It rains in Wales. This, we all know, is not news. However, a little spot of rain never dampened the delightfulness of a holiday in Pembrokeshire. In fact, a few light showers are the perfect excuse to do some totally different activities, giving you respite from all that strenuous reading and picnicking on the beach.
Swap your flip flops for wellies, put on your raincoat, follow our itinerary for a rainy day and see how the weather doesn’t have to dictate your holiday fun!
9 am to 10 am: Start your day with a walk in the rain
There’s no more refreshing a way to start your day than a brisk walk in the rain, and where better than Pembrokeshire to do it? With miles of coastline and fascinating coastal heritage sites such as Abereiddy and its Blue Lagoon, then it would be rude not to have a meander, no matter what the weather!
10 am to 11 am: It’s brunch time!
Head to The Mill in St Davids for a mid morning fuel stop! This fantastic cafe serves the best full Welsh breakfast, or for something a bit different, go for the traditional breakfast, complete with cockles and laverbread. Tuck in, sit back and enjoy the cosy rainy day vibes.
11 am to 12 pm: Browse the shops
What St Davids, our tiny city, lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in things to entertain for a rainy day. To keep dry, why not pop into some of its unique gift shops for a little memento of your trip? Choose a piece of art from Et Cetera gallery and framing boutique, some locally made sweet treats from Chapel Chocolates or head to Window on Wales for a range of local and national gifts. Alternatively, head up to Oriel y Parc – it has an impressive gallery space, as well as a tourist information centre, shop and cafe.
12 pm to 2 pm: Take a tour of the Cathedral
St Davids Cathedral draws more tourists to the area than any other attraction. Built on the site of Saint David’s monastic settlement, this impressive building has stood on this site since for over 900 years. It has a tumultuous history, which you can learn by visiting The Cloisters museum, and also by walking around the frontage – can you spot where John Nash’s restoration began? For a rainy day activity, this impressive building is worth visiting, and the friendly volunteers offer free guided tours so that you don’t miss any detail of its fascinating history.
2 pm to 3 pm: Time for a cuppa
In the beautiful hilltop village of Mathry you’ll find Siop Fach Tearoom, a lovely afternoon tea stop for a rainy day itinerary. They’re well known for their afternoon teas which consist of sandwiches, dainties, homemade cakes and desserts, as well as the obligatory pot of tea to help it all go down. This quirky little retro tea room also has an antiques room at the back – the perfect place for a browse, and you never know, you might find the perfect collectable souvenir right here!
3 pm to 5 pm: Welsh Woollen Heritage or get active
Melin Tregwynt is a national name, and in this area, most houses proudly display a piece of this beautiful local produce. From blankets to throws, cushions, furniture and clothing, this well-established mill has been creating its world-famous woollen patterns for hundreds of years. This is perfect for a rainy day activity, with tours around the working mill as well as a beautiful shop which draws you in with bright colours and a cafe area.
If you’d rather get active in the afternoon, MUUK Adventure in St Davids is the perfect spot to engage in some active fun. Experience the thrill of their bouldering wall by booking a 1.5 hour session, accommodating up to 8 people. Get ready for an exciting and enjoyable time, with some fabulous photo opportunities!
6 pm to 8 pm: Supper by the sea
Head to one of our favourite seaside spots for the freshest supper! The Shed in Porthgain is a fish restaurant where you can sample many of Pembrokeshire’s fresh catches; from crab and lobster to seared scallops and the best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted. It’s situated right on the edge of an ancient industrial harbour, so it’s not just the fish that’s spectacular… the location’s pretty amazing, too! This place is very popular, so we suggest booking in advance if you know you’re going to need evening entertainment for a rainy day.
8 pm onwards: relax, Pembrokeshire style!
What could be better on a drizzly evening than relaxing in front of the fire with a glass of something warming? Well, why not do that in a historic smuggler’s pub by the sea? The Sloop Inn in Porthgain is one of the cosiest pubs we’ve ever seen, with maritime regalia and twinkling lights decorating its ancient, 18th-century interior. There are cwtches everywhere here for enjoying a pint of locally brewed real ale or some local spiced rum with your loved ones. When it’s cold enough and the fire’s going, this is a toasty drinking haven that you won’t want to leave!
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