St Brides Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Ironman Wales

For the ultimate in sporting events, look no further than Ironman Wales. An extremely tough course, this triathlon takes competitors on a legendary journey through Pembrokeshire's sights, visiting castles, rugged coastlines and breath-taking scenery.

For the ultimate in sporting events, look no further than Ironman Wales. An extremely tough course, this triathlon takes competitors on a legendary journey through Pembrokeshire's sights, visiting castles, rugged coastlines and breath-taking scenery.

Although this is a challenge for any seasoned athlete, those not taking part will be treated to an amazing spectator event which celebrates everything great about human endurance.

Usually occurring in the middle of September, Ironman Wales starts on the beaches of Tenby and terminates once competitors have swum, cycled and run their way through the challenging course back to the town.

Spectators, on the other hand, will surely have a much more relaxing time.

Really Wild Food Festival

This amazing festival celebrates everything rural about Pembrokeshire. Although there are usually around 80 stalls selling wild foods, drinks, and crafts, you can never be entirely sure what you'll discover. For example, 2015's event based in St Davids had additional events such as pig racing, archery, falconry and mud runs.

Typically taking place in the start of summer, head on down if you fancy a truly 'wild' experience.

Narberth Food Festival

An award-winning event, the Narberth Food Festival is a renowned celebration famous for its treats and local delicacies. Taking place towards the end of September, the event prides itself on allowing local businesses to show off their wares and has a range of stalls and attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

Pembrokeshire Fish Week

Often regarded as one of Britain's best food festivals, Pembrokeshire Fish Week is a celebration of everything the region has to offer. With hundreds of businesses taking part, this summer festival has numerous activities on the coasts and waterways, while budding chefs can learn a thing or two from celebrity cooking demonstrations.

With plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the freshest produce you can imagine, this event is not to be missed.

Spend a day in historical Pembroke

Head half an hour south east to the beautiful and ancient town of Pembroke, the birthplace of Henry VII. Its history can be traced to 1093, when the Normans built a wooden fortress, although the present castle was built in the latter end of the 12th century.

Pembroke Castle is largely intact and sits on the banks of the estuary. Its keep has a 'massive cylindrical tower with an unusual stone dome'. The castle's passages, tunnels and exhibitions of medieval life will keep everyone occupied for hours, and a visit to the Brass Rubbing Centre will create a unique souvenir.

Afterwards, enjoy a stroll or a picnic in the castle grounds, followed by a walk around the medieval town walls and millpond. Pembroke has many other attractions, including a popular town trail, a museum, a daily indoor market and plenty of craft and gift shops.

Explore Pembrokeshire's islands

Cruises are available from Milford Haven, on the Daugleddau waterways and upriver into unspoilt Pembrokeshire. Boats also depart regularly from Milford Haven to visit the local island bird sanctuaries of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm.

Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips offers 15-minute outings that take visitors to see 'puffins, guillemots, razorbills, short-eared owls, Manx shearwaters and a host of other birds'. Grey seals can also be spotted throughout the year, along with their white furry pups from September.

The island of Skomer has 'Britain's largest undisturbed prehistoric Iron Age settlement with hut circles, cemeteries and field systems from 2000BC'. There's also a farmhouse that describes farming methods through the ages.

Find adventure in Haverfordwest

Haverfordwest, a short drive north east, is a bustling medieval market town with narrow streets. The oldest part of the town is near the 12th-century castle, which is now a shell and home to the museum. There are several churches, many splendid Regency and Victorian buildings, and plenty of galleries, shops and places to eat.

Just outside Haverfordwest at Wolfscastle, the Sealyham Activity Centre offers adventure on both land and water. The centre's qualified instructors turn the coastline into a playground for kayaking, surfing, climbing, biking and other exciting sports.

Theme parks galore

Heading 26 miles east from St Brides to the medieval town of Tenby on Wales' south coast, you'll encounter two theme parks (both of which cater for dogs).

Oakwood Theme Park has 30 rides and attractions, with something for everyone, and any hunger pangs can be satisfied at a number of food outlets. Dogs aren't allowed in the park, but it offers free holding kennels.

Heatherton Activity Theme Park, which sits on the outskirts of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, has lots of activities for all the family. It has free entry with a 'pay when you play' approach and a dog-friendly Sports Park.

Closest to Tenby is the 200-acre Folly Farm park, which has six zones that range from the Jolly Farm to the Zoo. Originally a dairy farm, it's now Wales' top paid-for tourist attraction.

Tenby itself is a popular tourist destination, with lovely sandy beaches, 13th-century medieval town walls, the Tudor Merchant's House (National Trust) and Tenby Castle, which has a museum and art gallery. There's also plenty of wildlife along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and on Caldey Island.

Milford Haven activities

With a history deeply rooted in maritime activity due to it being the home of the largest estuary in Wales this is possibly the sea goer's haven. There's plenty of water based activities with sailing being a popular activity here. Alongside this there's plenty of evidence of the huge fishing fleet which used to be housed here including the area's oldest building which used to keep whale oil in storage.

This building is now home to a local museum. The museum is genuinely fascinating covering all aspects of Milford Haven's sea faring history which not only includes fishing but whaling and petrol too. Today that history of petroleum importing is prevalent with the local oil and gas refineries.

Once you're finished there you can visit the numerous cafes, restaurants and small pubs that dot the town near the harbour.

Things to do in St. Brides Bay

Within the bay there's an eclectic mix of activities. From horse riding over the sand to surfing in the fresh water that was used in a Harry Potter film to walking the Pembrokeshire coast path. The coast path is highly recommended being The National Geographic's second best walk in the world! Taking the time to stroll the long path will have you seeing some incredible views and wildlife; an ideal activity for all the family even if you don't experience the full length of the walk.

If you're feeling more adventurous or have an out-going family with you there's also the very exciting option of coasteering on the north side of the bay. Depending on exactly how adventurous you're feeling you can take part in scrambling, swell-riding and even cliff jumping!