From spring puffins and summer sea swims to autumnal walks and winter adventures, Pembrokeshire has something to offer in every season. Here’s Grove of Narbeth’s guide to some of our favourite things to see and do throughout the year.
Spring
Spring brings a fresh energy to Pembrokeshire, with longer days, colourful coastal walks and the return of some of our favourite wildlife.
Watch puffins return to Skomer
From April, Skomer Island’s famous puffin colony returns to burrow, breed and raise their young. Watching these characterful little birds up close is one of Pembrokeshire’s most memorable spring experiences. Demand visit the island is high, so we recommend booking your boat trip well in advance, as soon as tickets are released. We can also help arrange a private charter around the island during your stay at our country house hotel in Wales.
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in bloom
Spring might just be one of the best times to walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The cliffs and coastal meadows begin to burst into colour, with wildflowers bringing the landscape to life against the blues of the sea. It’s also quieter than the height of summer, making this a wonderful time to enjoy a longer hike without the crowds.
Celebrate St David’s Day
There’s no better place to celebrate St David’s Day than St Davids itself. On 1st March each year, Wales’ smallest city comes alive with celebrations, music and community events marking the feast day of our patron saint. It’s a lovely opportunity to experience a little Welsh culture and community during your stay at our luxury Pembrokeshire hotel, which is less than an hour away from the picturesque St Davids.
Spot spring lambs
Spring means new arrivals on Pembrokeshire’s farms, and you may be lucky enough to spot plenty of playful lambs around the county. Head to Marloes Sands and stop at Runwayskiln, which is under an hour’s drive from Grove, for a coffee or something to eat, where you can often see lambs enjoying the fields nearby. Pair it with a walk along this beautiful stretch of the coast for a perfect spring afternoon.
Wander through bluebells
By late April and into May, Pembrokeshire’s woodlands come alive with carpets of bluebells. One of our favourite places to see them is a 20 minute drive away, at Prendergast Woods near Solva, where the woodland floor is transformed with colour. Keep an eye out on woodland walks across the county too. You never know when you might stumble across your own little patch.
Summer
Summer is when Pembrokeshire really comes alive. Long, light-filled days, turquoise seas, sandy beaches and plenty of reasons to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
There’s a reason summer is the most popular time to walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. On a clear day, the views are spectacular. Deep blue sea stretching towards the horizon, wildflowers along the clifftops and the warmth of the sun on your skin. Set off early for a quieter walk, or choose a shorter section and take your time, stopping at a beach or coastal café along the way.
Swim in the sea
For those brave enough to take the plunge, summer is the perfect time for a sea swim. The water is wonderfully refreshing, and on a warm, sunny day there’s nowhere better to be. Some of our favourite Pembrokeshire beaches for swimming include Tenby’s North and South Beaches, Barafundle Bay and Marloes Sands.
Explore Pembrokeshire’s towns
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the buzz of Pembrokeshire’s towns. Wander the colourful streets of Tenby, which is under a 30 minute drive away, browse the independent shops and galleries of Narberth, or spend a sunny afternoon in Saundersfoot with an ice cream by the harbour. Each has its own character, and all are well worth exploring.
Try a coastal adventure
With so much coastline to explore, there are plenty of ways to experience Pembrokeshire from the water. Kayak along the coast to discover hidden coves and sea caves from a new perspective, take on the thrills of coasteering, or try your hand at surfing. There are adventures for all ages and abilities, whether you’re looking for a gentle paddle or something to get the adrenaline flowing.
Eat fresh seafood
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s incredible local produce, particularly the fresh seafood brought in from the waters around our coast. For a relaxed meal by the sea, head to Lan y Môr at Coppet Hall Beach, just 20 minutes away, where you can settle in for fresh, flavourful dishes with the sound of the sea just beyond the windows. You can also sample local produce and traditional Welsh cuisine at Grove’s Fernery restaurant.
Autumn
As the leaves turn golden and the summer crowds begin to disappear, autumn brings a different side of Pembrokeshire to life. Think crisp coastal walks, quieter beaches, cosy pubs and landscapes painted in shades of gold, red and russet.
