From Cardiff Three Day Tour of West Wales Pembrokeshire Beaches

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Travel to Tenby
5 stops
1
Llansteffan is a picturesque village set on the Towy Estuary in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. It’s a place where history, landscape, and seaside charm come together beautifully. The village itself has a timeless feel, with whitewashed cottages, a welcoming pub, and quiet lanes leading down to a wide sandy beach that looks across to Ferryside.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Overlooking it all is Llansteffan Castle, one of Wales’s most dramatically sited medieval fortresses. Built by the Normans in the early 12th century on the site of an earlier Iron Age hillfort, the castle commands sweeping views over the estuary and Carmarthen Bay. Its twin-towered gatehouse and curtain walls still stand impressively, and wandering through the ruins offers a vivid sense of its former strength and strategic importance.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Laugharne is a charming estuary town in Carmarthenshire, best known for its strong links to the poet Dylan Thomas. Overlooking the River Taf, it has a dreamy, timeless quality, with pastel-coloured houses, cosy pubs, and tidal views that inspired much of Thomas’s writing. The impressive ruins of Laugharne Castle dominate the waterfront — part medieval fortress, part Elizabethan mansion — offering panoramic views across the estuary.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Nearby, visitors can see the Boathouse, where Dylan Thomas lived and wrote, and his writing shed perched above the water. Laugharne perfectly blends literary heritage, history, and coastal beauty.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
5
Tenby is one of Wales’s most picturesque seaside towns, famous for its colourful harbour, sandy beaches, and medieval charm. Enclosed by 13th-century town walls, its narrow cobbled streets are filled with shops, galleries, and cafés, giving it a lively yet historic atmosphere. Overlooking the harbour is Castle Hill, where the remains of Tenby Castle stand amid sweeping views of the coast, Caldey Island, and Carmarthen Bay. The combination of golden beaches, historic architecture, and postcard-perfect scenery makes Tenby a highlight of the Pembrokeshire coast. Check in to your accommodation and an optional sunset walk along the beach. We provide a curated list of accommodation options for Tenby, from budget to 5 star for you to book directly.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Tenby to St Davids
3 stops
6
The Stackpole Estate, managed by the National Trust, is a stunning stretch of Pembrokeshire coastline combining woodland valleys, lily-covered lakes, and dramatic cliffs. Once part of a grand estate, its landscape now offers some of the finest coastal walking in Wales. A highlight is the walk from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay, a sheltered, golden-sand beach often ranked among the best in the world. Reached only by foot over the clifftops, Barafundle feels wonderfully secluded, framed by dunes and limestone cliffs, with clear turquoise waters perfect for a quiet swim or picnic. The walk itself is short but breathtaking, showcasing the natural beauty and tranquillity of this unspoiled corner of Pembrokeshire.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is one of Wales’s most magnificent and complete medieval fortresses, dramatically set beside the River Cleddau. Built in the 11th century and later strengthened with massive stone walls and round towers, it was the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty. The castle’s vast keep, labyrinth of tunnels, and great hall reflect its military and political importance through the centuries. Visitors can climb the towers for panoramic views over the town and river, explore exhibitions within the walls, and descend into the natural cavern beneath the castle known as Wogan’s Cave. Pembroke Castle combines rich history with an impressive, atmospheric settin
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
St. Davids Cathedral
St Davids is the smallest city in the UK, nestled in the far west of Pembrokeshire, yet it has a rich spiritual and historic significance. The city grew around St Davids Cathedral, a striking medieval building dedicated to Wales’s patron saint, featuring soaring arches, intricate stonework, and a peaceful cloister. The cathedral has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and remains the heart of the city. St Davids itself is a compact, charming place with narrow streets, quaint shops, and a serene atmosphere, serving as a gateway to the nearby rugged Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and stunning coastal walks. Optional short 2–3 km coastal walk from St Davids to Porthclais Harbour or Whitesands Bay if time allows.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Tenby and Kidwelly Castle
2 stops
9
Enjoy a relaxed 2–4 km stroll along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path either north towards Saundersfoot or south towards Giltar Point. Alternatively, enjoy free time in town for shopping or a visit to Caldey Island (tide & boat schedules permitting).
1 hour • Admission ticket free
10
Kidwelly Castle, in Carmarthenshire, is a striking Norman fortress perched above the River Gwendraeth. Built in the 12th century, it features massive stone walls, twin towers, and a dramatic gatehouse that showcase its military importance during the medieval period. The castle retains a strong sense of its original defensive purpose, with curtain walls, a moat, and commanding views over the surrounding town and countryside. Its combination of well-preserved architecture and riverside setting makes Kidwelly Castle an evocative glimpse into Wales’s turbulent past. An alternative to visiting the castle is to explore the town of Kidwelly.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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