Glamping rental Pembrokeshire - 2 glampings

Wait, Pembrokeshire Is Not in England

Before we dive into the wonders of this spectacular coastal destination, let us clear up a common geographical mix-up: Pembrokeshire is actually located in the south-west of Wales, not England. This beautiful county sits on a peninsula bordered by the sea on three sides, with Carmarthenshire to the east and Ceredigion to the northeast. The region is often fondly referred to as "Little England Beyond Wales" due to its unique cultural history, which might explain the confusion. But make no mistake, you will be heading into true Welsh territory when you book a glamping here.

Where Wild Coastlines Meet Gentle Valleys

Pembrokeshire covers approximately 610 square miles (1,600 square kilometres) of sparsely populated, rural landscape. The county is home to around 123,400 residents spread across charming towns and villages. Haverfordwest serves as the largest town and administrative headquarters, while other notable settlements include Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Pembroke. Perhaps most intriguingly, St Davids holds the title of the smallest city by population in the UK, with just around 1,841 residents.

The coastline is the county's most dramatic geographic feature, shaped by complex geology over millions of years. In the north, the Preseli Hills rise to an elevation of 1,760 feet (536 metres), while the south features low rolling hills enclosing a plain that drains into the Milford Haven estuary. St David's Head marks the most westerly point in Wales, with cliffs standing 594 feet (181 metres) above St George's Channel.

A Climate Kissed by the Gulf Stream

Thanks to its position along the Gulf Stream, Pembrokeshire enjoys a remarkably mild climate with longer growing seasons than other parts of Wales. This explains why local new potatoes, which hold protected geographical status, often arrive in British shops earlier than produce from elsewhere in the UK. The temperate weather makes glamping here comfortable across multiple seasons, not just the height of summer.

Why Your Next Glamping Escape Belongs in Pembrokeshire

There are countless reasons why this corner of Wales deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Here are the most compelling arguments for booking a glamping in Pembrokeshire.

Britain's Only Coastal National Park

Pembrokeshire is home to Britain's only national park focused primarily along a dramatic coastline. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park hugs the shore for 240 square miles (621 square kilometres), encompassing towering cliffs, soft sandy coves, and wildlife-filled islands. In 2011, National Geographic Traveller magazine voted the Pembrokeshire Coast the second best in the world, and in 2015, a travel writer for the Huffington Post listed the National Park among the top five parks globally.

Award-Winning Beaches at Every Turn

This county boasts more Blue Flag beaches than any other in Wales. In 2019, 39 Pembrokeshire beaches were recognised for their quality, including 11 awarded Blue Flag status. From the wide sandy expanse of Freshwater West to the pastel-house-framed shores of Tenby, there is a perfect beach waiting for every type of visitor. Barafundle Bay, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, features golden sand and crystal-clear water in a wonderfully unspoiled location accessible only by foot.

A Paradise for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Glamping in Pembrokeshire puts you in prime position to encounter extraordinary wildlife. You can spot seals, dolphins, and porpoises off the coast throughout the year. Skomer Island is home to over 22,000 puffins, making it one of the best places in Britain to see these charming seabirds between April and July. The county is also one of the few places in the UK home to the rare Southern damselfly, and ancient woodland like Ty Canol Wood features biofluorescence visible under ultraviolet light.

Stargazing Under Some of Britain's Darkest Skies

Thanks to its westerly location and low levels of light pollution, Pembrokeshire is one of the best places in the UK to witness the magic of the night sky. Wales has the highest percentage of land protected by Dark Skies status in the world, and Pembrokeshire has eight designated Dark Sky Discovery sites. On a clear evening, you can see the Milky Way arcing overhead, constellations twinkling brightly, and even shooting stars streaking across the vast expanse. What better way to end a day of adventure than lying outside your glamping accommodation gazing at the cosmos?

Highlights That Go Beyond the Postcard Views

While most visitors flock to well-known spots, Pembrokeshire hides treasures that reward the curious traveller.

The Blue Lagoon: An Industrial Gem Reborn

Near Abereiddy, the Blue Lagoon is a former slate quarry flooded by the sea, creating a striking swimming spot with piercing blue-green water. The quarry remained active until 1910, when fishermen blasted open the seaward wall to provide refuge for their boats. Today, this area is popular for kayaking, coasteering, and cliff jumping. The striking location has even hosted the Red Bull cliff diving series multiple times.

St Govan's Chapel: Cliffside Mysticism

Wedged into a gap in the cliffs south of Bosherston, St Govan's Chapel is a tiny building measuring just 20 by 12 feet. Built in the 13th century but believed to date back to St Govan's time in the 6th century, this charming site is steeped in legend and offers breathtaking coastal views. The chapel's unique location and spiritual atmosphere make it a must-visit for those interested in Pembrokeshire's rich spiritual heritage.

