Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a protected area along the western coast of Wales, covering much of the county of Pembrokeshire. The landscape shifts between steep cliffs rising above the Atlantic, coves with sand or pebbles, green valleys, and inland hills arranged in four separate sections.

The designation took place in 1952 as the first coastal national park of the United Kingdom, aiming to protect special geological formations and old fortifications. Over the centuries, sailors, monks, and fishermen have used this coast, and their traces remain visible today.

The name comes from the historic county of Pembrokeshire, known in Welsh as Sir Benfro, which has roots reaching back to the medieval earldom. Along the coastal paths, walkers pass small fishing villages and farmsteads where stone walls and cottages show how generations have lived alongside the sea.

Several marked paths run along the coast and through the valleys, with routes ranging from short walks to full-day hikes with sometimes steep climbs. Those planning to swim or take boat trips should check wind and tides, as the sea here changes strongly.

Beneath the cliffs in the north lie narrow caves that become visible at low tide and where smugglers once hid goods. Some sections of the coast show folded rock layers that make earth movements millions of years old visible.

Location: Pembrokeshire

Inception: 1952

Website: https://pembrokeshirecoast.wales

GPS coordinates: 51.83330,-5.08333

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28