Fishguard is one of Pembrokeshire’s hidden gems. Situated atop dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves and rolling countryside, it provides an excellent base for exploring the North Pembrokeshire coast and the hinterland within.
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The coastline surrounding Fishguard contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales. Walkers can enjoy dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and breath-taking sea views.
You can access the coastal path some 50 metres from Manor Town House – head north-east for delights such as Lower Town Harbour, Fishguard Fort, the hidden coves of Pwll Lan-ddu and Aber Bach or head west for Careg Gwasted Point (where the French invasion landed in 1797) and then continue on to Strumble Head Lighthouse.
Visit Lower Town Fishguard (Lower Town)
This picturesque harbour area has featured in films and television productions and remains one of the most photographed locations in Pembrokeshire.
Here you’ll also find The Ship Inn (be sure to take cash), The Yacht Club Café for a bite to eat, plus Fishguard Fort with it’s stunning views of Fishguard and the north Pembrokeshire coast.
Explore Strumble Head
Known for spectacular coastal views, seabirds and marine wildlife. Expect to see Dolphins, Porpoise and Seals, along with Manx Shearwaters, Fulmars, Gannets, and Shags amongst other wildlife. There is also a good population of wild ponies in the area. Although not accessible to the public, the lighthouse itself is viewable from the nearby clifftops surrounding it.
Watch Dolphins and Seals
The waters around North Pembrokeshire regularly attract dolphins, porpoises and grey seals. The breakwater at Goodwick is a good vantage point and being just a 30 minute walk along the Marine Walk from Manor Town House, it’s a perfect spot for a morning or evening stroll to see what’s in the bay.
Discover the town of Newport
A short drive away (7 miles to the east), Newport offers excellent dining, independent shops and beautiful beaches. Parrog is the place to head to for viewing stunning summer sunsets, or a hike up Carningli Mountain for 360 degree views of North Pembrokeshire and it’s rugged coastline never disappoints – on clear days, distant views of North Wales and even the Wicklow Hills in Ireland are possible from the summit.
Visit Pentre Ifan
One of Wales’ most impressive prehistoric monuments. With a capstone weighing in at 16 tonnes and standing 8.2 feet above the ground on three supporting stones, this is one really impressive stone structure dating back some 5000 years. It’s situated in rolling hills with views of Carningli Mountain to the west and the north Pembrokeshire landscape stretching away to the north.
Enjoy Local Seafood
Fresh Welsh seafood can be found throughout the region. Book a table at the Sailors Safety at Pwllgwaelod for a seafood faire with sea view, or head to Porthgain for a fish and chip supper on the historic harbourside quay.
Explore Hidden Beaches
Many secluded coves remain relatively unknown compared with western and southern Pembrokeshire. Our local vintage map merchant Jon has kindly put together a list of lesser known inlets that you can get to by foot along the coastal path along our north Pembrokeshire coast.
To the East of Fishguard
Lampit Bach & Lampit Mawr – below the Marine Walk (tidal – please check tide times).
Pwll Lan-ddu – head east along the coastal path from Fishguard Fort for 15 minutes.
Aber Bach – again east along the coastal path from Fishguard Fort – approximately 3.5 miles each way.
Pwll Gwylog – east beyond Aber Bach approximately 4 miles each way from Fishguard Fort.
For a shorter walk to Pwll Gwylog and Aber Bach, you can park at Pwllgaelod Beach and head west along the coast path – both are then within a 90 minute (3 mile) round walk.
Aberfforest – east of Dinas Island towards Newport, a 30 minute walk from the small car park at Cwm-yr-Eglwys.
Aber Rhigian – again east of Dinas Island towards Newport, a 60 minute walk from the small car park at Cwm-yr-Eglwys.
Not strictly a walk only to beach but definitely worth a mention is Ceibwr (6.5 miles north-west from Newport). Very busy during the season with very limited parking, but remarkably quite out of season, this small inlet boasts some of north Pembrokeshire’s most interesting rock folds and features. It’s also a coastal wildlife mecca with choughs, gulls, peregrine falcons, porpoises, dolphins, seals and if you are really lucky the odd otter too.
To the West of Fishguard
Aberbach & Abermawr – Quite a hike around the Llanwnda Headland beyond Strumble Head and Pwll Deri at around 11 miles each way from Fishguard. Abermawr is some 5 minutes walk further west from Aberbach.
Abermawr and Aberbach may also be accessed from a minor road and then a footpath near Mathry at National Trust land signed Abermawr (very limited parking).
Pwll Strodyr – Some 1.5 miles west of Abermawr and approximately 13 miles each way from Fishguard.
Limited parking is available at Abercastle and Pwll Strodyr is some 1.5 miles along the coast path to the east.
Traeth Llyfn – Head to Abereiddy to park and follow the coastal path north east for approximately 1 mile, there are steps leading down to the beach (tidal – please check tide times).
Porth Melgan – Head to Whitesands Beach for parking and then follow the coastal path north-west for approximately 1 mile to find Porth Melgan.
Visit St Davids
Britain’s smallest city is within easy reach, and for its size packs quite a punch with a high street filled with independent shops, cafes and galleries. There’s a Cathedral (hence City status) and the ruins of the Bishops Palace to explore too. Nearby are the beautiful beaches of Caerfai and Whitesands, plus the stunning hidden tidal harbour at Porthclais is just a mile away from the City centre.
Experience Sunset on the Coast
There are countless places to enjoy a north Pembrokeshire sunset, here are just a handful of our favourites.
Our sea view rooms.
Pwllgwaelod beach at Dinas Cross.
Dinas Mountain – view from Garn Fawr, Carn Enoch or the view point above Dinas.
Strumble Head.
Parrog or Newport Sands at Newport.
Carningli Mountain summit.