Pentre Ifan: Wales's Answer to Stonehenge

The Preseli Hills are scattered with prehistoric relics, but Pentre Ifan stands out as one of the grandest neolithic dolmens still in existence. Interestingly, the bluestones used to build Stonehenge are believed to have been sourced from these very hills, with research suggesting that people from West Wales may have helped in its construction some 180 miles away.

Colby Woodland Garden: A Secret Seasonal Paradise

Tucked away in a secluded valley, Colby Woodland Garden is a hidden gem managed by the National Trust. This peaceful site features woodland trails, open meadows, and beautifully landscaped gardens that change dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings vibrant displays of bluebells and rhododendrons, summer is perfect for picnics by the stream, and autumn transforms the trees into golden and red splendour.

A Tudor Dynasty Birthplace

Pembroke Castle, founded by the Normans in 1093, was the birthplace of Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII of England. The castle features an 80-foot Great Keep you can climb, a prehistoric cave to explore, and hosts live theatre performances and outdoor movie screenings in summer months. This is history brought vividly to life.

Five Experiences That Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

Skip the obvious tourist traps and try these memorable activities instead.

1. Join a Coasteering Adventure

The adrenaline sport of coasteering actually began right here in Pembrokeshire. On a coasteering trip, you will splash, swim, and scramble along the untamed shore, exploring secret caves, wallowing in the waves, and leaping into cool, clear waters from the rocks. There is no more thrilling way to experience the region's raw beauty up close.

2. Forage Your Dinner from Beach and Hedgerow

With wild woodlands, countryside, and coastlines rich in edible fungi, herbs, plants, and seaweeds, Pembrokeshire is perfect for foraging adventures. Expert-led courses teach you to identify everything from seashore delicacies to hedgerow treasures. Do not miss trying laverbread, a traditional Welsh dish made from purple laver seaweed, typically fried with oats and served at breakfast alongside bacon and eggs.

3. Attend Evensong at St Davids Cathedral

The hallowed stone edifice of St Davids Cathedral defines the skyline of Britain's smallest city. What many visitors miss is the opportunity to attend choral services, which begin at 6pm and provide a thoroughly atmospheric way to experience this architectural gem. The combination of 1,500 years of history, glowing stained glass, and soaring music is genuinely moving.

4. Walk Through the Bosherston Lily Ponds to a Secret Beach

The Stackpole Estate contains the magical Bosherston Lily Ponds, man-made lakes famous for their spectacular display of waterlilies and resident otters. Take the easy one-mile walk through the ponds to reach Broadhaven South beach, where golden sand nestles in front of sand dunes with the distinctive Church Rock standing sentinel in the bay.

5. Step Back to the Iron Age at Castell Henllys

Set within 30 acres of woodland and meadows, Castell Henllys is an Iron Age village where roundhouses and granaries have been reconstructed on their original foundations using authentic materials. Costumed guides representing the tribe who lived here over 2,000 years ago bring ancient history to vivid life, making this far more engaging than a typical museum visit.

Practical Information for Your Glamping Adventure

Getting There

Regular trains connect Pembrokeshire's main stations at Haverfordwest, Tenby, and Fishguard with London, Manchester, Cardiff, and other major UK cities. By road, Haverfordwest is approximately a four-hour drive from London Heathrow, while the journey from Cardiff Airport takes around two hours. For visitors arriving from Ireland, ferry services connect Rosslare to Pembroke Dock.

How Long to Stay

A long weekend of three to four days is perfect for experiencing the highlights of Pembrokeshire, from coastal hikes and historic castles to beach days and wildlife adventures. However, with so much to explore, you could easily spend a week or more without running out of new discoveries.

Best Times to Visit

Pembrokeshire's mild climate means visits are rewarding year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and newborn lambs across the countryside. Summer offers the warmest weather for beaches and water activities, plus puffin season on the islands. Autumn provides golden colours in the woodlands and fewer crowds. Winter is perfect for dramatic storm watching along the coast and cosy nights of stargazing.

A Destination That Stays With You

Pembrokeshire is one of those rare places that leaves a lasting impression. With rugged coastlines, golden beaches, charming seaside towns, and centuries-old castles, it offers something for everyone. The compact yet diverse landscape means you can hike dramatic cliffside trails in the morning, explore medieval castles in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from a remote beach in the evening, all without spending hours in the car. Book a glamping now and experience why this Welsh peninsula continues to enchant visitors from around the world.