Take an autumnal walk
There’s something rather special about walking through Pembrokeshire’s woodlands in autumn, when the leaves begin to turn and the air has that unmistakable seasonal crispness. Just a 20 minute drive from Grove is Colby Woodland Garden, with beautiful woodland paths leading down towards the coast at Amroth. Afterwards, find somewhere cosy for a leisurely Sunday lunch for a relaxed end to an autumn day.
Spot seal pups along the coast
Autumn is a wonderful time for wildlife watching, with seal pups making their appearance around Pembrokeshire’s coastline. Take the Strumble Head loop for spectacular coastal views and the chance to spot seals below the cliffs, or head an hour away to the Deer Park at Marloes for another beautiful coastal walk. For a different perspective, take a wildlife boat trip around Ramsey Island and keep your eyes peeled for seals, seabirds and other marine life.
Explore Pembrokeshire’s castles
With cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, autumn is a lovely time to explore Pembrokeshire’s historic castles. Discover the dramatic setting of Pembroke Castle or explore the atmospheric remains of Manorbier Castle just a 30 minute drive away. For something particularly special, visit Carew Castle at sunset before warming up by the fire with a drink at the Carew Inn.
Get cosy with Welsh wool
As the evenings draw in, embrace the cosier side of autumn with a visit to Melin Tregwynt, one of Wales’ most celebrated woollen mills. Discover the traditional craft behind its beautiful Welsh wool blankets and textiles, and perhaps take home something to keep you cosy long after your Pembrokeshire stay.
Have the beach to yourself
One of the best things about visiting Pembrokeshire in autumn? the beaches are noticeably quieter. Wrap up warm, bring the dog, and enjoy a bracing walk along the sand with nothing but the sound of the waves for company. Some of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches feel completely different once the summer crowds have gone.
Winter
Winter brings a quieter, wilder side of Pembrokeshire. The beaches are empty, the coastline feels wonderfully dramatic and there’s nothing better than returning from a bracing walk to somewhere warm and cosy.
Take a winter walk
Winter is a wonderful time to explore Pembrokeshire on foot, when the landscape feels wilder and the low winter light can make the views even more spectacular. The Golden Road across the Preseli Hills is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with far-reaching views across the Pembrokeshire landscape. Or, for a bracing coastal walk, follow the path from Abereiddy to Porthgain before warming up with lunch at The Shed or The Sloop Inn.
Enjoy some Christmas shopping
When December arrives, Pembrokeshire’s towns come into their own. Narberth is a favourite for Christmas shopping, with independent boutiques, food shops and galleries making it easy to find something a little different. Keep an eye out for Christmas markets and festive events taking place across the county too.
Make time for wellness
Winter is made for slowing down. Treat yourself to an in-room treatment at Grove of Narberth and spend an afternoon wrapped up warm, relaxing and doing very little at all. Sometimes the best winter days are the ones with nowhere to be.
Try a coastal sauna
For a different way to experience the coast, try a coastal sauna and sea dip. Head to the beach for a session overlooking the water, with the option to cool off with a dip in the sea before returning to the warmth of the sauna. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s coastline in any season.
Go winter surfing
For those willing to brave the elements, winter can be a fantastic time to surf Pembrokeshire’s coastline. The beaches are quieter, the waves can be impressive and there’s something particularly exhilarating about getting into the sea on a cold winter’s day. Just make sure you’re properly equipped and choose conditions suitable for your experience.
When is the best time to visit Pembrokeshire?
Whenever you can! Spring brings puffins, bluebells and longer days; summer is made for swimming, coastal adventures and long lunches by the sea; autumn brings golden landscapes, wildlife and quieter beaches; and winter offers wild walks, cosy afternoons and exhilarating days by the coast.
Whatever the season, there’s always another corner of Pembrokeshire to discover. And when you’re ready to explore, Grove of Narberth makes a wonderful base for your next Pembrokeshire escape.
Planning your stay? Discover more about Pembrokeshire, explore our guide on things to do, or browse our experiences for inspiration on making the most of your time here.
