From Secret Spots to Hotspots: A Local Guide to North Pembrokeshire
Some of Pembrokeshire’s greatest treasures aren’t marked on a map.
Pembrokeshire is home to some of Wales’ most iconic coastal destinations, but beyond the well-known landmarks lies a landscape of hidden coves, ancient woodlands, secluded beaches and secret corners waiting to be explored.
Tucked away in the peaceful Abermawr Valley between Fishguard and St Davids, Preseli Venture offers guests the opportunity to experience both. Stay in beautifully restored, eco-conscious accommodation surrounded by nature, then venture out to discover hidden gems and unforgettable adventures across North Pembrokeshire’s spectacular coastline.
A Secret Spot to Call Home
Set within a tranquil wooded valley on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Preseli Venture’s collection of self-catering cottages offers a peaceful retreat just a 20-minute woodland walk from the wild and unspoilt sands of Abermawr Beach.
Many visitors pass through Pembrokeshire without ever discovering this remarkable corner of the county. Ancient woodland trails wind through the valley towards the coast, where hidden coves, dramatic headlands and spectacular wildlife encounters await around every corner.
Guests can choose from three unique properties. Together, they provide the perfect base for exploring one of Pembrokeshire’s best-kept secrets.
The Eco Barn
Sleeps 8
A striking Dutch barn conversion with floor-to-ceiling glass, vaulted living spaces and a balcony with panoramic sea views. Ideal for families and small groups.
Penbwchdy Cottage
Sleeps 8
A beautifully restored mid 19th-century Welsh farmhouse blending traditional character with contemporary comfort. Perfect for families and small groups.
Loom Cottage
Sleeps 2
A cosy, wheelchair-accessible retreat with stunning views across the wooded valley towards the sea. Ideal for solo-travellers, couples, or families with an infant.
Secret Spots by Sea
Some of Pembrokeshire’s most magical places can only be reached from the water.
For those keen to venture beyond the guidebooks, Preseli Venture’s sea kayaking experiences offer a unique way to discover hidden corners of the coastline. Paddle beneath towering cliffs, weave between sea stacks, explore sea caves and land on remote beaches that few people ever set foot on.
Whether joining a half-day taster session, a full-day adventure or a multi-day sea kayaking course, guests gain access to a side of Pembrokeshire rarely seen from the coast path.
The same spirit of discovery runs through many of Preseli Venture’s activities, including coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and rock climbing. Led by experienced local guides, each experience reveals secret coves, hidden gullies and remarkable viewpoints that most visitors never find.
Wildlife Hotspots
Not all hotspots are crowded.
Pembrokeshire’s offshore islands and wildlife-rich coastline are internationally recognised for their incredible marine life and seabird colonies. Through a range of carefully selected boat trips, guests can explore some of the county’s most important wildlife hotspots.
Most boat trips depart from St Justinian’s, just outside St Davids, making it easy to combine a wildlife adventure with a visit to Britain’s smallest city.
St Davids may be one of Pembrokeshire’s original hotspots. Pilgrims have been making the journey here for centuries, attracted by the city’s rich history, magnificent cathedral and stunning coastal setting. Today, visitors can explore the cathedral, browse independent shops and galleries, enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour at Porthclais, before heading out to sea in search of wildlife.
Depending on the season, sightings may include puffins, seals, porpoises, dolphins, gannets and a variety of other seabirds, all set against the backdrop of Pembrokeshire’s dramatic island landscapes and rugged cliffs.
It’s one of the most memorable ways to experience the county’s wild side and connect with the rich natural heritage that makes this coastline so special.
© Crown Copyright, Visit Wales Assets: Puffins, 2024; Ramsey Island Boat Trips, 2019; St Davids Cathedral, 2019.
Hotspots Worth the Hype
While Preseli Venture loves helping guests uncover hidden gems, some hotspots deserve their reputation.
Newgale is one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known surfing beaches, and for good reason. Its expansive 2-mile stretch of sand offers consistent waves and plenty of space, making it ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Even during the height of summer, there’s always room to find your own patch of beach and catch your next wave.
And for those seeking a more literal HOT-spot, a beach sauna experience provides one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the coastline. Moving between stunning locations around the Pembrokeshire coast, this Scandinavian wood-fired sauna offers a unique opportunity to slow down and reconnect. Alternate between an invigorating sea dip and the enveloping warmth of the sauna, enjoying the benefits of cold-water immersion with comfort just moments away. Bringing an ancient Nordic tradition to the Celtic coast of Wales, it’s a wonderfully restorative experience that connects people to the landscape, the elements and each other.
Local Knowledge Makes the Difference
For nearly 40 years, the team at Preseli Venture has been helping visitors discover the very best of North Pembrokeshire.
From recommending hidden picnic spots and secret swimming locations to knowing the best tides for sea kayaking, wildlife-watching opportunities and lesser-known stretches of coast path, their local knowledge helps guests experience Pembrokeshire beyond the obvious.
Whether you’re searching for secret spots, exploring wildlife hotspots or enjoying a few well-loved coastal classics, Preseli Venture offers a different way to discover Pembrokeshire — one adventure at a time.
