Wales - Pembrokeshire Beach Horse Riding Travel Guide

Known across the world for its legendary coastal scenery, protected by Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is the perfect holiday destination: golden sands backed by towering cliffs teeming with wildlife that are just as beautiful in summer as they are in winter.

Equestrian Escapes offers a choice of the very best horse riding holidays in Wales

Things to do and see

There is so much to do in this coastal area, non-riders can be kept very busy and horse riders can take some time out too.

Boat Trips Spectacular wildlife adventure trips on a fast, rigid inflatable boat, exploring the Pembrokeshire coastline and islands. Departs from Martins Haven SA62 3BJ tel: 01646 603123/109/110
Picton Castle & Woodland Gardens Built in the 13th Century and set in 40 acres of magnificent woodland and walled gardens, Picton Castle is a grand day out. Haverfordwest SA62 4AS
Pembrokeshire Surf School, qualified instructors on hand to teach you the skills and techniques you need to get you to your feet and ride the waves. Surf lessons for kids and adults of all levels and abilities, minimum age limit of 8 years old. Chapel Road, Keeston, Pembrokeshire SA62 6HL tel:07881937605
Scolton Manor - explore the 60 acres of park and woodland. Alternatively, relax in the sun whilst your little ones enjoy the children's play area with swings and slides, and make a noise in our brilliant new sensory play area. Bethlehem, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5QL tel: 01437 731 328
Pembrokeshire Coast Path Spend a day exploring some of the50 beaches in along the Pembrokeshire coast - along with its many secluded, often remote bays and islands, part of a magical landscape that's home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare sea birds such as puffins or razor-billed auks. One of the most popular things to do here is hiking, thanks in large part to the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Pembroke Castle - the most imposing Norman coastal fortress in Wales towers on the crest of a hill near the town after which it's named. This spectacular privately-owned castle offers magnificent views of the surrounding area from atop its massive round keep. Adjoining the keep are the Prison Tower; the Norman Hall; and the North Hall, from which a staircase leads down into the huge natural cavern known as the Wogan. Pembroke Castle, Pembroke, SA71 4LA tel: 01646 684585
Carew Castle & Tidal Mill, the only one of its kind left in Wales (and one of only four in the UK), has been fully restored and offers an interesting look into the technology of the time. It was built in 1801 on the site of an earlier mill dating back to the 1500s. Carew, Tenby SA70 8SL tel: 01646 651782
Tenby still with its ancient town walls intact, lies on a rocky peninsula at the western end of Carmarthen Bay. At the turn of the century, artist Augustus John prized this seaside resort as being "so restful, so colourful, and so unspoiled" due to its picturesque harbour edged with attractive pastel-coloured houses. It also boasts two beautiful sandy beaches. Tenby SA70 7BX
Caldey Island, if your idea of fun includes doing a little island hopping, be sure to consider taking an excursion to lovely Caldey Island. Located just over a half mile from the mainland near Tenby, the island can trace its history back some 1,500 years, during which time it served as one of the most important of holy islands in Wales. The island is to this day home to a group of 40 or so Trappist monks, who produce a variety of purchasable goods including cheese, chocolates, and products like perfume.
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo from the farmyard friends in the Jolly Barn, to Wales' only giraffes in the spectacular zoo, plus a big indoor vintage funfair and the Carousel Woods indoor adventure playground. Also a land train ride around Follywood Country Park to the diggers, to the Pirate Playground and lots more adventure play.With 50% of the rides and attractions undercover it's perfect whatever the weather. Begelly, Kilgetty, Nr Tenby SA68 0XA tel:01834 812731

Where to eat and drink

If you are looking for a cuppa and a wedge of cake or a hearty meal surrounded by sea, and filled with grazing cows, you are never too far away from a fresh fish supper, or an ice cream made using the creamiest milk. Pembrokeshire is a county of two halves: the anglicised south and the wilder, Welsher north. But whether you are heading north or south, both offer a wide selection of restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and occasions.

The nearest town is Haverfordwest: it boasts the Riverside shopping centre, home to a wide array of shops and bars, and an award-winning farmers' market, held every Friday. The town has a claim to fame: it's the birthplace of Batman actor Christian Bale.

Something's Cooking, a superb chippy which has achieved a five-star Seafish Fish Fryers Quality Award. But it doesn't just do fried fish. With two beers on tap and a sit-down restaurant in the back, Something's Cooking is far from your average chippy. It's very popular with families. The restaurant creates tasty dishes using crab from Porthgain, hake from Milford Haven, and Abergwuan scallops wrapped in Gwaun Valley bacon. 3 Haverfordwest Rd, Letterston, Haverfordwest SA62 5SB

How to get there

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is just 4 hours by car from London or Birmingham, or 2 hours from Cardiff. We strongly advise travelling by car as the riding centre is remote and whilst accommodation is on-site, exploring the local area and eating out is best done by car. Specific postcodes for your riding accommodation will be sent to you before you travel. To get to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park head towards Haverfordwest using the M4. Travelling west on the M4 to the A48 at Henby. Continue on A48 to Haverfordwest.

Train

The nearest train station is Haverfordwest and then either a taxi ride to the stables and accommodation. Or hire a car locally.

The station runs regular services to Cardiff and Swansea in the south and a direct service Manchester Piccadilly in the north

From London Paddington travel to Cardiff or Swansea then change for Haverfordwest.

Car hire is available close to the station:

Station Self Drive 01437 762222

Motec Vehicle Hire 01437 762525

Yello Car Hire 0844 225 9529

Bus

Haverfordwest is also on several bus routes, with services running to Fishguard, Cardigan and Aberystwyth.

Taxi

Matts Cabs 07512 209960