Things to do in Pembroke Dock

While all of these beaches are worth exploring, it’s Harbour Beach, at the rear of the harbour, which offers the best protection from the wind and must be considered one of the most child-friendly beach destinations in Pembrokeshire. Recently named the finest beach in Europe, Harbour won out over competitors from Portugal, Croatia and Italy. Considered the jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire’s tourism portfolio, it’s postcard-perfect, if a little crowded during peak season.

Established in 1952 and covering 240 square miles of spectacular landscape, it is Britain’s only predominantly sea-based national park. Dolphins, porpoises, whales and seals are a common sight in the crystal blue coastal waters, while the cliffs and islands are home to vitally important breeding populations of sea birds.

Managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, it is a wildlife sanctuary, world-renowned for its seabirds — gannets, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, Manx shearwaters, chough and the ever-popular puffin.

The oldest part of the castle was built in 1093 on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the Cleddau River. It served as the seat of major medieval barons and, in the 12th Century, acquired its most stunning feature - the 75-feet high Great Keep with its distinctive domed roof.

The rolling dunes behind the beach form part of a beautiful nature reserve called The Burrows. Explore the family trail when you visit and discover plenty of wildlife thriving in this seaside environment. Look out for bonded snails, adders, slow-worms and common lizards and listen out for the sounds of grasshoppers. If you take a walk through the reserve at night during June and July you may even see some glow-worms.