavior by divers, kayakers, and boat users. Coastal path management addresses severe erosion from 850,000 annual path users, with ongoing maintenance and rerouting where coastal erosion affects the trail. The park balances access with habitat protection through seasonal restrictions at sensitive sites. Archaeological heritage including prehistoric monuments, historic buildings, and industrial remains receives protection through scheduling and planning controls. The authority influences major developments including proposed energy infrastructure, seeking to protect landscape character. Climate change adaptation addresses coastal erosion acceleration, sea level rise impacts on habitats and historic sites, and changing species distributions, with monitoring programs tracking changes and informing management adjustments.